What is Abilene?
The Abilene Network is an Internet2 high-performance backbone network that enables the development of advanced Internet applications and the deployment of leading-edge network services to Internet2 universities and research labs across the country. The network has become the most advanced native IP backbone network available to universities participating in Internet2. The Abilene Network supports the development of applications such as virtual laboratories, digital libraries, distance education and tele-immersion, as well as the advanced networking capabilities that are the focus of Internet2. Abilene complements and peers with other high-performance research networks in the U.S. and internationally. Created by the Internet2 community, Abilene connects regional network aggregation points—called gigaPoPs—to provide advanced network services to over 220 Internet2 university, corporate, and affiliate member institutions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The curr
Abilene is a high-performance network developed by the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID) in partnership with Qwest Communications, Nortel Networks, Cisco Systems and Indiana University. A primary goal of Abilene is to provide a high-performance backbone network for the Internet2 community. Abilene uses high-speed Sonet facilities and IP-over-Sonet routers, accessible to gigaPoPs in several dozen locations nationwide, to support the Internet2 infrastructure. Abilene enables faculty and staff at Internet2 universities and research labs to develop and test advanced network services and applications.
