The new Internet2 Network will be deployed nationally over 13,000 miles of dedicated fiber, providing complete control of the optical layer and highly granular lightpath services that can be provisioned dynamically.

It will provide short-term and long-term waves, as well as on-demand or advanced reservation “lightpath” scheduling. The IP network, corresponding to the current Abilene footprint, will be built on the optical network.

Basic connectivity package for direct connectors is expected to include two 10 Gbps waves, one for IP and one for point-to-point optical services.

Optical (layer 1) network characteristics:
•  Initial deployment – 10 x 10 Gbps wavelengths along network footprint
•  Future Capacity – potential migration to 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps wavelength capabilities
•  Wavelength Scalability – unlimited availability of additional wavelengths, through additional fiber pairs
•  Reliability – carrier-class standard assurances for wavelengths
•  Flexibility – support for sub-wavelength (e.g., 1 GigE) dynamic provisioning across every wave on the network backbone.
•  Community control – provisioning and switching of wavelengths and subchannels

The Level 3 carrier agreement will provide the community with unprecedented control over the networking infrastructure, without taking on the risks of equipment sparing and obsolescence as well as the burden of substantial operational responsibilities. Level 3 will be responsible for meeting a Service Level Agreement (SLA).  

Internet2 engineering support will include:
•  Control Plane aspects of dynamic provisioning
•  Application and Advanced Services Support
•  Engineering, Monitoring, and Management

The transition to the new network will not disrupt existing connectivity and services.