The upgrade will center on Juniper Networks T1600 core routers, the newest addition to Juniper Networks T-series family, and will enable DANTE to deliver a range of new, high-capacity services based on the latest IPv6 and 40 Gbps (gigabits per second) technologies. The network is being deployed by Imtech Telecom Global, a Juniper Networks Elite partner.
DANTE is responsible for the pan-European GÉANT2 network that interconnects National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across the continent. With over 30 million users in 34 countries, GÉANT2 offers unrivalled geographical coverage, high bandwidth, innovative hybrid networking technology and a range of user-focused services, making it one of the most advanced international networks in the world. Together with the NRENs it connects, GÉANT2 has links totaling more than 50,000 km in length and its extensive geographical reach interconnects networks in other world regions to enable global research collaboration.
Dai Davies, general manager of DANTE, commented, "There are suppliers and then there are suppliers who deliver what they promise. Juniper is firmly in the latter category. The new T1600 offers us new functions and performance and it will change the way we build and operate the GÉANT2 network, allowing us to provide the fundamental infrastructure and services to Europe's research and education community."
Currently deployed in the GÉANT2 network are the Juniper Networks T640 and M120 routers, which run the same, consistent JUNOS software that powers the T1600. The inherent security and stability of JUNOS software, combined with its modular architecture and single-source code, provides a proven foundation for delivering leading performance, reliability, security and scale with attractive total cost of ownership.
"The T1600 will provide DANTE with a non-disruptive and cost-effective upgrade to scale the T640 to support the stringent requirements of the international research and education environment," said Gert-Jan Schenk, senior vice-president of operations, EMEA, Juniper Networks. "DANTE's decision to upgrade to T1600s with JUNOS software underscores the value of Juniper's unique, seamless upgrade strategy that protects customers' investments as they scale their networks to support the demands of high-performance services and applications."
About DANTE
DANTE is a non-profit organization, co-funded by the European Commission and working in partnership with European National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) to plan, build and operate advanced networks for research and education. Established in 1993, DANTE has been fundamental to the success of pan-European research and education networking. DANTE has built and operates GÉANT2, which provides the data communications infrastructure essential to the success of many research projects in Europe. DANTE is involved in worldwide initiatives to interconnect countries in the other regions to one another and to GÉANT2. DANTE currently manages projects focused on the Mediterranean, Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions through the EUMEDCONNECT, ALICE and TEIN2 projects, respectively. For more information, visit www.dante.net.