SURF.net news

Tag: NetherLight

  • 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.

  • New names for SURF network services

    As of January 2024, the names of the network services will change. We are doing this to better align our services with the terms and conventions used in the network community. We hope that this will make it clearer to network administrators which services are provided.

    Current service nameNew service name per 1 Jan 2024
    SURFlichtpadEVPN – Point-to-point
    SURFlichtpad – RedundantEVPN – Point-to-point Redundant
    L2VPNEVPN – Multipoint
    L3VPNL3VPN – Multipoint
    SURFinternetInternet
    Multi Service Poort (MSP)Service Port

    Lightpath becomes EVPN

    The term lightpath, although well established in SURF language, has always caused some confusion. This is not an optically illuminated path but a dedicated network connection over the service layer between two points. EVPN (Ethernet-VPN) is what is provided here and the addition (Point to point vs Multipoint) indicates whether it is set up between two points or more than two points.

    Multi Service Port becomes Service Port

    Under the new All-In Network Tariff, which came into effect on September 1, 2023, institutions can adjust their network port configuration as they see fit. This effectively makes all the network ports “multi” service ports. That is why they will simply be called Service Port from 2024.

    The changed names have been implemented in the network dashboard, on (mijn)surf.nl and on invoices.

  • 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: