1. TransPAC Networking Plans April 2003-October 2004
James Williams
TransPAC Executive Investigator
Indiana University

2. Focus of this talk Provide background on the current TransPAC project.
Present TransPAC expansion plans for next 6-12 months
Outline a broader view of high-performance R/E networking
Present issues for further discussion

3. TransPAC Background
The TransPAC Project provides high-performance network connectivity between the Asia-Pacific region and the United States for the purpose of encouraging educational and scientific collaboration among scientists and researchers in these respective areas.
Specifically, TransPAC connects the Asia-Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) to the US high-performance infrastructure (Abilene, the vBNS and “Fednets”) and to other international high-performance networks (Canarie, and EU networks).
Web site:

4. TransPAC Background 2
The TransPAC Project is jointly funded by the US National Science Foundation and the Japan Science and Technology Corporation. Japanese funding will be transferred shortly to the Communications Research Laboratory.
Indiana University provides technical and administrative support for TransPAC in the US. KDDI provides similar support for TransPAC in Japan.
Web site:

5. Current TransPAC Network
Dual OC-12 connections between the US and Asia
OC-12 POS connection between Tokyo and Seattle
OC-12 ATM connection between Tokyo and Chicago(StarLight)

7. Short-term TransPAC Plans
Based on pricing….
Expand Tokyo-Chicago link (OC-48 or OC-192)
Shift from ATM to POS on Tokyo-Chicago link
Eliminate Tokyo-Seattle link (cost considerations)
To be completed by September 2003

9. Unified R/E Network Asia-US-EU
Broader Goal
Building on the success of TransPAC, Euro-Link and STAR TAP, construct a unified high-performance R/E network between Asia, the US and Europe.
The HPIIS extension program will make this possible.

11. Unified R/E Network Benefits
Single network serving Asia, North America and Europe
Based on Asian and European hubs.
Not dependent on donations
Specific focus on serving the R/E community
Emphasis on both production quality services and experimental services

12. Issues for Discussion Proposition
Production quality high-performance international connectivity is essential for the support of both existing science/research collaborations and developing e-science international research consortiums.
Within the US
How should/do the HPIIS programs relate to the Cyberinfrastructure report?
What is the future of the HPIIS programs, post October 2004?
Globally
How should critical R/E network infrastructure be funded and operated?

13. URLs www.transpac.org http://www.euro-link.org/
Jim Williams