Internet2 announced it is collaborating with ProCurve Networking by HP to upgrade the Internet2 Observatory, which provides real-time data and insight into the Internet2 advanced multi-layer optical and Internet Protocol (IP) research network. "ProCurve is delighted to work with Internet2 to facilitate network research on the nation's most advanced network devoted to research and education," said Paul Congdon, chief technology officer and HP fellow, ProCurve Networking by HP. "The latest version of the Internet2 Observatory provides the network research community a window into the inner workings of an advanced network infrastructure. By supporting this valuable effort, ProCurve is helping researchers model traffic patterns and analyze protocols that will ultimately aid in shaping the future of the Internet." The Internet2 Observatory provides data on the performance and network status information collected on the Internet2 Network, giving researchers a view of a high-performance, operational network not possible in a laboratory environment or on the commercial Internet. The upgraded Observatory is being deployed on Internet2's new network, a hybrid infrastructure consisting of optical and packet technologies. Once fully deployed, Internet2's new network will provide over 100 gigabits per second of capacity and enable researchers to provision optical circuits on demand for short- or long-term use. The new Observatory will allow researchers for the first time to study data not only on the IP network, but also on dynamically provisioned optical waves. "The Internet2 Observatory delivers strong support for the network research community at Internet2 member universities, and it also provides for the co-location of network experiments and measurement servers developed by the research community," said Rick Summerhill, Internet2 director of network research, architecture and technologies. "ProCurve's participation in the Observatory builds on HP's long-time partnership within the Internet2 community. We are grateful to ProCurve for their continued support of this important and unique endeavor, which we believe is a critical tool for our members' ongoing development of next-generation Internet technologies." The Internet2 Observatory uses ProCurve Switch 5412 and 3500yl series equipment. The Switch 5400zl series are high-port-density, chassis-based intelligent edge switches with wirespeed Gigabit and 10 Gigabit performance as well as integrated Gigabit Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). The Switch 3500 series are stackable intelligent edge switches that also feature 10 GbE capability and integrated PoE.