Network Information

The KanREN backbone is entirely based on dedicated, point-to-point ethernet links, based on dark fiber, leased lambda and dedicated circuits. With both Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet links, and efficient IEEE 802.3ad link aggregation, our network is poised to easily scale to 40Gbps. The network is highly upgradable in an incremental fashion in order to ensure cost effectiveness.

The network is operated as both an MPLS network and a "generalized" IP network. The IP environment is used to move the bulk of traffic and is the "traditional" environment. The MPLS segment is used to provide both L2 and L3 VPNs, with the primary focus on both permanent and rapidly provisioned/de-provisioned "dynamic" type circuits. Both the IP network and the MPLS overlay network are capable of offering differentiated class-of-service guarantees to ensure applications from VoIP, Videoconferencing, all the way to transparently implemented "dedicated circuit" replacements.

Layer 2

At the data-link layer, the KanREN backbone is made up entirely of GigabitEthernet and 10GigabitEthernet connections. Many times "GigE" or "10GigE" connections are also bonded together in link-aggregation groups. This bonding is similar to multi-link PPP or FrameRelay, only achieved with Ethernet connections. Completely standardized (IEEE 802.3ad), this method offers an extremely flexible and scalable backbone technology. The diagram to the left depicts the backbone itself and all major entry/exit points, including our major university members, commodity Internet providers, GPN, Internet2's networks, Kan-ed, etc.

Layer 3 IPv4

Thanks to the 802.3ad bonding, the KanREN IPv4 network overlay has been greatly simplified in order to achieve the best performance possible. Our network layer diagram for IPv4 depicts all major IP interfaces within the backbone as well as entry/exit points. This diagram includes interface designators and actual interface IP addresses, and can be helpful when trying to visualize the path a packet takes traversing the network. If you've ever had difficulty figuring out our network-layer topology from a traceroute, this diagram is for you!

Layer 3 IPv6

KanREN was an early adopter of IPv6 technology -- fully implementing this next-generation network-layer protocol on February 26, 2004. Since that time, KanREN has worked diligently to refine operating practices and standards. Working within our own community, and regionally and nationally to raise awareness of IPv6 has been an ongoing commitment. This diagram shows the IPv6 connectivity and interface assignments within our backbone, as well as all major ingress/egress points that are IPv6 enabled, including our major university members.

IPv4 Routing

One of the most complicated aspects of troubleshooting a large "service-provider" type network is dealing with routing issues at the inter-autonomous system level. This diagram depicts both the internal backbone routing architecture, as well as specific information on external BGP peers and the internal BGP configuration. All major prefixes originated by KanREN and our member sites are listed. This diagram is very helpful for visualizing how BGP NLRI (network layer reachability information) is generated and passed through the network.