Internet2

WPI connected to Internet2's high-bandwidth network in the fall of 2000. From computers connected through WPI's network, information going to another Internet2 compatible institution will automatically be routed over the Internet2 network. Internet2 provides a platform for experimentation about what the Internet might become when greater bandwidth is available to all. The Internet2 network has the capability to send information much faster than the commodity network.

Initially, Internet2 only carried communications with other Internet2 members, or with collaborating international networks which connect to Internet2. Internet2 itself only serves the United States and Internet2 members are only universities. For the past few years, other networks have been peering with Internet2. That has resulted in more services being carried over Internet2 than just the other members. For example, if you are on the WPI network and communicating with Google, Yahoo, or Microsoft, your data is using the Internet2 infrastructure.

When is this high-bandwidth helpful? It can speed up the transmission of large files, enable students, faculty and staff to remotely control Internet2 accessible equipment; and provide fast utilization of Internet2 software located elsewhere. It can also power remote visualization, high-quality video conferencing, tele-immersion and virtual laboratories. For specific applications, check out the initiatives on the Internet2 Web site.

Do you have to do anything special to use it? No, the network automatically chooses to use Internet2 if you are corresponding with another Internet2 member, a government agency or research center using the NGI (the government's Next Generation Internet), or an international network with the same high-bandwidth commitment. This connection is used whether you are browsing the Web, e-mailing, or collaborating on an experiment. Whatever you are doing, you are using Internet2 when working with an Internet2 partner.

The Goddard GigaPoP on Main Street in Worcester is WPI's connection point to Internet2. We are interested in offering Internet2 to qualifying networks and institutions in the Worcester area.

Contact Information:

Allan Johannesen, Assistant CIO for Infrastructure, aej@wpi.edu .

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Last modified: Oct 17, 2012, 14:57 EDT