Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
By Scott Taylor, Internet2 Packet Platform Implementation Director
January 2021 brought the start of the new year and the beginning of the packet implementation for the Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) program. This implementation will bring 100G and 400G capabilities to 48 locations throughout the country, using new Cisco 8000 series routers.
We are also installing new equipment for our 100G performance assurance nodes, our secure management network, and the optical waveservers that will support up to 800G optical links between cities and our new 400G backbone links.
Before the holidays, our implementation partner, GDT, worked on staging equipment to be ready for the implementation that began during the week of January 4 at the first three install sites: Albany, Las Vegas, and Dallas. The installation of the packet infrastructure will continue across the network through March 2021.
The equipment installations of the first sites went smoothly and connectivity between devices within the sites has been confirmed. During the week of January 11, the teams will continue their installation activities at four more locations. By January 15 we will start to see some of the first adjacencies across the new segment routed 400G backbones established.
Do you have questions about the NGI program or the installation? Send a note to networkdevelopment@internet2.edu. You can also catch up on the latest NGI program reports and updates.
Photo of NGI packet equipment being installed in Albany, N.Y.
Related articles and blog posts: