SURF.net news

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  • 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.”

  • SURF and Nokia Achieve 800Gbps Data Transmission Speed on a 1648 km Network Connection

    In collaboration with Nokia, Nikhef, and CERN, SURF successfully tested the data transmission speed between CERN in Geneva and Amsterdam. The test achieved an impressive speed of 800Gbps over the 1648-kilometre fibre-optic link. This confirms the network’s readiness to handle future large-scale data flows, such as those generated by CERN’s particle accelerator.

    Upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider
    The test was conducted in preparation for the planned upgrade of CERN’s Large Hadron Collider in 2029. This upgrade will enable more precise measurements, facilitating detailed research into the origins of the universe. The upgrade is expected to result in five to seven and a half times more research data than currently produced. All this data will need to be distributed to universities and research groups worldwide, including those in the Netherlands, via networks such as SURF’s.

    To successfully transport this immense volume of data, SURF has optimised its optical network. Nokia tested its latest-generation network cards to evaluate their performance over the SURF network under such demanding conditions. The successful test demonstrated that this section of SURF’s network between Amsterdam and Geneva can handle significantly higher capacities than previously anticipated.

    Increasing Demand for Bandwidth and Network Speed
    The upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider aligns with the global trend of data-intensive research requiring higher network speeds, increased bandwidth, and greater storage capacity. Research projects such as the Square Kilometre Array, the Einstein Telescope, the Low-Frequency Array, and the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor also generate massive data streams, demanding speeds beyond the current 100Gbps and 400Gbps standards.

    Insights and Follow-Up Tests
    Testing an operational network connection over long distances using real data from the Large Hadron Collider provides unique insights into data transport and storage at scale. These types of tests, regularly conducted by SURF in collaboration with various network partners, are essential for enhancing infrastructure to support data-intensive research.

    SURF continues to innovate by testing, optimising, and expanding its network, global network hubs, storage capacity, and computational power. The goal is to ensure that data-intensive research can be conducted effectively now and in the future.

  • Strengthening Global Collaboration: SURF Welcomes Japanese Partners

    Science and progress thrive on sharing knowledge and resources. Research and Education Networks (RENs) play a vital role in enabling seamless collaboration between researchers and educators worldwide. By connecting scientists and their data across borders, RENs serve as the backbone of groundbreaking discoveries, proving that together we can achieve more.

    SURF, as part of this global network of RENs, collaborates with partners like GÉANT in Europe, NORDUnet in the Nordic countries, PSNC Future Labs in Poland, and SINET in Japan. Together, we ensure state-of-the-art connectivity and IT infrastructure to empower researchers and educators with fast, reliable internet and cutting-edge technology.

    In this spirit of international collaboration, SURF recently welcomed Isao Arai and 情報大学 (Jyousouken), representatives of our Japanese partner SINET, to our office in Utrecht. During their visit, they worked on upgrading the SINET connection to SURF’s NetherLight network, further enhancing the connectivity between Japan and the Netherlands.

    SINET, Japan’s high-speed academic network operated by the National Institute of Informatics (NII), connects universities and research institutions across Japan and collaborates internationally with organisations like SURF.

    This visit provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen ties, and support meaningful collaboration. SURF extends its gratitude to Isao Arai and 情報大学 for their contribution to this shared effort in advancing research and education globally.

  • Workflow Orchestrator Partner Meeting!

    Last week, SURF hosted GÉANT and the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) in Utrecht for the first Workflow Orchestrator partner meeting. We discussed the future of our open-source collaboration and how we can enhance interoperability between our networks.

    You can find more information about our collaboration on the Workflow Orchestrator programme website.

    Join us at AutoCon1 and TNC24 to learn more about our vision for network automation and orchestration!

  • Time and Frequency Transfer for Research!

    As part of the GÉANT workshop on Time and Frequency Transfer, SURF visited CERN in Geneva, home to the LHC particle accelerator. During the visit, there was a unique opportunity to explore the ELENA experiment, where researchers focus on decelerating created antimatter.

    In addition, SURF is currently rolling out the SURFtime&frequency pilot service. This Dutch TFT network, based on the White Rabbit protocol, will support scientific use cases from institutions such as Delft University of Technology, Nikhef (the National Institute for Subatomic Physics), the European Space Agency (ESA), ASTRON, and many others.

  • SURF, Nikhef, and CERN are preparing for the High Luminosity LHC

    SURF facilitates the high-bandwidth connections between Amsterdam and Geneva. With the advent of the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider at CERN, traffic is expected to increase fivefold in the coming years. This upgrade will enable more precise measurements, allowing for more detailed research into the origins of the universe. As a result, the amount of research data is projected to grow by five to seven and a half times compared to current levels. All this data must be distributed via various networks, including SURF’s network, to universities and research groups in the Netherlands and worldwide.

    To successfully handle this massive data volume, SURF is working with partners on the optical network. For the upcoming test, they are collaborating with supplier Nokia. Nokia has developed a new generation of network cards that allow for higher transmission rates between Amsterdam and Geneva. The test is scheduled for early next year, but preparations are already in full swing: