CLARA: an advanced regional network integrating Latin American NRENs
Michael Stanton
RNP (Rede Nacional de Ensino e Pesquisa)
Abstract:
The computational, data and communication infrastructural needs of
international e-science are nowadays addressed by the creation of
cyberinfrastructure, of which a central part is global connectivity. This
global connectivity is currently provided by the establishment of
high-capacity links at international level for interconnecting the national
research and education networks (NRENs) which provide access to individual
institutions and facilities in different countries. A useful strategy to
achieve global interconnection is by means of the regional network, which
interconnects the national networks of a given region, and of which the
pan-European network, GÉANT, is the most successful example. Emerging
global connectivity is currently being based in large part on the
interconnection of such regional networks.
The CLARA network, to be rolled-out in May 2004, is such a regional network
for the Latin America and Caribbean region, and will provide intra-regional
connectivity based on a 155 Mbps backbone ring connecting NRENs in Mexico,
Chile, Argentina and Brazil, to be complemented by access links to other
NRENs in the region. Initial inter-regional connectivity will be provided
by a fat pipe to GÉANT, which is expected to be complemented by another to
the US networks. The initial network is being generously supported through
the @LIS programme of the European Union.
The presentation describes different aspects of connectivity as seen from
Latin America: emerging global connectivity, the role of the CLARA network,
and how the internal connectivity of Latin American NRENs is being
improved, as illustrated by the case of Brazil.
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