International research networks provide very high bandwidth network communications between universities and research organizations around the world. The bandwidth available is typically 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) or greater, with 10s of gigabits available to research projects that require it.
The U of S is connected to international research networks by way of SRnet, the provincial research network. SRnet is connected to CA*net, Canada's national research network. CA*net is connected to other national research networks including Internet2, Abilene, GEANT, TransPac and many others. Through SRnet and CA*net the U of S has access to research networks across Canada and around the world.
Use of the high-speed research networks is somewhat automatic as traffic between universities and research organizations automatically use these networks. However, to make full use of the available resources special arrangements will be needed, including high bandwidth TCP/IP software stacks and gigabit connections to servers.
