NLR had been the pioneer for technologies with a high-speed network built for research and development and handle large data for advance computing and scientific facilities. Though it is now defunct, but its design has influenced modern research in networking and data transmission. This article will foresee more on its architecture which will help the readers to understand the basics which can further shape the ideas for future as it will depend upon high-performance computing and data transmission.
About NLR Architecture
Let’s first talk about what is NLR architecture. It is a group of networks structured for National LabdaRail (NLR). NLR was built with a purpose to help the universities and facilities having research and development in getting the quickest possible data transmission. It used fiber-optic cables, ethernet connections and internet routing to produce large amount of data in short time. Achievements of NLR included easy data transfer, flexible networking, and support in various projects through its services like WaveNet, FrameNet, PacketNet, and National TransitRail.
Insights in NLR Architecture
The foundation of NLR network infrastructure was built on advanced optical technology called Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM) which was used to send large amount of data over the route of optical fiber cables. It was based on the national optical footprint and used Cisco Systems equipment 15808 and 15454 optical electronic systems to provide support up to 40 and 32 wavelengths (data channels) for respective electronic system. Each data channel carried up to 10 Gbps of data.
This system, which was once limited to metropolitan area networks (MAN) by implementing the architecture 10 gigabit ethernet LAN PhY (physical layer), was then deployed all over the nation with the help of 10000 miles of optical fiber which was obtained through level 3 communications and WilTel Communications. So far, four NLR wavelengths got implemented.
NLR also worked with SONET (Synchronous Optical Network), which was mostly used in traditional telecom networks. The first data channels used to provide:
- All nationwide 10 Gbps IP network to help in data sharing and testing out end-to-end internet protocols.
- First of a kind switched ethernet network all over the nation, offering 1 Gbps connections similar to circuits.
- A quick facility for new research projects which required high-speed data and computation and backup systems to keep the networks running in case of any network channel failed.
- Testing facility for Internet2 which was a key NLR partner.
More data channels were added as per the requirement and infrastructure to support various projects.
Implementing the NLR Architecture
The phase one of the first NLR network was successfully activated on 18th November, 2003 and it was used to secure connection between Chicago’s StarLight facility and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center out of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie-Mellon University. After six months, the phase one infrastructure got completed successfully, implementing smooth transition between the universities in May 2004.
Phase two of the NLR was planned to complete the implementation by 2005. It came with an aim to expand the NLR network across the whole nation to Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Salt Lake City and New York. With this implementation, it aimed to sustain the trusted NLR members and support the new and growing NLR members. It was also implemented to further provide stable and reliable infrastructure to make a stronger connection between the East-West corridor and North-South corridor, thereby making the data transmission more flexible and increasing reliability on NLR networks.