As NYSERNet celebrates its 40th anniversary, we take a moment to reflect on one of its most pivotal milestones: the development of its Dark Fiber Network. This initiative, launched in the early 2000s, reshaped the way NYSERNet members access high-performance networking and laid the foundation for many innovations that followed.
The Vision: Transforming Networking with Dark Fiber
In the early 2000s, the concept of dark fiber—unused optical fiber available for custom connectivity—was gaining traction as a transformative networking solution. NYSERNet identified the potential for dark fiber to significantly enhance performance while reducing costs for its members. Dark fiber promised greater control over network infrastructure, bypassing the high costs associated with telephone carriers and enabling direct connections between routers.
NYSERNet’s exploration into dark fiber began in New York City where the high density of institutions made it an ideal testing ground. The promise of gigabit ethernet and future upgrades to 10 gigabit ethernet offered cost-effective, high-bandwidth solutions, giving NYSERNet the ability to meet the rapidly growing demands of research and educational institutions.
Laying the Groundwork: Planning and Early Progress
By Summer 2001, NYSERNet had begun intensive investigations into the feasibility of building its own dark fiber network in New York City. The initial focus was on eliminating or reducing local-loop costs, a significant expense for institutions connecting to NYSERNet’s points of presence (PoPs). With the help of a consulting firm, NYSERNet surveyed potential participants and gathered data on their connectivity needs, which varied from commodity internet access to research network requirements.
This data allowed NYSERNet to design an initial network topology and evaluate whether to construct the network from scratch or lease dark fiber from third-party providers. By Spring 2002, these efforts had coalesced into a comprehensive plan, leading to gauging vendor options and refining cost projections.
Building the Network: Vendor Selection and Deployment
The project gained significant momentum by Fall 2002, when NYSERNet secured letters of intent from 10 institutions representing 32 site locations across Manhattan and the Bronx. An RFP (Request for Proposals) was issued, leading to presentations from multiple vendors. Through evaluations by technical and financial committees, NYSERNet selected a preferred vendor and began formal negotiations.
A critical aspect of the deployment was ensuring redundant fiber routes for disaster recovery and implementing a primary colocation site at 32 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. This facility would not only support NYSERNet’s dark fiber network but also enable network peering activities among international networks, enhancing overall resilience and performance.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovation
The path to success was not without challenges. The demand for materials, the need for equipment upgrades, and the logistical complexities of building a fiber network in a dense urban environment required careful planning and coordination. However, NYSERNet’s efforts paid off. Leveraging technologies like wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) and gigabit ethernet, the dark fiber network allowed for scalable, high-bandwidth connectivity that far exceeded traditional solutions.
The Impact: A Foundation for Future Growth
By 2003, parts of the dark fiber network were operational, with institutions benefiting from increased bandwidth and cost savings. The successful deployment in Manhattan set the stage for future expansions across New York State, as NYSERNet explored similar projects in other metropolitan areas. The dark fiber initiative not only enabled greater collaboration among educational and research institutions but also reinforced NYSERNet’s reputation as a leader in innovative networking solutions.
Shaping Tomorrow
The Dark Fiber Network remains a testament to NYSERNet’s commitment to member-driven innovation. What began as a vision to enhance connectivity in New York City has evolved into a model of scalable, resilient networking that supports today’s complex digital needs. As we honor this milestone, we also look ahead to the next wave of advancements, ensuring that NYSERNet continues to be a trusted partner in building the future of research and education networks.
Up Next in NYSERNet40: With the Dark Fiber Network revolutionizing connectivity, NYSERNet took the next step—designing a purpose-built data center to meet growing demands for infrastructure resilience, business continuity and disaster recovery.