For immediate release: 24 September 2014
REANNZ deploys world’s first 100Gbps research network across the Pacific
Distance is being eliminated with a demonstration of the world’s longest distance 100Gbps research network connection,
showcasing New Zealand’s future capacity on the Southern Cross cable, at the REANNZ-hosted GLIF 2014 conference in
Queenstown.
The 100Gbps network across the Pacific Ocean via the Southern Cross cable, is being deployed by REANNZ, provider of
high-performance network services for New Zealand’s research and education communities, in collaboration with Chorus,
Ciena, Juniper Networks, Level 3 Communications, Pacific Wave, Rydges Hotel, Southern Cross, and Vodafone. (See below for more information in our online media kit.)
The network capacity being delivered is more than 4000 times faster than basic residential broadband and 1000 times
faster than ultra-fast broadband currently available in New Zealand.
The network will be used for a range of world-first, real-time data intensive demonstrations for the GLIF 2014
Conference next week, from 29 September. GLIF is an annual gathering of the world’s leading high-performance network
engineers.
“This is the longest 100Gbps research network yet, spanning some 20,500km between Queenstown and California,” says Steve
Cotter, CEO of REANNZ.
“It’s a snapshot of the future capacity REANNZ has planned for New Zealand’s research and education community, ensuring
we can participate globally in an increasingly borderless and data-intensive world. To stay ahead, it’s critical that we
have best available connectivity.”
REANNZ has worked with a global consortium* to deliver the 100Gbps Pacific network, powered by Ciena’s industry-leading
6500 Packet-Optical Platform, illustrating REANNZ’s programme to build network capability. The deployment builds on
Juniper Network’s infrastructure that supports a 100Gbps line connecting its Auckland fibre optic ring to two Southern
Cross Cable Network landing stations.
It reaches from Rydges Hotel in Queenstown hotel to Vodafone’s optical network spanning across to Auckland where the
network then travels on Southern Cross’ 100Gbps switching and transmission network across the Pacific Ocean to
California - the round trip taking less than half a second.
“We have a range of exciting demonstrations planned that will showcase what this class of connection can do and what it
means for New Zealand,” says Cotter.
“Science and research is now global and it’s data intensive, involving teams working together across dozens of countries
on huge projects. The faster you can move data to be analysed, visualised or shared with your partners, the more
competitive you and your country will be.
“Ultimately REANNZ wants to eliminate the tyranny of distance for our research and education communities, which will
help them to be as competitive internationally as possible.”
ENDS