Since beginning its aggressive network build out plans in fall 2006, Internet2 has worked with Level 3 Communications, the Global Research Network Operations Center (GRNOC) at Indiana University, and the regional network connectors to rapidly deploy the enhanced optical and packet network platform. In April 2007, Internet2 announced that the first major phase of the deployment was complete which included nodes in the Northeast and Midwest regions.

With today's announcement, Internet2 and Level 3 have now completed deployment of important nodes across the northern span of the network including those in Washington DC, Chicago, Illinois; Kansas City, MO; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Seattle, Washington. Additionally, network rings have been completed from the Washington DC to Atlanta as well as from Kansas City to Atlanta.

"Today's announcement marks another key milestone in bringing the more advanced network technology to the research and education community", stated Steve Cotter, Internet2 director of network services. "Through collaboration with Level 3, the GRNOC, and the regional network connectors, we have been able to continue to deliver on our aggressive roll out schedule and make the transition to this new backbone seamless for our members."

The new Internet2 Network will initially provide members with 100 Gigabits per second of capacity as well as increased bandwidth flexibility to serve the evolving needs of the research and education community. In 2006, Internet2 announced an agreement with Level 3 to deploy a next-generation nationwide network. Level 3 is deploying Infinera's Digital Optical Networking equipment across the dedicated high capacity backbone to enable dynamic optical circuit provisioning for the Internet2 community.

Internet2 has also partnered with Ciena Corporation to deploy their CoreDirector Multiservice Switch for switching and sub-wavelength grooming services which allows members to customize their connections from 10 Gbps down to 51 Mbps to meet their institutional networking needs. Internet2 will deploy its current Juniper T640 routers to provide advanced IP capabilities.

"We are pleased to have been a part of achieving this milestone", stated Randy Brogle, senior director of the research and education segment for Level 3's business market group. "Level 3 takes pride in enabling collaboration and innovation across the research and education community, and we look forward to supporting Internet2 and their network's growth."

By supporting reliable, cutting-edge IP services as well as new on-demand, dedicated circuits and sub-wavelength services for the most demanding network applications and experimentation, the new network serves as a platform for Internet2 members to develop even greater innovations in advanced technology. For instance, medical researchers will be able to develop and fine tune virtual surgery techniques; musicians can leverage multiple high definition videoconferences for international master music classes; and researchers can utilize dedicated circuits for direct short or long term connections to supercomputing facilities. Network researchers will also have dedicated national facilities that will serve as a testing ground for brand new networking architectures.

With the completion of the nodes on the northern route, Internet2 will continue work with its network connectors to transition traffic from the Abilene Network onto the new platform by September 2007.