GEMnet2: NTT´s new network testbed for global R&D

For over six years NTT Laboratories has been successfully operating two experimental networks, GALAXY and GEMnet to explore the effectiveness of ultra-high-speed communications technologies when applied to advanced scientific research and for research and development of global information-sharing services respectively. In 2003, to adapt to the new technological and application´s requirements, we have formulated a new testbed concept, GEMnet2, combining the two separated experimental networks which were conceived for two different purposes and completed the first phase construction of the new testbed this year. Its three key aims are to let us test technologies for every aspect of communications, provide very wide bandwidth that can accommodate very fast applications without any restraints, and promote collaboration with other research networks. We are using DWDM/CWDM technologies to build multiple OC48 and GbE circuits between NTT´s R&D centres in Musashino, Yokosuka and Atsugi and collaborative national research institutes including NII, NICT and NAOJ. GEMnet2 is also connected to SINET and Abilene with OC48 circuits to facilitate international experiments requiring very wide bandwidth.