National Institute of Informatics Utilizes Juniper Networks MX Series Routers to Construct Their SINET5 Academic Network

TOKYO, JAPAN--(Marketwired - May 26, 2016) -  Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR), an industry leader in automated, scalable and secure networks, today announced that the National Institute of Informatics (NII) has utilized Juniper Networks® MX Series 3D universal edge routers in SINET5, an academic information network constructed to meet the increasingly diverse and complex needs of Japan's universities and research institutions. Deploying MX Series 3D routers, including the MX2010 for large centers and MX240 for smaller centers, NII has constructed a full-mesh network connecting over fifty data centers inside and outside of Japan. The network launched operations on April 1, 2016.

Background
SINET is an academic research network utilized by approximately 850 universities and research institutes in Japan, with connection hubs nationwide. The network also delivers connectivity in conjunction with research networks in the US, the EU, and Asia to drive domestic and international research projects through SINET. To keep up with research networks in Europe and America, where 100 Gbps connectivity is widespread, NII needed to upgrade its network to SINET5 to realize shorter transmission delays and handle higher traffic volumes efficiently.

The previous network SINET4, had a tree topology, where core nodes (routers) were installed in eight major cities throughout Japan, with branches-to-edge nodes (switches) in each region. As data traffic increased over the years, this presented issues, including transmission delays and the high management workload required due to the overall number of switches.

Adoption Criteria
To solve these problems, the new SINET5 network was required to provide 100 Gbps full-mesh connection across over fifty centers and minimize delays by eliminating hops. The network also needed to support a variety of interfaces, from 1 Gbps to 100 Gbps, to accommodate a diverse range of subscribers. Moreover, to meet the requirements of data centers within the network, there was a desire to utilize an energy-efficient line-up of routers, with models supporting various scales using the same architecture. After considering such requirements, the NII selected Juniper's MX Series.