China's First 100G Backbone Network CERNET Completed with Tsinghua University as the Lead Undertaking Unit - Tsinghua University

### Abstract: China's First 100G Backbone Network CERNET Completed #### Overview On December 31, 2021, the "China Education and Research Computer Network (CERNET) Backbone Network and Key Discipline Information Service System Upgrade and Expansion Project" successfully passed its final inspection at Tsinghua University. This marks the completion of China's first 100G backbone network, making CERNET the world's largest 100G academic network. The project, initiated in 2011 and led by Tsinghua University with the collaboration of Peking University and 38 other institutions, represents a significant leap in China's internet infrastructure, particularly in the realm of education and research. #### Key Events and Milestones 1. **Project Initiation and Approval (2011)**: The project, part of the third phase of the 211 Engineering Program, received approval from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Education. Construction officially began, focusing on upgrading and expanding the CERNET backbone network. 2. **Construction Period (2011-2013)**: Over a span of two years, 38 universities worked together to achieve the project's goals. 3. **Final Inspection (December 31, 2021)**: The project was successfully inspected and approved, signifying its completion and operational readiness. #### Technical Achievements 1. **High-Speed Optical Transmission Network**: The expanded CERNET high-speed optical transmission network, entirely built with domestic equipment, covers 34 cities across 29 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, spanning a total length of 21,732.4 kilometers. The network's total capacity reaches 40 x 100G. 2. **100G Backbone Network**: The upgraded CERNET backbone network extends to 36 cities, with 100G connectivity to 23 core nodes in 21 cities. This network has a total bandwidth of over 3.15 terabits (Tbps), providing gigabit and higher-speed access to more than 2,000 universities, including 500 with terabit-level access. 3. **International Connectivity**: The network's international and domestic interconnection bandwidth exceeds 100G, with international bandwidth surpassing 30G. 4. **Distributed Information Service System**: A distributed key discipline information service system with a total capacity of 10TB has been established, covering 54 key discipline points nationwide. This system provides crucial information resources for higher education and scientific innovation. 5. **Network Management and Security**: A high-performance network management and security system has been deployed across 38 core nodes and 4 international/domestic interconnection points. This system enhances the measurement of foundational data, improves the monitoring and analysis of harmful network activities, and ensures the secure and reliable operation of the CERNET backbone network. #### Impact and Significance - **Educational and Research Support**: The 100G backbone network significantly boosts the capacity and speed of internet connectivity, providing essential support for teaching and research in Chinese universities. This advancement aligns with the increasing demands of the big data era, where both educational and economic activities require higher bandwidth and faster data transmission. - **Global Leadership**: The project places China at the forefront of global 100G academic network development. According to Professor Jianping Wu, Chair of the CERNET Expert Committee and Head of Tsinghua University's Computer Science Department, the network's enhanced capacity and improved security and management capabilities are crucial for the advancement of education and research in China. - **Next-Generation Internet**: The Ministry of Education's expert panel noted that the project's completion provides a necessary transmission foundation for the innovation of next-generation internet and future network technologies. - **Data Transmission Efficiency**: Professor Xing Li of Tsinghua University highlighted the dramatic improvement in data transmission efficiency. For example, a 2GB file that takes about 16 seconds to download on a 10G network can be downloaded in less than 0.2 seconds on a 100G network, addressing a significant bottleneck in current scientific research. #### Broader Context and Future Plans - **Broadband China Initiative**: The completion of the CERNET 100G backbone network aligns with China's broader "Broadband China" initiative, which aims to enhance the country's internet infrastructure. Major telecommunications operators, including China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile, are also planning and constructing their 100G backbone networks. - **Continued Development**: The project's success paves the way for further advancements in internet technology and infrastructure, supporting the continued growth and innovation in China's educational and research sectors. #### Conclusion The completion of China's first 100G backbone network, CERNET, represents a significant achievement in the country's internet infrastructure. It not only meets the growing demands of the big data era but also positions China as a leader in academic network development. The project's success underscores the importance of collaboration among universities and the government's commitment to advancing education and research through cutting-edge technology.