Internet2

Internet2 Defination :

The beginning of the internet was based on the communication of computers over a network. Nowadays, the internet is used more and more by government and University circles, and they evidently need a much higher bandwidth network. So the concept of “the next generation of internet” was born. This 'next generation' is called Internet2. (Ross Waite - 11 Mar 2007)

Internet2 is a non-profit consortium which develops and deploys advanced network applications and technologies, for education and high-speed data transfer purposes. It is led by 208 universities and partners with 60 companies in areas from the networking, publishing and technology industries.

Internet2 and Internet2 relationship to the Abilene Network :

Internet2 is not a separate physical network and will not replace the Internet. It uses on the university network that offers researchers and students a way to communicate at blazing speeds while avoiding the ordinary Internet's data traffic jams. Internet2 and its members are developing and testing new technologies, such as IPv6, multicasting and quality of service (QoS^?) that will enable revolutionary Internet applications.

Internet2 is working with Level 3 Communications to provide the U.S. research and education community with a dynamic, innovative and cost-effective hybrid optical and packet network. Internet2 created the Abilene Network. Abilene, although a private network used for education and research, is not entirely an isolated network, since its members usually provide alternative access to many of their resources through the public Internet. Abilene is not technically part of the Internet since it does not peer with the public Internet networks.These technologies and their organizational counterparts were not only created to make a faster alternative to the internet. More and more applications for Internet2 technology become apparent all of the time. Many fields have been able to use the Abilene network to foster creativity, research, and development in a way that was not previously possible. Students who belong to poor quality libraries, now find themselves downloading not only text but sound recordings, animations, videos, and other resources. Another application is the robust video conferencing now available to Internet2 participants. Neurosurgeons can now video conference with other experts in the field during an operation in a high resolution format with no apparent time lag. The applications of this type of network are endless, and will lead the way into the future of internet use.

Internet2 Future:

A key goal of the effort is to accelerate the diffusion of advanced Internet technology, in particular into the commercial sector. In this way, Internet2 will help to sustain United States leadership in internetworking technology. Internet2 will benefit non-university members of the educational community as well, especially K-12 and public libraries. Internet2 and its members aim to share their expertise with as wide a range of computer users as possible. This approach characterized the first Internet and it can work again today.

Important Dates for Internet2 and Abilene:

1996, Internet2 organization is created.

April 1998, Abilene network announced at the White House.

February 1999, Initial operation began. 2.5 gigabits per second backbone was completed.

2000, Internet land speed record is set 831 mbps of data sent from Redmond, WA to Arlington, VA in under 82 seconds.

2004, Abilene upgrade to 10 gigabits per second was completed.

2006, Internet2 celebrates its tenth anniversary.

• GlobalArch^?:
  

• VB_technology_infrastructure:
  

Internet2 related links:

http://www.internet2.edu

http://i2net.blogspot.com/

-- YiWang - 12 Feb 2007

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