The SingAREN GIX will act as a single point of access for local institutes of higher learning, such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University and Singapore Management University, and research institutes, to interconnect with the international research and education community. These include Internet2, Japan Gigabit Network2 and GEANT networks.
The GIX will also be the single point of access for the Singapore Advanced Research and Education Network (SingAREN)’s partners to link into the Singapore research and education communities.
A research and education network requires a low latency network that boasts speeds of over 100Mbps. This facilitates the use of advanced applications, such as high-definition tele-surgery and distance learning, between institutions and research communities to boost learning.
SingAREN consists of an international link to the US and a link to Taiwan. In the US, SingAREN is connected to the Internet2 via the Abilene network. This provides access to other international research and education networks peering at Abilene. Within Singapore, SingAREN connects to universities, polytechnics and research institutes.
Singapore is geographically crucial for advanced research networks spanning the East and West. Having a gigabit exchange will fuel quicker access to cutting-edge technologies and learning in research, and enhance the quality of work that is being done, said Bill Barney, Asia Netcom’s president and CEO.
