How is Internet2 different from the regular Internet?
Performance and purpose are the key differentials. The regular (or commodity) Internet was originally engineered for the transfer of raw data between computers. Over time, applications were developed to facilitate the transfer of more complex data such as graphics, sound and video. However, due to the inadequacies of bandwidth, type of access such as dial-up, ISDN, cable and wireless, and variable inter and intra regional transport connection points coupled with the exploding commercial use the network, problems such as latency, jitter and security caused advanced applications not to run on the Internet or not run well. Internet2 has to deal with these issues as well, but was purpose-built to lessen or alleviate the impact on applications.
