“Internet2 was initially created for very large R1 institutions. Today we’re working toward parity in the capabilities offered across the nation’s institutions, from big R1s to small colleges and under-resourced institutions,” Sinha said. “So, another important question is, How do we ensure that we can serve those who want to participate, with no barriers in place?”
Looking ahead, Sinha points to quantum and AI as two frontier technologies already reshaping the R&E ecosystem in complex ways. “The infrastructure we use, the underlying trust fabric, and how we collaborate across global regions will change rapidly, and soon,” she said. “We need to be ready.”
For Internet2, being ready means engaging with industry leaders to build, test, and share what works now.
On quantum, Internet2 has already successfully demonstrated post-quantum cryptography on its national network through a project with two industry collaborators.
As AI rapidly transforms our world, Internet2 is bringing lessons from the leading edge back to the R&E community. Internet2 collaborated with an industry member to build a 3,400 kilometer, AI-optimized network with a total capacity of 138 terabits per second. According to Sinha, “the experience taught us how to optimize R&E networks to support AI at scale.”
This work extends beyond the network. “Through Internet2’s InCommon initiatives, we’re exploring how to create a framework to authenticate and authorize agentic AI as we’ve done for human identities,” Sinha added. “And through our NET+ program, seven institutions recently worked together to vet a gateway service that reaches more than 250 large language model providers. And the whole R&E ecosystem can benefit from their effort.”
ICYMI