The Birth of NYSERNet: Pioneering Technologies and Transformative Applications

By the late 1980s, NYSERNet had established itself as a trailblazer in advanced networking, achieving groundbreaking milestones that transformed research and education across New York state. But its evolution didn’t stop there. From spinning off some of the first commercial ISPs to creating a dedicated research and education (R&E) network, NYSERNet consistently pushed the boundaries of what was possible. In this post, we delve into the cutting-edge technologies, strategic partnerships, and transformative decisions that defined this pivotal era.

Bridging Research, Education and the Commercial Internet

In its early years, NYSERNet wasn’t just a network for research and education. It was the internet for many of its members. As technology advanced and needs broadened, the organization fostered commercial growth through key spin-offs:

• PSI-Net (Performance Systems International): In the late 1980s, PSI-Net became one of the first national ISPs, demonstrating NYSERNet’s early leadership in internet development.
• Applied Theory Communications: Established in 1996, this commercial ISP temporarily provided the backbone for NYSERNet, enabling rapid growth while bridging the gap between academic and commercial networking.

However, the inclusion of commercial traffic on the network presented challenges for the research and education community, prompting NYSERNet to chart a new course.

The NYSERNet 2000 Initiative: A Dedicated R&E Network

Recognizing the distinct needs of the research and education community, the NYSERNet 2000 Program marked a turning point. This initiative aimed to create a dedicated R&E network, free from commercial traffic to better support advanced applications and inter-institutional collaboration.

Key Features of the NYSERNet 2000 Network

• High-Bandwidth Backbone: An OC12 (622.08 Mbit/s) backbone connected institutions across New York, providing the bandwidth necessary for high-performance applications.
• Separation of Traffic: The network was designed exclusively for research and education, ensuring resources were optimized for its members.
• Integration With National Efforts: By connecting to initiatives like Internet2 and vBNS, NYSERNet positioned its members at the forefront of national research collaborations.

This strategic shift underscored NYSERNet’s commitment to its mission while laying the groundwork for future advancements in networking.

Transformative Applications: Turning Technology Into Impact

The separation of commercial and R&E traffic allowed NYSERNet to fully realize the potential of its network. Transformative applications included:

• Telemedicine transformed healthcare by enabling remote medical consultations and fostering research collaborations, bridging gaps in accessibility and delivery.
• Digital libraries empowered institutions to digitize and share extensive collections, significantly enhancing access to knowledge across the state.
• Distance learning connected educators and students in remote locations, breaking geographical barriers and expanding educational opportunities.
• Data visualization advanced the ability to process and analyze complex datasets, driving breakthroughs in diverse fields such as physics and biology.

Each application demonstrated the power of a dedicated R&E network to drive innovation and improve lives.

A Legacy of Innovation

The decision to create a dedicated R&E network wasn’t just about meeting the needs of the moment—it was about building a foundation for the future. NYSERNet’s ability to adapt and evolve, from spinning off successful commercial ISPs to leading national collaborations, cemented its legacy as a pioneer in advanced networking.

Conclusion

NYSERNet’s journey through the 1980s and 1990s highlights its dual role as a technology innovator and a steward of the research and education community. By separating R&E and letting others handle commercial traffic, NYSERNet ensured that its network would remain a dedicated robust tool for innovation.

Stay tuned for Part 4, where we’ll explore how NYSERNet…