NETWORKS

Internet2 today announced it is partnering with Meriton Networks, a leading-provider of optical networking technologies, to develop and deploy leading-edge network services and capabilities that will contribute to the creation of next- generation Internet architectures and enable the most advanced network applications. Meriton Networks' focus on breakthrough technologies to support high- performance networking will play a key role in Internet2's Hybrid Optical and Packet Infrastructure (HOPI) project by providing the capabilities that enable revolutionary network architectures. HOPI is providing the Internet2 community with the experience in deploying scalable networking capabilities that advanced network applications increasingly require. "Through their partnership, Meriton has extended their commitment to provide leadership and expertise within the Internet2 community," said Steve Cotter, Internet2 director of network services. "Meriton's participation in HOPI will help lay the foundation for the development of cutting-edge networking technology with the potential to transform today's Internet." The HOPI project has deployed a nationwide testbed infrastructure that provides a model for production hybrid networking services. Meriton's expertise in dynamically provisioning dedicated lightpaths, 40 gigabit per second networking and optical multicast complement the Internet2 community's goals of testing and deploying next generation networking technologies. "Building the next Internet requires the most advanced, reliable and respected technologies in the industry, and Meriton is excited to be supporting Internet2's HOPI project," said Bill Gartner, chief operating officer of Meriton Networks.