SURFnet, a leader in advanced network research, launched SURFnet6, a self-configurable intelligent optical network based on optical technology from Nortel. SURFnet6, a high-grade computer network specially reserved for higher education and research in the Netherlands, will revolutionize the way researchers access the vast amounts of bandwidth their research requires, configuring their connectivity based on their real-time requirements. The new SURFnet6 network provides a state-of-the-art platform for researchers working on broadband intensive applications such as high-energy physics and medical research. "We are convinced that this powerful and agile optical network will offer Dutch research and education an excellent international starting position. The new network is fully equipped to handle the anticipated growth in Internet traffic over the next years and its lightpath services offer unprecedented opportunities for researchers." said Kees Neggers, managing director, SURFnet. "The next phase of network development will introduce additional agility and automation at the optical layer with the latest photonics and control plane technologies from Nortel." "SURFnet6 is a showcase for the cutting-edge use of adaptive optical intelligent networks. Its innovative and advanced use of next-generation optical networking is creating today's reference model for access and collaboration between researchers and institutions," said Peter Newcombe, EMEA vice-president of Wireline and Optical, Nortel. "Nortel has been a pioneer in optical communications since its early beginnings 40 years ago and we continue to be an innovator in this dynamic industry which is now the backbone of today's global communications network." The network is a high-speed hybrid optical and packet switching infrastructure with native IPv4, IPv6 and Light Path Provisioning over a single transmission infrastructure for easy configuration of broadband access. It is also managed via a control plane for efficient network administration, helping reduce operating costs and enhanced traffic restoration. The hybrid nature of the SURFnet6 network is designed to enable it to tune precisely to the bandwidth demand of users. SURFnet6 can set up optical light paths for point-to-point connections that give large data streams their dedicated path outside of the IP routed network. This feature improves the capacity, quality and security of the connection, whilst making use of the most cost effective transport technology. The transmission infrastructure was built using products from Nortel's next generation optical and Metro Ethernet portfolio, including: Common Photonic Layer (CPL), Optical Multiservice Edge 1000 and 6500 product families, the Optical Metro 5000 and the Metro Ethernet Routing Switch (MERS) 8600. To enable a greater network agility, supporting automated user-configurable light paths, the SURFnet6 network will be equipped in the near future with additional Nortel next-generation optical technologies such as: - Enhanced Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (eROADM) providing seamless photonic switching of light paths and "on the fly" creation of new optical branches - Electronically Dynamically Compensating Optics (eDCO) extending the reach of light paths throughout the SURFnet network while dramatically simplifying the network and reducing its operational costs - Dynamic Resource Allocation Controller (DRAC) allowing for a dynamic, efficient and cost optimized use of network resources SURFnet6 was implemented by a consortium of industry partners including Avici Systems, who provided their SSR routers and Telindus, a pan-European network integration specialist.