CAMBRIDGE, U.K. and SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- DANTE, an international research and education network provider, and Juniper Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:JNPR), the leader in high-performance networking, today announced that DANTE is upgrading the core GÉANT2 infrastructure. This will create a next-generation network that will enable fast, reliable and secure communications between universities and research facilities via the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs).

The upgrade will center on Juniper Networks T1600 core routers, the newest addition to Juniper Networks T-series family, and will enable DANTE to deliver a range of new, high-capacity services based on the latest IPv6 and 40 Gbps (gigabits per second) technologies. The network is being deployed by Imtech Telecom Global, a Juniper Networks Elite partner.

DANTE is responsible for the pan-European GÉANT2 network that interconnects National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) across the continent. With over 30 million users in 34 countries, GÉANT2 offers unrivalled geographical coverage, high bandwidth, innovative hybrid networking technology and a range of user-focused services, making it one of the most advanced international networks in the world. Together with the NRENs it connects, GÉANT2 has links totaling more than 50,000 km in length and its extensive geographical reach interconnects networks in other world regions to enable global research collaboration.

Dai Davies, general manager of DANTE, commented, "There are suppliers and then there are suppliers who deliver what they promise. Juniper is firmly in the latter category. The new T1600 offers us new functions and performance and it will change the way we build and operate the GÉANT2 network, allowing us to provide the fundamental infrastructure and services to Europe's research and education community."

Dante