[Kudos to SURFnet on an exciting new initiative between SURFnet and
KPN (Dutch incumbent telephone company).
As many of you know I have
been blogging about this opportunity for R&E networks for some time.
I think R&E networks can play an important leadership role in
deploying revolutionary next generation mobile networks with an
“enterprise” centric architecture, integrating campus Wifi, powered by
renewable energy, built around native IPv6, eduroam authentication and
using the R&E network for backhaul. See my various blogs on “5G”
networking—BSA]
http://www.surfnet.nl/en/nieuws/Pages/testenvironment.aspx
Test environment for super-fast mobile Internet in higher education and research
KPN
and SURFnet concluded an agreement today to collaborate on studying
closer integration between mobile networks and the Internet and on
introducing the latest generation of Internet addresses, IPv6.
Utrecht,
The Netherlands, 21 October 2011 – KPN and SURFnet concluded an
agreement today to collaborate on studying closer integration between
mobile networks and the Internet and on introducing the latest
generation of Internet addresses, IPv6.
Their joint aim is to build
knowledge and gain experience working with new “fourth generation” (4G)
mobile networks. They also want to give an extra push to the
introduction of the new generation of Internet addresses (IPv6) in the
Netherlands.
Mobile networks
Mobile communication is playing an
increasingly important role in the higher education and research sector.
Unrestricted, fast, uninterrupted access to the Internet is hugely
important in new approaches to working and learning. SURFnet and KPN
intend to explore how wireless networks such as UMTS, Wi-Fi and the new
LTE can be more closely integrated into the SURFnet network and, as a
result, the Internet. The first pilot project will be launched before
the end of this year. The project will involve linking KPN’s mobile
broadband infrastructure as smoothly as possible to SURFnet’s network
infrastructure and to the Wi-Fi networks of the participating
universities based on eduroam authentication. According to SURFnet and
KPN, the project will allow them to gain the knowledge and experience
that they need to use new mobile networks in education and research.
Both
parties believe in the advantages of new approaches to working and
learning, with students and researchers being free to learn and
collaborate anytime and anywhere. Mobile networks can support these new
approaches by giving students and staff at Dutch institutions for higher
education and research easy, secure, and reliable access to modern ICT
applications. Major advances are now possible thanks to the new LTE
network, which offers high-speed capability and shorter log on time.
SURFnet’s user group has demonstrated that it can play a pioneering role
when it comes to the introduction of new network services; the
best-known example of this is the Internet itself.
IPv6 – the latest generation of Internet addresses
SURFnet
has long been encouraging knowledge institutions in the Netherlands and
elsewhere to use IPv6. The SURFnet network has supported IPv6 since
2001, but many institutions and companies have yet to make the switch.
The transition to IPv6 has now become an urgent matter, however, because
the available IPv4 addresses are almost exhausted. SURFnet and KPN
therefore wish to accelerate implementation of IPv6. To help KPN make a
rapid and effective transition to IPv6, SURFnet – working through the
RIPE Network Coordination Centre – will transfer a series of IPv4
addresses to KPN in order to stimulate the crucial timely introduction
of IPv6 in the Netherlands.
The results of the study will be available for general use.
—-
About SURFnet
SURFnet
ensures that researchers, instructors, and students can work together
simply and effectively with the aid of ICT. SURFnet therefore promotes,
develops, and operates a hybrid network, a trusted identity, and a
pioneering collaboration environment that encourages online
collaboration. About one million users within the target group have
access to these services. SURFnet is part of SURF, in which Dutch
research universities, universities of applied sciences, and research
centres collaborate on creating innovative ICT facilities. For more than
20 years now, SURFnet has been one of the primary authorities in the
Netherlands in the field of Internet communication.
Company profile KPN
KPN
is the leading telecommunications and ICT service provider in the
Netherlands, offering wireline and wireless telephony, internet and TV
to consumers and end-to-end telecom and ICT services to business
customers. KPN operates a global ICT services company with the brand
name Getronics and has a market leading position in the Benelux,
offering end-to-end solutions in infrastructure and network-related IT.
KPN manages 2.2 million workspaces. In Germany and Belgium, KPN pursues a
Challenger strategy in its wireless operations and holds number three
market positions through E-Plus and BASE. In Spain and France, KPN
offers wireless services as an MVNO through its own brands and through
partner brands. KPN provides wholesale network services to third parties
and operates an efficient IP-based infrastructure with global scale in
international wholesale through iBasis.
At December 31st, 2010, KPN
served over 42.2 million customers, of which 33.9 million were in
wireless services, 4.4 million in wireline voice, 2.8 million in
broadband Internet and 1.2 million in TV. With 19,192 FTEs in the
Netherlands (30,599 FTEs for the whole group), KPN reported full-year
revenues of EUR 13.4bn and an EBITDA of EUR 5.5bn in 2010. KPN was
incorporated in 1989 and is listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
——
Green
Internet Consultant. Practical solutions to reducing GHG emissions such
as free broadband and electric highways.
http://green-broadband.blogspot.com/
email: Bill.St.Arnaud@gmail.com
twitter: BillStArnaud
blog: http://billstarnaud.blogspot.com/
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