SURFlichtpaden
SURFlichtpaden makes it possible to set up a superfast direct connection between two locations. A fixed lightpath is a permanent connection, while a dynamic lightpath is flexible in bandwidth, duration and endpoints.
What is it?
A lightpath creates a direct, secure, and fast connection between two points, for example between a researcher in the Netherlands and a telescope in China. This offers unique possibilities, for example for more efficient research, for sharing facilities or large datasets, or for creating backups.
Lightpaths are distinguished by their security, reliability, and also their high, guaranteed capacity, all because the connection is independent of the Internet. Low latency and minimal jitter and packetdrops make lightpaths ideal for time critical applications.
There are two types of lightpaths: fixed and dynamic.
Fixed lightpaths
A fixed lightpath is a permanent secure optical data connection via optical fibre, with a guaranteed bandwidth and security level.
Dynamic lightpaths
A dynamic lightpath provides the same fast direct connection as a fixed lightpath, but is generally used for shorter periods and can be set up between different destinations. The bandwidth can be set or every single connection.
The user can set up a dynamic lightpath himself or can have it done automatically by an application for a duration chosen by the user.
The benefits of SURFlichtpaden
Who is it for?
The SURFlichtpaden service is available for researchers, staff, and students at institutions connected to SURFnet.
Some examples:
- Higher education institutions can link up their various sites by means of fixed lightpaths (optical private networks).
- Partnerships between higher education institutions, libraries, research centres, or broadcasters use fixed or dynamic lightpaths to exchange data.
- University hospitals, universities, and research centres use fixed or dynamic lightpaths to store data externally (storage).
- Research centres set up fixed lightpaths to connect them to fellow institutions abroad or to create computer clusters, for example. SURFnet’s optical node NetherLight plays a key role in this.
The institution’s contact person can apply online via SURFdashboard (Dutch) to set up a fixed or dynamic lightpath.
More information
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact your account adviser (+31 (0)30 230 5305 or aa [at] surfnet.nl).