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Network hardware industry

Abilene Network: A Test Bed for Future Internet Applications

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Abilene Project, a collaboration between major technology companies and Indiana University, has launched a nationwide network providing high-performance services to 37 universities. With a backbone spanning over 10,000 miles, the Abilene network operates at 2.4 gigabits per second, 45,000 times faster than a 56K modem. This project serves as a test bed for emerging Internet applications such as distance learning, tele-medicine, and digital libraries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Abilene network is a $500 million project over three years, with contributions from Qwest Communications, Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks, and Indiana University.
  • The network is designed to support Internet2 applications and connect over 70 universities and research facilities by the end of 1999.
  • Abilene is built on best-of-breed technology and resources, including Qwest Communications' 10,000 miles of advanced fiber optic network and Cisco Systems' high-speed communications equipment.
  • The network operates at 2.4 gigabits per second, making it 45,000 times faster than a 56K modem.
  • The primary goal of Abilene is to support the Internet2 project and enable collaboration among university and corporate members.
  • Corporate research labs, such as IBM's T.J. Watson Research Center and IBM's Almaden Research, will be connected to Abilene in the future.
  • The Abilene network is a project of the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID), in partnership with Qwest Communications, Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks, and Indiana University.

Statistics:

  • The Abilene network spans over 10,000 miles.
  • The network operates at 2.4 gigabits per second, 45,000 times faster than a 56K modem.
  • The project has an estimated value of $500 million over three years.
  • Over 70 Internet2 institutions are planning to connect to Abilene by the end of 1999.
  • The Qwest Macro Capacity(SM) Fiber Network will span more than 18,500 route miles in the United States by mid-1999.
  • Nortel Networks' 10 Gbps optical networking platform has over 90 percent market share.

Sources:

  • "Abilene Network is Test Bed for Internet of the Future for Corporations and Consumers" (PRNewswire, February 24)
  • About UCAID (http://www.internet2.edu)
  • About Qwest Communications (http://www.qwest.com)
  • About Cisco Systems (http://www.cisco.com)
  • About Nortel Networks (http://www.nortel.com)
  • About Indiana University (http://www.indiana.edu)

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