AARNet3 Architectural and Service Updates

 

Greg Wickham and Ivan Phillips - AARNet Pty Ltd

 

Abstract

Since the design and implementation of AARNet3 network hardware has evolved to such an extent that it is possible to offer new services across the existing AARNet infrastructure with minimal upgrades. In parallel the networking demands of research groups has altered to the extent that the standard 1 Gbps is no longer adequate or that more esoteric services are required across the AARNet infrastructure. This presentation will cover the architectural changes to the core of the network that has permitted both higher bandwidth member connections and the ability to form VPLS tunnels between multiple endpoints across the network. Showcasing the increased capabilities of the AARNet network an array of new services will be described: 10Gbps member connections; the National Collaboration Network (NCN); and D-EN4R (Dynamic Experimental Networks For Researchers)

Bio

Dr. Greg Wickham is the Program Manager, e-Research for AARNet. Working in conjunction with AARNet staff his role primarily is to provide a conduit for researchers to interact with AARNet. Prior to this, he worked in the Infrastructure Development Group (AARNet) and as the GrangeNet Network Operations Manager. At GrangeNet, in addition to maintaining the network on a day-to-day basis, he liaised with the R&E community (both Australian and international); conducted workshops on network technologies; co-designed the GrangeNet II architecture in collaboration with Cisco optical engineers; and provided support for activities that used the GrangeNet network.

Ivan Philips has been working with AARNet since the 2004. He was responsible for the AARNet3 IP network roll out as well as the design, construction and integration of the AARNet National Optical Backbone. Prior to working for AARNet Ivan spent seven years at the University of New South Wales in a number of roles including support, systems administration, networking engineering, network design, systems architecture and project delivery. This was interspersed with stints in commercial industry at NewsCorp and Optus.