What if advanced networking technology could supercharge research on a global scale?
This year, Sun Corridor Network joined FABRIC, a collaborative platform to test a more flexible, adaptable, and powerful network infrastructure. FABRIC, or Adaptive ProgrammaBle Research Infrastructure for Computer Science and Science Applications, is an initiative from the National Science Foundation to create a 1.2 terabit per second network connecting research centers and computing facilities across the globe. The goal is to use high-speed, dedicated storage and computing power to facilitate research and experimentation considered not possible using traditional network setups.
An international effort, FABRIC is dispersed across multiple sites in North America, Europe and Asia, including commercial collocation spaces, national labs, and campuses. Each of its 29 locations is equipped with advanced computing and storage capabilities interconnected by dedicated optical links. Scientists in diverse fields from astronomy to physics, cosmology, weather, urban science and computer science are experimenting with FABRIC’s platform.
Customizable, software-based network management
Drawing inspiration from concepts like cloud computing and containerization – a method of organizing software into easier-to-handle “containers” – FABRIC represents the next step forward in network management. It builds upon established technologies while embracing emerging trends in IT, such as using software to program and automate elements within the network. This, combined with unprecedentedly high network speeds, would open doors for research previously considered infeasible.
A key element of FABRIC is its basis on a software-defined network (SDN), a method of network management that uses software to centrally configure network components. This is similar to managing traffic lights in a city, where instead of each traffic light operating independently, they are connected to a central controller where they can be adjusted in real time. FABRIC tests the tools, applications, and performance of a similar concept in networking at a broader scale.
This flexible and adaptable IT infrastructure approach is crucial for enabling efficient access and control of individualized networks. With central network management, scientists and researchers could efficiently customize and curate unique network environments ideal for specific projects while harnessing a fast IT infrastructure.
A unique opportunity for discovery
Joining FABRIC presents a chance to develop innovative networking ideas while supporting research advancements. Sun Corridor Network will work alongside Arizona State University researcher Violet Syrotiuk and her colleague Abraham Matta of Boston University to test new protocols for high-performance and secure data transfers. Together, they will leverage advanced research and education networking technology expertise while exploring a new networking environment using the testbed’s tremendous speeds.
“FABRIC is a new network testbed that allows us to explore ideas for implementing the next generation of the internet,” Syrotiuk says. “Because FABRIC provides in-network storage and computation, it offers completely new and different methods to implement our protocols. Many new ideas have come up as we learn more about how to take advantage of some of FABRIC’s unique capabilities.”
Ultimately, joining FABRIC not only offers the opportunity to test, refine and integrate novel ideas with the potential to redefine the internet, but also to contribute to the evolution of networking possibilities and global research for years to come.