The National LambdaRail (NLR) was a groundbreaking high-speed fiber optic network. It was built in the United States to support advanced research along with education. One of its most important services was PacketNet. It is an IP-based network made to provide reliable & high-performance internet connectivity for scientists, researchers & educational institutions. Let’s talk about what PacketNet was, what it offered & why it was so pivotal & significant.
What Is PacketNet?
PacketNet was a Layer 3 IP service on the NLR Architecture. This means it functioned much like the internet you’re used to. It did that with much higher performance, speed & flexibility. Unlike commercial internet services, PacketNet was made to meet the unique needs of the research as well as education community.
Key technologies:
- Cisco CRS-1 routers (powerful & carrier-class networking equipment)
- 10-Gigabit Ethernet interfaces
- Full support for IPv4 as well as IPv6
- Both unicast & multicast IP routing
Features of PacketNet
Here are the most paramount features of PacketNet explained in very easy & simple terms:
1. High-Speed IP Backbone
- PacketNet provided a nationwide IP backbone or spine adept of handling vast amounts of data.
- It was built using 10-Gigabit Ethernet connections. It means it could transfer data at extremely fast rates. It is ideal for scientific research, large data transfers as well as collaborative projects.
2. IPv4 & IPv6 Support
- Supported both IPv4 (the current internet protocol) as well as IPv6 (the next-generation protocol).
- Permitted multicast routing. Which is useful for broadcasting data streams (like video conferencing) to many users at once.
3. No Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Most commercial internet suppliers have constraints on how their services can be used. PacketNet did not have these constraints.
- Researchers could use the network freely for any legal as well as ethical purpose. This included testing new applications & innovations.
4. TelePresence-Ready
- PacketNet was authorized for Cisco TelePresence which is a high-definition video conferencing service.
- This meant ace-quality & low-latency video communication was possible across long distances. It is useful for remote collaboration between universities & labs.
5. Advanced IP VPN Services
- For corporations needing private network space, PacketNet offered IP VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).
- These networks used RFC2547 BGP/MPLS VPN tech to separate traffic securely between different projects & institutions.
VPNs could’ve span various locations, using the already present PacketNet connection, without requiring extra hardware.
Peering & Global Connectivity
1. PacketNet was akin to major international research exchange points, including:
2. PacificWave – used for connections across the Pacific region.
3. StarLight – It is a hub for global optical & IP research networks.
4. MAN LAN (Manhattan Landing) – It is a key peering point on the U.S. East Coast.
These inquisitive arrangements meant that PacketNet users could easily exchange data with world-wide research partners.
Who Used PacketNet?
PacketNet was the best bet for a variety of users in the education & research sectors, including:
- Universities & colleges
- Scientific research laboratories or labs
- Medical research centres
- Organizations needing secure & high-speed video conferencing
- Projects involving large-scale data collection & analysis
Because it offered flexibility, advanced routing as well as ultra-fast connections. PacketNet was often used for experimental technologies & also next-gen applications that would not work well on the public internet.
National LambdaRail (NLR) PacketNet
In short, PacketNet was a powerful as well as a flexible IP-based service. This was provided by the National LambdaRail. It offered high-speed along with high-performance internet connectivity for research & educational use. It was complete with advanced features like IPv6 support, multicast, VPNs as well as international peering.
The absence of commercial constraints made it an attractive option for organizations exploring amazing research. Also for those testing new network technologies, or connecting globally through services like Cisco TelePresence. Though PacketNet is no longer active, it played a pivotal role in shaping the future of high-speed networking for science & education. Its legacy lives on in today’s research & education networks around the globe.