NYSERNet R&E Network - Dedicated Access

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NYSERNet's dedicated research and education (R&E) network supports the development and testing of emerging network technologies and the deployment of leading edge network-based applications and network-enabled collaborations. Designed and deployed for the sole purpose of enhancing and enabling the activities of New York's research and education communities, the R&E network enables research that employs network-intensive applications like large-scale data transfers, distributed computing, distance learning, tele-immersion, remote research, remote equipment acquisition, virtual laboratories and digital libraries. Educational activities and opportunities such as videoconferencing, multicasting, remote visualization, interactive virtual field trips and interactive teaching are equally enhanced and enjoyed by the growing list of NYSERNet members.

An IP-based network built on NYSERNet's statewide DWDM transport infrastructure, the network offers redundant egress to Internet2's national R&E network and, through MAN LAN, peering with national and international R&E networks including CA*net 4 (Canada's national R&E network), ESNet (the U.S. Department of Energy's research network), and TWAREN (Taiwan's national R&E network).

Institutions can connect to the NYSERNet R&E network at POPs (points of presence) in Buffalo, Rochester, Binghamton, Syracuse, Albany and New York City. These POPs are interconnected via multiple Gigabit paths, forming a virtual mesh that adds redundancy and enhances performance, reducing the number of hops between any connected institution and the nearest egress point. Further, this distributed POP architecture reduces the cost of connecting, since POPs are strategically located in population centers where potential connectors are concentrated.

Participating institutions generally connect to the network at speeds of 200 Mbps or more, primarily using metro or long-haul dark fiber or lit GigE services. But the minimum GigE-based connection that NYSERNet offers is 25 Mb, which is deemed the lowest practical connection rate that can support applications.

Institutions eligible to participate in the R&E Network include all not-for-profit and government entities, as well as for-profit research laboratories that have a research relationship with existing members. Currently, the network serves nearly 200 universities, hospitals, elementary and secondary schools, museums, libraries and other research and education institutions.

NYSERNet is a private not-for-profit corporation created to advance science and education in New York State. Founded in 1985 by a consortium of visionary public and private New York State institutions, it provides high-speed network connectivity to advance research and educational initiatives in the Empire State. In 2003, implementation of a dark fiber project was begun to provide cost-effective access to institutions in New York City. The success of the NYC Metro Fiber project was followed by the April 2005 launch of the statewide optical network employing DWDM. Both these projects are examples of NYSERNet's continuing success in providing technically advanced communications facilities to its member institutions at a sustainable cost.