Internet2, HP To Test Model For High-Performance Networks

Hewlett-Packard ProLiant DL360 G4 servers will be deployed in several U.S. cities to test a Hybrid Optical and Packet Infrastructure (HOPI) test bed developed by Internet2, according to an announcement Wednesday.

The HOPI test bed, which Internet2 said will be a model for future high-performance networks, is experimental and will be deployed on HP servers in Seattle, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.

Internet2 is a consortium of more than 200 universities working to develop advanced network applications and technologies -- many of them targeted for future Internet usage -- in partnership with industry and government entities.

"(The) latest participation in the HOPI effort will allow scientists from around the world to better understand the performance of hybrid networks under a variety of conditions as well as enable wide-scale experimentation with new networking technologies," said Rick Summerhill of Internet2 in a statement. Summerhill is the firm's director of network research, architecture, and technologies, as well as HOPI Design Team co-chairperson.

The test bed will monitor and measure the network in an effort to gain understanding of future implementation of bandwidth-intensive applications.