Internet2, Juniper Deploy in Abilene

WASHINGTON -- Internet2 today announced that it will deploy Juniper Networks' most advanced core routing product for the next generation of the Abilene backbone network. The nationwide upgrade will quadruple Abilene's capacity to 10 gigabits per second and natively deploy the next generation Internet protocol, IPv6, using Qwest Communications' nationwide network infrastructure. The upgrade will maintain Abilene's position as one of the most advanced and far-reaching education and research networks in the world. Scientists, teachers and students at more than 200 Internet2 member universities and research centers currently use Abilene to create and test advanced network applications that do not work well or at all using the commercial Internet. Abilene enables applications such as uncompressed high-definition television quality video; remote control of scientific instruments such as mountaintop telescopes and electron microscopes; collaboration using immersive virtual reality; and grid computing. "Juniper Networks' technology and commitment to Internet2 will ensure that Abilene continues to provide leading edge networking for the academic and research community," said Douglas Van Houweling, president and CEO of Internet2. "Juniper's participation in Abilene exemplifies the close collaboration between industry and academia that is at the heart of Internet2." Juniper Networks Inc. Internet2