GEANT

GEANT is a high-speed European Union-funded research network that interconnects National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across Europe, enabling collaboration and data exchange between research institutions, universities, and institutes such as CERN, European Organization for Nuclear Research, and European Space Agency. The network is managed by the GEANT Association, a non-profit organization that aims to promote research and development in Europe through collaboration with organizations like European Commission, European Institute of Innovation and Technology, and European Research Council. GEANT plays a crucial role in supporting scientific research in various fields, including particle physics at Large Hadron Collider, astronomy at European Southern Observatory, and climate change research at Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The network also collaborates with other international research networks like Internet2, ESnet, and Asia-Pacific Advanced Network.

Introduction

GEANT is a vital component of the European Research Area (ERA), which aims to create a unified research space across Europe. The network provides high-speed data transfer capabilities, enabling researchers to collaborate on large-scale projects like the Human Genome Project, Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, and Square Kilometre Array. GEANT also supports e-infrastructure initiatives like European Grid Infrastructure and Open Science Grid, which provide access to high-performance computing resources, data storage, and cloud computing services. By facilitating collaboration between researchers and institutions like University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, GEANT contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge in fields like medicine at National Institutes of Health, physics at California Institute of Technology, and engineering at Stanford University.

History

The GEANT project was launched in 2000 as a European Commission-funded initiative to create a high-speed research network across Europe. The first GEANT network was deployed in 2001, connecting NRENs in European Union member states like Germany's DFN, France's RENATER, and United Kingdom's Jisc. Over the years, the network has undergone several upgrades, including the deployment of GEANT2 in 2004 and GEANT3 in 2009. The current GEANT network, GEANT4, was launched in 2013 and provides 100 Gbps connectivity to NRENs across Europe, supporting research collaborations with organizations like NASA, NSF, and Australian Research Council. The network has also been involved in various international collaborations, including the Transatlantic Research and Education Network (TRENA) and the Asia-Europe Research Network (ASIARENA), which connect research networks in North America and Asia.

Network

The GEANT network is a complex system that interconnects NRENs across Europe, providing high-speed data transfer capabilities and network services like IPv6, MPLS, and VPN. The network is built on a DWDM infrastructure, which enables the transmission of multiple wavelengths of light over a single fiber optic cable. GEANT also provides network services like identity management and authentication through eduGAIN and eduPerson, which enable researchers to access resources and services across institutions like Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Tokyo. The network is managed by a team of network engineers and system administrators who work together to ensure the stability and security of the network, collaborating with organizations like ICANN, IETF, and W3C.

Services

GEANT provides a range of network services to support research collaborations across Europe. These services include high-speed data transfer, cloud computing, and storage services like Ceph and OpenStack. The network also provides identity management and authentication services, enabling researchers to access resources and services across institutions like CERN, European Organization for Nuclear Research, and European Space Agency. GEANT also supports e-infrastructure initiatives like European Grid Infrastructure and Open Science Grid, which provide access to high-performance computing resources, data storage, and cloud computing services. By providing these services, GEANT enables researchers to collaborate on large-scale projects like the Human Genome Project, Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, and Square Kilometre Array, working with organizations like National Science Foundation, European Research Council, and Australian Research Council.

Members and Partners

GEANT has a large community of members and partners across Europe, including NRENs, research institutions, and universities. The network is managed by the GEANT Association, a non-profit organization that represents the interests of its members and partners. GEANT also collaborates with other international research networks like Internet2, ESnet, and Asia-Pacific Advanced Network, and is a member of organizations like Cooperation Assembly, TERENA, and DANTE. The network has partnerships with organizations like European Commission, European Institute of Innovation and Technology, and European Research Council, which provide funding and support for research projects and initiatives. By working together with its members and partners, GEANT aims to promote research and development in Europe and support the advancement of scientific knowledge in fields like medicine at National Institutes of Health, physics at California Institute of Technology, and engineering at Stanford University.

Governance and Organization

The GEANT Association is governed by a Board of Directors that represents the interests of its members and partners. The association is also advised by a Technical Committee that provides expertise on network architecture and services. GEANT has a secretariat that is responsible for the day-to-day management of the network, and works closely with organizations like ICANN, IETF, and W3C to ensure the stability and security of the network. The network is funded by the European Commission and its member states, as well as by contributions from its members and partners. By working together with its governance and organization structure, GEANT aims to promote research and development in Europe and support the advancement of scientific knowledge in fields like astronomy at European Southern Observatory, climate change research at Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and particle physics at Large Hadron Collider. Category:Research networks