Research network engineering (RNE) community group
A community for sharing best practices in building network infrastructures to support cutting edge research.
Facilitated by Jisc
Open to staff from Janet-connected sites involved in network operations or in communities conducting data-intensive science
Monthly meetings via Zoom
About the community
Researchers at Janet-connected sites often have challenging network requirements. One notable case is an ever-increasing need for them to move large volumes of data to other organisations on the Janet Network or beyond.
The systems and network engineering knowledge required to design, build and operate effective platforms for such data transfers is not insignificant.
The broad aim of the RNE community is to discuss and share best practices in research networking, bringing together those with experience in the area with those who may be new to the subject, along with engineers and performance specialists from Jisc.
Topics might include examples of Science DMZ implementations, how to gather network performance measurements, and comparisons of software transfer tools. Ultimately, we hope to enable all Jisc members to make optimal use of their Janet connection to support their research requirements.
Aims of the community
Our aims are to:
- Present and discuss examples of network engineering practices in support of research
- Discuss the tools, software and concepts behind Science DMZ principles
- Arrange and report on data transfer tests in varying scenarios
- Explore new technical solutions
- Foster collaboration between communities, within Janet and internationally
These aims will be discussed and updated at the group's first meeting. The RNE community will meet on a regular, monthly basis to allow members to share and discuss ideas, best practices and any issues they face.
Who should join
The community is open to:
- Network managers
- Campus network engineers
- Campus IT staff supporting data intensive research
- Members of research communities seeking to share large volumes of data
No prior experience in the area is assumed.
How to join
Next community call
GÉANT: providing R&E connectivity to Europe and beyond
Date and time: Friday 25 April 2025 at 2pm BST
Our speaker: Mian Usman (Lead Network Architect, GÉANT)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Abstract
The talk is a fabulous opportunity to learn more about the GÉANT network that provides us with connectivity to other R&E networks around the world.
GÉANT is a Pan-European network dedicated to serving Europe's National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) and the wider research and education community. This talk will provide an overview of GÉANT’s terabit-ready infrastructure, highlighting the significant upgrades made over the past few years. The focus will be on the evolution of the network to meet the growing demands of data-intensive research. We’ll explore the expansion of our fibre footprint, the introduction of open optical line systems, and the replacement of the IP/MPLS equipment, all of which enable GÉANT to deliver high-capacity network infrastructure across Europe and beyond.
In addition to showing how GÉANT provides a robust, performant backbone that connects Janet sites to the rest of the world’s R&E infrastructure, the talk will also touch on the use of network automation and include pointers to GÉANT’s network monitoring and performance tools.
Past event resources
For access to past slide decks and meeting recordings please join the Teams community.
By request: If you would like a copy of any materials used at any of our RNE community calls, please email Tim Chown (tim.chown@jisc.ac.uk).
Find out more
If you have any questions about the community please email the community facilitators at netperf@jisc.ac.uk.
To hear about RNE community news and events, or to discuss ideas or challenges you may have with other members of the community, sign up to the JiscMail list.