SURFnet and KPN to collaborate on next generation mobile networks, Internet and IPv6

[Kudos to SURFnet on an exciting new initiative between SURFnet and KPN (Dutch incumbent telephone company).
As many of you know I have been blogging about this opportunity for R&E networks for some time. I think R&E networks can play an important leadership role in deploying revolutionary next generation mobile networks with an “enterprise” centric architecture, integrating campus Wifi, powered by renewable energy, built around native IPv6, eduroam authentication and using the R&E network for backhaul. See my various blogs on “5G” networking—BSA]

http://www.surfnet.nl/en/nieuws/Pages/testenvironment.aspx

Test environment for super-fast mobile Internet in higher education and research

KPN and SURFnet concluded an agreement today to collaborate on studying closer integration between mobile networks and the Internet and on introducing the latest generation of Internet addresses, IPv6.
Utrecht, The Netherlands, 21 October 2011 – KPN and SURFnet concluded an agreement today to collaborate on studying closer integration between mobile networks and the Internet and on introducing the latest generation of Internet addresses, IPv6.

Their joint aim is to build knowledge and gain experience working with new “fourth generation” (4G) mobile networks. They also want to give an extra push to the introduction of the new generation of Internet addresses (IPv6) in the Netherlands.

Mobile networks
Mobile communication is playing an increasingly important role in the higher education and research sector. Unrestricted, fast, uninterrupted access to the Internet is hugely important in new approaches to working and learning. SURFnet and KPN intend to explore how wireless networks such as UMTS, Wi-Fi and the new LTE can be more closely integrated into the SURFnet network and, as a result, the Internet. The first pilot project will be launched before the end of this year. The project will involve linking KPN's mobile broadband infrastructure as smoothly as possible to SURFnet’s network infrastructure and to the Wi-Fi networks of the participating universities based on eduroam authentication. According to SURFnet and KPN, the project will allow them to gain the knowledge and experience that they need to use new mobile networks in education and research.

Both parties believe in the advantages of new approaches to working and learning, with students and researchers being free to learn and collaborate anytime and anywhere. Mobile networks can support these new approaches by giving students and staff at Dutch institutions for higher education and research easy, secure, and reliable access to modern ICT applications. Major advances are now possible thanks to the new LTE network, which offers high-speed capability and shorter log on time. SURFnet’s user group has demonstrated that it can play a pioneering role when it comes to the introduction of new network services; the best-known example of this is the Internet itself.

IPv6 – the latest generation of Internet addresses
SURFnet has long been encouraging knowledge institutions in the Netherlands and elsewhere to use IPv6. The SURFnet network has supported IPv6 since 2001, but many institutions and companies have yet to make the switch. The transition to IPv6 has now become an urgent matter, however, because the available IPv4 addresses are almost exhausted. SURFnet and KPN therefore wish to accelerate implementation of IPv6. To help KPN make a rapid and effective transition to IPv6, SURFnet – working through the RIPE Network Coordination Centre – will transfer a series of IPv4 addresses to KPN in order to stimulate the crucial timely introduction of IPv6 in the Netherlands.
The results of the study will be available for general use.
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About SURFnet
SURFnet ensures that researchers, instructors, and students can work together simply and effectively with the aid of ICT. SURFnet therefore promotes, develops, and operates a hybrid network, a trusted identity, and a pioneering collaboration environment that encourages online collaboration. About one million users within the target group have access to these services. SURFnet is part of SURF, in which Dutch research universities, universities of applied sciences, and research centres collaborate on creating innovative ICT facilities. For more than 20 years now, SURFnet has been one of the primary authorities in the Netherlands in the field of Internet communication.

Company profile KPN
KPN is the leading telecommunications and ICT service provider in the Netherlands, offering wireline and wireless telephony, internet and TV to consumers and end-to-end telecom and ICT services to business customers. KPN operates a global ICT services company with the brand name Getronics and has a market leading position in the Benelux, offering end-to-end solutions in infrastructure and network-related IT. KPN manages 2.2 million workspaces. In Germany and Belgium, KPN pursues a Challenger strategy in its wireless operations and holds number three market positions through E-Plus and BASE. In Spain and France, KPN offers wireless services as an MVNO through its own brands and through partner brands. KPN provides wholesale network services to third parties and operates an efficient IP-based infrastructure with global scale in international wholesale through iBasis.
At December 31st, 2010, KPN served over 42.2 million customers, of which 33.9 million were in wireless services, 4.4 million in wireline voice, 2.8 million in broadband Internet and 1.2 million in TV. With 19,192 FTEs in the Netherlands (30,599 FTEs for the whole group), KPN reported full-year revenues of EUR 13.4bn and an EBITDA of EUR 5.5bn in 2010. KPN was incorporated in 1989 and is listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.



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Green Internet Consultant. Practical solutions to reducing GHG emissions such as free broadband and electric highways. http://green-broadband.blogspot.com/
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