2002 - cesnet

The load of backbone lines reported gradual increase, reaching an average of10–13 % of their maximum capacity. This corresponds to the character of an“overprovisioned” network, typical for academic networks in a majority of thedeveloped countries of the world. Another aspect worth mentioning is the positivedata balance (approximately 2:1) within our international links. This meansthat our network includes an abundance of attractive data sources, particularlyarchives of free software.We adopted some further steps for the development of our network. We madeout a draft of a new concept for the backbone network and its nodes (attendancepoints, GigaPoP) and launched its implementation. The changes in thetopology of circuits and the supplies of new technologies have already commenced.The CESNET2 network should be modified according to the new conceptby summer 2003.2.2 Strategic ProjectsIn collaboration with the technical group, the project of Optical Network and itsDevelopment made out a generic scheme of the CESNET2 network, which shallserve as a basis for further development. The network backbone will be formedby several short rings, which will ensure redundant connection of backbonenodes and also short transmission routes (measured by the number of hops).Thanks to the use of the “nothing in line” technologies, we reached outcomesacknowledged worldwide. The application of a Gigabit Ethernet in combinationwith EDFA amplifiers along the Prague–Pardubice line was appreciated by ourforeign partners. Our pioneering achievements include experiments with datatransfers along a single fibre.The results described above helped us become involved in the preparation ofthe ASTON international project, focusing on optical networks. The project willbe submitted into the 6 th EU Framework Program.The activities concerning IP version 6 aimed at the development of the IPv6network within CESNET2 and the development of services available throughthis protocol. We modified the topology of the network in order to make surethat it corresponds to the topology of IPv4, consolidated the DNS and launchedseveral services available for IPv6. One of them is the www.ipv6.cz server, forthe presentation of the properties and capacities of the protocol.The most demanding part of the project was the development of an IPv6 routeron the PC base. This includes two parts: the COMBO6 card for the hardwarerouting acceleration, and the router configuration system based on XML. During2002, we designed the card, had it manufactured and installed the first speci-12 High-speed National Research Network and its New Applications 2002