Internet2, an advanced networking consortium in the United States, is collaborating with ProCurve Networking by HP to upgrade the Internet2 Observatory, which provides real-time data and insight into the Internet2 advanced multi-layer optical and Internet Protocol (IP) research network.

The Internet2 Observatory provides data on the performance and network status information collected on the Internet2 Network, giving researchers a view of a high-performance, operational network not possible in a laboratory environment or on the commercial Internet.

The upgraded Observatory is being deployed on Internet2’s new network, a hybrid infrastructure consisting of optical and packet technologies. Once fully deployed, Internet2’s new network will provide over 100 gigabits per second of capacity and enable researchers to provision optical circuits on demand for short- or long-term use. The new Observatory will allow researchers for the first time to study data not only on the IP network, but also on dynamically provisioned optical waves.

The Internet2 Observatory uses ProCurve Switch 5412 and 3500yl series equipment. The Switch 5400zl series are high-port-density, chassis-based intelligent edge switches with wirespeed Gigabit and 10 Gigabit performance as well as integrated Gigabit Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). The Switch 3500 series are stackable intelligent edge switches that also feature 10 GbE capability and integrated PoE.

The ProCurve Networking business unit of HP delivers wired and wireless enterprise networking products, services and solutions. The foundation for ProCurve’s business model is the Adaptive Networks strategy in which networks are adaptive to users, applications and an organization’s needs.

ProCurve was positioned in the challenger quadrant in research and advisory firm Gartner, Inc.’s 2006 Magic Quadrant Report for Global Campus LANs and is the No. 2 networking company worldwide measured in both ports and Ethernet switch market revenue according to Dell’Oro Group.

Further information on ProCurve networking solutions and products is available at http://www.procurve.com/ .

Internet2 is the foremost U.S. advanced networking consortium. Led by the research and education community since 1996, Internet2 promotes the missions of its members by providing both leading-edge network capabilities and unique partnership opportunities that together facilitate the development, deployment and use of revolutionary Internet technologies. Internet2 brings the U.S. research and academic community together with technology leaders from industry, government and the international community to undertake collaborative efforts that have a fundamental impact on tomorrow’s Internet. For more information on the Internet2 Observatory, visit: http://www.internet2.edu/observatory/