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Tag: SURFnetinfinity

  • SURF network continues to innovate: intelligent, independent and flexible

    SURF network continues to innovate: intelligent, independent and flexible

    SURF network continues to innovate: intelligent, independent and flexible

    SURF is building a new generation of the SURF network. We are doing this with a new network architecture and the further development of the network automation stack into an intelligent network. The network is based on open standards and procurement of network equipment goes through an intermediary.

    With this further development of SURF’s network, we can respond more flexibly and faster to technological innovations and reduce dependence on suppliers. With the new network architecture and a smart, flexible replacement strategy, we are also working towards a more sustainable network.

    Digital highway in the Netherlands

    With the SURF network, Dutch education and research have their own autonomous network infrastructure. In line with our public values, we determine accessibility, freedom of choice and privacy on our network ourselves. Since 1988, based on these principles, we have been building this own digital highway, intended for independent and reliable research and knowledge sharing.

    The SURF network has several features that allow students, teachers and researchers to collaborate safely, reliably and at lightning speed worldwide.This is due to the high continuity and reliability of the SURF network, which simply must always be available.The SURF network also has high bandwidth for moving large amounts of data. Low latency ensures minimal travel time between sending and receiving data within the network. Moreover, all network services are integrated with each other, and we are working to ensure proper integration with other SURF services.

    Growth in network traffic

    Ever since SURF was founded, Internet traffic has been growing by around 29% annually. For research projects, this percentage is sometimes even higher. This growth is one of the reasons why network technology continues to evolve so rapidly and why SURF’s network has to be renewed every 5 to 8 years. Equipment is ageing rapidly and the demand for capacity continues to grow rapidly.

    New approach for the SURF network

    In 2024, we started the project to set up a new generation of the network after SURFnet8.In previous generations of the SURF network, from SURFnet1 to SURFnet8, the architecture was strongly determined by the choice of a network equipment supplier. With the latest generation of the network, SURF aims to be a supplier of independent architecture. Based on open standards, new technologies can be applied where they are needed and the network can continue to develop indefinitely. Hence this new generation is not called SURFnet9, but SURFnet Infinity.

    Workflow Orchestrator

    The first step for this new network architecture was already taken in 2018. With the Workflow Orchestrator developed by SURF based on open source software, various technology domains within the network can be centrally controlled. The Orchestrator ensures that tasks are performed in the right order and data is passed on correctly so that bottlenecks are prevented and reliability increases. This lays a solid foundation for the next step: further development towards an intelligent network in SURFnet Infinity.

    Purchase of network equipment via intermediary

    The purchase of network equipment is organised via an intermediary. In this way, SURF has greater freedom to make technology choices and can respond more flexibly and efficiently to the network needs of educational and research institutions when purchasing network equipment, without being tied to a single supplier.

    New SURFnet Infinity network architecture

    SURF’s new network architecture has established a clear hierarchy and separation of functions between the transport of network traffic, the provision of services to end users and connectivity to the Internet. This will facilitate capacity management, make the network more predictable, make it easier to detect and solve problems and provide more targeted security.It also moves a significant part of the network core from a commercial data centre to Nikhef’s data centre. The four core locations of SURF’s network are thus located within its own cooperative.

    First equipment purchased

    After an extensive selection process, SURF recently purchased the equipment to build the new core and border functionality. This directly realises the new architecture of the SURFnetwork.

    For the SURFnet Infinity network infrastructure, SURF has chosen the Juniper PTX series, which is even more powerful, compact and energy-efficient than the outdated MX series used by SURF. In addition, SURF is working with Salumanus as an independent supplier of transceivers based on OpenZR+ technology. This combination allows routers to connect directly to DWDM infrastructure, without the use of separate optical equipment. This not only reduces costs and energy consumption, but also increases network flexibility and future-proofing. Moreover, by choosing an independent supplier, the lifetime of the transceivers is not linked to that of the router hardware.

    Start of further development of SURFnet Infinity

    The further development of the SURF network starts with the renewal of the heart of our network: the core and border routers.Together with our management partner Quanza, we started preparations in the summer of 2025 .

    At 55 locations throughout the Netherlands, we will replace SURFnet8 equipment with new equipment.Most of the institutions connected to the SURF network will not be affected. For the work, we will contact our contact persons directly.This migration will run until early 2027.

    For international connections, in this phase we also replace the NetherLight equipment and optimise our Cross Border Fiber infrastructure. In the years after 2027, we plan to replace the optical equipment that facilitates high capacity between network components, as well as the access layer to which all institutions are connected.

    Want to know more about SURFnet Infinity?

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  • SURF partners with HPE and Salumanus for multi-vendor and high-performance network design

    SURF has selected HPE to deliver solutions for the backbone and border network domains, and Salumanus is selected to deliver the coherent transceivers. Together with partner Nomios we will implement the next generation SURF network infrastructure, designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for bandwidth, predictability, and resilience across the Netherlands’ research and education community.

    To be able to meet future challenges, SURF needs to innovate their network continuously. For that purpose, it has designed a new network architecture and will start replacing the network in various phases over the next few years. Within the new architecture, the SURF network delivers 800GE, 400GE and 100GE connectivity. Using OpenZR+ technology from Salumanus, SURF increases its backhauling capability, both in terms of bandwidth and distance.

    “This new architecture gives SURF exactly what our members need: higher capacity, predictable performance, stronger security and the freedom to scale without being tied to a single vendor. It allows us to upgrade faster, operate the network more efficiently and ensure that every institution benefits from a platform that is ready for the demands of the next decade.” Said Harold Teunissen, Head of Network & Infrastructure Services, SURF

    HPE Networking for backbone & border

    HPE delivers the backbone and border domains of the new SURF network with PTX Series Routers (PTX10008 and PTX10002-36QDD, with Express 5 silicon’s unparalleled power efficiency), connecting SURF’s IP peering and the NetherLight global exchange point. The solution includes HPE vRR (Networks virtual Route Reflector) for simplified routing management and scalability, as well as Corero comprehensive anti-DDoS capability to safeguard research and education traffic against large-scale cyberattacks—ensuring resilient, efficient and secure connectivity for critical scientific and academic applications.

    “HPE is proud to support SURF in building a resilient, high-performance network for the Netherlands’ research and education community. By delivering advanced routing, security, and data privacy solutions, we help empower local institutions to collaborate, innovate, and protect sensitive information”, commented Dobias van Ingen, EMEA CTO HPE Networking

    Salumanus technology  

    At the heart of this transformation is the migration of SURF’s existing CWDM-based access network to DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology. This step is crucial to enable a smooth and scalable upgrade of existing links to 100G and higher capacities, ensuring that member institutions can benefit from next-generation optical performance.

    In parallel, the backbone network will be upgraded to 400G and 800G using IP over DWDM technology. This approach allows SURF to deliver ultra-high-speed connectivity, eliminating the need for separate transponder hardware, minimizing power consumption and space utilisation while significantly reducing capital and operational costs.

    “We are proud to support SURF in its mission to deliver world-class connectivity, our OpenZR+ technology and DWDM solutions will help build a network that is smarter, more efficient, and ready to meet the demands of the future.” Said Marcin Bala, CTO of Salumanus

    Continued collaboration with Nomios

    Nomios plays a key role as systems integrator in coordinating hardware purchasing and lifecycle management across suppliers and domains for the next generation of SURF network infrastructure. SURF has engaged Nomios to assist in selecting technology partners and executing the mini competition process on behalf of SURF. This collaborative model allows SURF to continuously innovate while maintaining maximum flexibility and vendor diversity.

    “We’re supporting SURF in selecting the right technology mix and keeping the multi-vendor model practical across all network domains. This next step in their architecture gives the research and education community in the Netherlands the bandwidth and predictability they need for the years ahead.” Said Mohamed El Haddouchi, Managing Director Nomios

    About SURF

    SURF is the IT cooperative of Dutch education and research institutions. The members, the owners of SURF, join forces to develop or procure the best possible digital services, work together on complex innovation issues and develop and share knowledge with each other.

    SURF designs, builds, and manages the national research and education network, the SURF network, that connects universities, research institutes, and other knowledge organisations.

    About Salumanus

    Salumanus provides advanced optical networking solutions across Europe, specialising in DWDM and transceiver technology. The company supports network operators, enterprises, and research networks in building flexible and cost-effective infrastructures.

    About Nomios

    Nomios is a European leader in secure networking and cybersecurity services and solutions. The company designs, implements, and manages resilient digital infrastructures, with a strong focus on innovation and long-term collaboration.

  • 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.