In early 2024, HEAnet launched an extensive Network Upgrade Programme encompassing seven projects that focus on enhancing the HEAnet Core & Distribution network to meet HEAnet Clients’ needs for at least the next five years. The programme extends across our client ‘Point of Presence’ (PoP) locations, our Datacentres, and incorporates a new Service Provisioning System, which is essential for the provisioning of client services.
Significant progress has been made in recent months including:
- Completing the project to transition 100 Gb/s backbone optical links from end-of-life Juniper equipment with new Adva 100Gb/s equipment.
- Completion of the project to replace key components in the national backbone network necessitated by the earlier than expected end-of-life announcements by Juniper networks.
- Completion of the procurement process to replace the network switches in the HEAnet datacentres.
- Replacement of managed PDUs (Power distribution Units) in many of the PoP locations with further locations planned.
- Startup of the project replace the distribution network and aggregation Juniper equipment of the core network. This project has been necessitated by the end-of-life announcements by Juniper and will require replacement of Juniper routers in all Client locations. The project team are developing detailed plans for all locations and the first migrations scheduled to take place in July 2024. The project team and will be in close communication with all clients to plan and schedule the work well in advance.
The Network Upgrade Programme has been made possible by €3.5 million in funding from the Department of Education which will help future-proof our core networks for at least five years and be a major benefit for the HEAnet Client Community.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact noc@heanet.ie
