SURF.net news

Author: Migiel de Vos

  • New technology for lightning-fast data traffic: SURF and ASTRON realise 400G connection with OpenZR+

    New technology for lightning-fast data traffic: SURF and ASTRON realise 400G connection with OpenZR+

    For more information see: https://www.surf.nl/en/news/new-technology-for-lightning-fast-data-traffic-surf-and-astron-realise-400g-connection .

    Scientific research in the Netherlands has gained an advanced networking technology: OpenZR+. Together with ASTRON, the Dutch institute for radio astronomy, we used this technology to create a 400G connection that can transmit even sharper images of space. Institutions in need of scaling up network connectivity can easily request this within SURF’s All-In network tariff.

    Since July 2024, SURF members who need a network upgrade for their research can request additional bandwidth or additional services from us within the All-In network tariff. For ASTRON, we thus realised a direct connection between the research facilities in Groningen and Dwingeloo, with increased bandwidth from 10 to 400 Gigabits per second.

    Faster data transfer LOFAR telescope

    For astronomers working with the LOFAR telescope, the network upgrade means they can now study the universe in even more detail. LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) is the world’s largest radio telescope operating at the lowest frequencies observable from Earth. The telescope consists of thousands of small antennas scattered across Europe.

    Thanks to the improved network connection, LOFAR can now send more signals simultaneously to a central computer (the ‘correlator’), which processes the data and turns them into images of space. Thanks to the increased bandwidth, this is done not only faster, but also in higher quality, resulting in even sharper LOFAR images.

    Collaboration strengthens research

    In addition, the new network connection allows astronomers to sign up for multicast streams of data coming directly from the LOFAR stations. “This offers researchers direct, real-time access to the latest scientific data, at the moment they need it,” says Julian Kootstra, network engineer at ASTRON. “Having your own cluster gives you instant access to new data – a revolutionary way to push the boundaries of our knowledge.”

    Paul Klop, optical network architect at SURF, is also pleased with the result: “With this 400G connection, we are supporting researchers at ASTRON to achieve their scientific goals. The cooperation with ASTRON was excellent and shows how we can work with our members to deploy innovative technologies to enable groundbreaking research.”

    Advantages OpenZR+ technology

    The network upgrade at ASTRON used 400G-ZR optics, a technology that amplifies the signal in the network without separate transponders. This requires fewer intermediate components, reducing the complexity of the network. This provides several advantages:

    • Less chance of malfunctions
    • Simpler network management
    • Lower costs through more efficient equipment
    • Reduced power consumption, contributing to sustainable data processing
    • More compact equipment, allowing data centres to be set up more efficiently

    In SURF’s network of the future, SURFnet-Infinity, OpenZR+ technology will be the standard for all medium-distance connections.

    SURFnet-Infinity: the future of research networking

    The 400G upgrade is part of our broader strategy to set up the network of the future: SURFnet-Infinity. This network, based on open standards, allows equipment from different suppliers to be connected over long distances. This makes the SURF network more flexible and future-proof.

    Through the All-In network tariff, we aim to provide educational and research institutions with network solutions tailored to their specific needs. In this way, we can support the Dutch research community even better.

  • SURF and Nomios collaboration for a more flexible and innovative network

    For the renewal of network equipment, SURF has awarded the tender to network supplier Nomios. Through Nomios, we can purchase network equipment from different suppliers, which strengthens the innovative power of our networks. This allows us to respond more flexibly and efficiently to the network needs of educational and research institutions in the Netherlands.

    With Nomios as the intermediary, we do not replace the SURF network all at once, as we did with previous generations, but gradually renew the network where the need is most urgent. This approach gives us the flexibility to choose the most appropriate network equipment and supplier per domain or network layer. This allows us to optimally match the needs and requirements of educational and research institutions. By partnering with Nomios, we are moving towards the next generation of the network, SURFnet∞ (SURFnet Infinity), which will eventually replace the current SURFnet8. 

    Increased bandwidth and network solutions

    The new contract with Nomios applies to both the SURF fibre-optic network and the SURF data centre networks. On SURF’s national network, member institutions require more bandwidth every year. Also at the SURF data centre networks, which for instance support the national supercomputer Snellius, the demand for bandwidth is increasing. In addition, the SURF network and data centre networks are used for large international research projects, such as the Large Hadron Collider, Square Kilometer Array and the Einstein Telescope, which not only demand a lot of bandwidth but also place specific demands on the network.

    Benefits of flexible development

    The flexible development of our network offers tangible benefits to all member institutions: 

    • Optimal use of existing resources: by replacing equipment in phases, we extend the lifespan of our current infrastructure.
    • Better adaptation to change: we can respond faster to unexpected challenges and technological developments from suppliers. 
    • Direct access to innovation: we can acquire new and innovative technologies quicker and apply them to the SURF networks. 
    • User-friendly optimisation: with the diversity of network equipment available, we can optimise the network based on the broad requirements of education and research institutions. 

    Think about SURFnet Infinity

    In the coming months we will work with our partners and members to further develop SURFnet∞ (SURFnet Infinity), the new generation of the SURF network. During the knowledge session Procurement, architecture and design SURFnet Infinity on the 21st of November, we will present the first draft version of the network. We invite all stakeholders to think along and participate.

    About Nomios

    Nomios is a leading European provider of cybersecurity and secure networking solutions with broad experience in various sectors, including education and science. Nomios offers a wide range of services, including professional and managed services, support and SOC teams, making it a strong partner for SURF and its members.

  • Network Automation at TNC’24

    Network Automation at TNC’24

    During TNC24, a meeting of the GNA-G Network Automation Working Group took place, bringing together experts from global research and education networks to discuss the future of network automation. The session was enriched by contributions from speakers such as Olof Hagsand (SUNET), Simone Spinelli (GÉANT), Karl Newell (Internet2), Sonja Filiposka (GÉANT), and Arthur Nieuwland (SURF), who shared their insights and experiences. The active participation of the audience contributed to a lively and constructive discussion, highlighting the community’s evolution through collaboration.

    The Global Network Advancement Group (GNA-G) is an international collaboration focused on improving global research and education networks. Within GNA-G, the Network Automation Working Group plays a crucial role in sharing common knowledge and experience in network automation. This fosters automated configuration, security audits, and intra-domain automation activities, enabling NRENs to implement network automation and orchestration more rapidly and effectively.

    With the SURF network, SURF is at the forefront of innovation in network automation. SURF actively contributes to GNA-G, providing its knowledge and infrastructure to promote international collaboration. The SURF network exemplifies how cutting-edge technology can be utilised to meet the growing demands of data-intensive scientific research and education.

    The meeting at TNC24 provided a platform to share best practices, identify common challenges, and explore innovative solutions in network automation. The interaction between the speakers and the audience underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange within the community. Such meetings are essential for promoting interoperability and consistency across different networks worldwide.

    For more information about the activities and future meetings of the GNA-G Network Automation Working Group, visit the GNA-G website.

  • SURF and Ribbon Demonstrate 2x400GbE Transport via a Single 800G Wavelength

    SURF, the collaborative organisation for IT in Dutch education and research, continues to push the boundaries of optical communication.

    In a strategic partnership with Ribbon, SURF successfully achieved 800G over an existing 1,650 km fibre-optic link. This link connects renowned research institutes, including Nikhef, to the Large Hadron Collider on the CERN campus in Geneva, marking a significant milestone in optical communication.

    The trial demonstrated several of Ribbon’s advanced transport solutions:

    • Apollo TM800_2, using 5nm-140Gbaud transmission technology, optimises capacity and reach for 800G transport.
    • Apollo Open Optical Line Systems, including hybrid EDFA-Raman amplifiers, maximise the capacity of SURF’s existing G655 and G652 fibres and successfully carry third-party vendor wavelengths.
    • NPT 2400 metro router, interoperable with SURF’s network, delivers 2x400GbE uplinks running EVPN services over BGP to 8x100G ports within the network.

    Harold Teunissen, Director of Network and Campus at SURF, stated that the trial with Ribbon “pushes the boundaries of our current fibre and demonstrates what is technically possible with Ribbon’s equipment.”

    He added that it “marks a crucial step forward as we prepare our network to meet the future needs of scientific research and education in the Netherlands and beyond.”