Indiana University Global NOC Chris Robb The Hybrid Packet and Optical Initiative as a Connectivity Solution Presented to the APAN NOC & Resource Allocation Committee By Jim Williams On 27 January 2004

Indiana University Global NOC Chris Robb Discussion Points…. Background & Open Questions HOPI Description Current Status and Resources Future Possibilities

Indiana University Global NOC Chris Robb Background & Open Questions Optical networks gaining momentum in the US, but not all US R&E networks ready to connect IP-based networks still the most common method of transport Theres clearly a need for both types of network infrastructures during (and after!) this transition period Is an optical network more reliable than an IP network? Is the performance any better? –We dont really know the answers to these questions on a national scale What will the next generation Internet2 network look like in 3 years? Theres clearly a need for a national infrastructure that can address the above issues and open questions. Proposed solution: HOPI

Indiana University Global NOC Chris Robb HOPI (Hybrid Optical & Packet Infrastructure) Description HOPI is an Internet2-designed network that is being positioned as a solution to these issues The goals of the project are still being worked out by a small group of engineers from the US R&E community. –HOPI design team co-chaired by Rick Summerhill (Internet2) and Linda Winkler (Argonne National Labs) Initial goals include the ability to interface non-optical networks to optical networks via the Internet2 Abilene backbone –stitching of lightpaths will be accomplished via MPLS between the two optical components –Lightpaths are defined as DWDM lambdas, SONET services, GigE services, MPLS tunnels, and any other layer1/layer2 technology. –Lightpath stitches will be available between administrative domains (e.g. an optical path from SDSC to Abilene, over MPLS, then back to an optial path to GEANT)

Indiana University Global NOC Chris Robb Status and Resources The initial plans are still being worked out with no concrete examples yet formed up –The network design group is tasked with coming up with a design by April, 2004 –The design will depend on the needs of the community HOPI will be installing a Cisco ONS at the MANLAN interconnection point in New York –This will allow for some initial experiments between the US and European networks –Can be combined with CA*Net4 and TransPAC resources in Chicago MPLS tunnel currently implemented between North Carolina ITEC and Indiana University as an experiment Design team is not tasked with vendor recommentation –Too early to think about vendors - We dont know what well need yet!!

Indiana University Global NOC Chris Robb Future Possibilities First possibility: a lightpath between a cluster in California and a cluster in Europe –TDM connection across Tyco OC-192 from Amsterdam to New York –TDM connection from New York to Chicago through CA*Net4 –MPLS tunnel from Chicago to Los Angeles –This should create a point to point ethernet interface between two end hosts –This exercise will familiarize us with the challenges and issues with creating lightpaths aross multiple administrative domains Interest in working with the Asian-Pacific community and their optical testbeds. –After initial experiment between SURFnet and Abilene, we plan to extend the experiment even further to a testing partner in the Asian Pacific region Experiments and challenges will help formulate a picture for the Abilene follow-up in –Should Abilene be purely IP-based? –Should it provide MPLS or other tunneled protocols? –What are the challenges that will hamper a more production network like Abilene?

Indiana University Global NOC Chris Robb Questions??? Please feel free to ask questions of Chris Robb Administrative questions should be directed to: –Rick Summerhill –Linda Winkler Thank you!