NORDUnet and Nordic R&E Networks (UNINETT, SUNET, Funet, DeIC, and RHnet), participate in the Global Network Architecture (GNA) initiative. GNA is defining a reference architecture and creating a roadmap for both national and regional research & education networks to more seamlessly support research on an end-to-end basis. Ultimately, this effort will establish a more capable, predictable and resilient next-generation global interconnect for research and education.
GNA embodies a vision and an ambition of a global collaboration of national research and education (R&E) networks from all continents of the world. The vision of the Global Network Architecture says “Globally Connecting Science, Research & Education – Assuring that bandwidth and services in support of research and education between continents is equivalent to that within continents”. The collaboration on the global architecture will also enable R&E Networks to align their spending for intercontinental bandwidth.
GNA is developed in two working groups:
- The Technical Working Group created version 1.0 of a blueprint for interconnecting R&E networks on a global scale, based on the latest technologies and promising developments, with a five to ten-year horizon.
- The Policy & Strategy working group allow participants to develop their vision on strategy & vision, funding, policies & procedures, and behaviour.
By being part of GNA, Nordic NRENs provide ever-increasing global connectivity to their users at Nordic campuses and research institutions.
