networks (IRNC, Gloriad, Surfnet, etc.) are simple and relatively inexpensive. SARA is also the
location of the Dutch Tier1 and this provides the option for fast Tier1-to-Tier1 connectivity, in
compliance with the LHC Optical Private Network (OPN) policies.
Following the RFP issued in July 2007 we will deploy a fourth transatlantic circuit New York
London which will be cross-connected with a new GEANT London-Geneva circuit to form an
end-to-end US LHCNet New York-Geneva circuit. The new setup also increases the terrestrial
path diversity in Geneva.
Figure 11: US LHCNet Network Structure (January 2008)
The network map above (Figure 11) shows both the US LHCNet PoPs and the close relation
between US LHCNet and the NSF-funded network R&D project UltraLight5. UltraLight is a
research project led by Caltech whose purpose is to provide the network advances required to
enable petabyte-scale analysis of globally distributed data, and to overcome the current vision of
the network as a passive resource. One major advantage of this connectivity is that it provides the
Tier2 centers and universities participating in UltraLight fast access to the Tier1 centers in US
LHCNet and even to CERN if this should be required. Arrangements to provide connections
5
For more information visit http://www.ultralight.org
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