ACOnet trials ADVA 100G Metro for intensive research and education demands

ADVA Optical Networking says that ACOnet, the Austrian Academic Computer Network, has successfully trialed the ADVA 100G Metro in its research and education infrastructure. The trial stretched over 450km, between the University of Salzburg and the University of Vienna. The purpose of the trial was to explore ways ACOnet can use direct detect 100G technology to transport data both domestically and internationally. The trial was also designed to test if the ADVA 100G Metro could simply plug into ACOnet's existing fiber optic backbone network without any service disruption. Something it did with ease.

Thursday, 13th February 2014 Posted 10 years ago in by Phil Alsop

"ACOnet supports its connected institutions in their involvement in some of the most advanced science projects in Europe. The amount of data we need to transport for science and research is intense and it's growing every day," said Christian Panigl, leader of the ACOnet & Vienna Internet eXchange team, University of Vienna. "Our network is the key enabling factor here. Without our data backbone, we wouldn't be able to participate or help drive these projects forward. Through our connections to GÉANT, the pan-European research and education network that interconnects Europe's National Research and Education Networks, we are part of an enormous European and, indeed, of a global, research and education network. Affordable 100 Gigabit technology is critical to helping us keep our national backbone up to date. The trial with the ADVA 100G Metro has shown just how simple the migration to 100G data throughput can be. With this level of capacity, the opportunities for our researchers are immense."

ACOnet decided to trial the ADVA 100G Metro after discussions with the Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX) and the German Internet Exchange (DE-CIX), both current users of the technology. ACOnet rigorously tested the ADVA 100G Metro's capabilities, including the ability to transport encrypted data. Built on 4x28G direct detect technology, the ADVA 100G Metro delivers four key efficiencies: cost, space, power and spectral. These efficiencies are critical for enterprises, such as ACOnet, that need 100G data transport, but not the costs or footprint of coherent technology.

"This trial isn't just about technology, it's about how technology can serve a bigger purpose, it's about how access to data can effectively help society and the human race move forward," commented Andreas Jelinek, director, Sales Eastern Europe, ADVA Optical Networking. "National Research and Education Networks like ACOnet are forward-looking organizations. They've already shown this with their pioneering work with GÉANT. We want to help them develop even further. We want to provide them with the bandwidth capacity that can match their scientific aspirations. We believe, and we've shown, that the ADVA 100G Metro can do exactly this. This technology is the ideal fit for enterprises that need to transport enormous amounts of data but don't need the usual coherent costs. It will be exciting to see what happens next."