The modernization of parts of the CESNET2 optical transmission network will be carried by ČD – Telematika

Prague, 30th March 2023. Additional sections of the CESNET2 optical transmission network, which forms the basis of the national e-infrastructure e-INFRA CZ for research, development, and innovation in the Czech Republic, will undergo modernization. The implementation will be carried out by ČD – Telematika, which won the tender process within the e-INFRA CZ: Modernization project. The gradual technological renewal brings with it a new name for the backbone network, CESNET3. The aim is to upgrade outdated technology, including the acquisition of high-speed transponders, enabling data transmission speeds of up to 400 Gbps per channel. Additionally, emphasis has been placed on precise monitoring of the optical spectrum, SDN functionality, and the possibility of adding third-party hardware. This network segment also includes the transmission of special applications such as precise time transfer, coherent frequency T/F, and QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) in a dedicated optical spectrum.

The modernization will take place across regions throughout the Czech Republic. It will primarily focus on the circuit surrounding Prague, where important research institutions such as ELI Beamlines, Biocev, institutes in Řež and ÚMG AV ČR, and other institutions in Prague are connected. These locations also house significant computing and storage capacities and equipment, requiring their network connections to be modernized. Backup links between Prague and Brno, Brno and Ostrava, as well as the northern circuit connecting Plzeň and Ústí nad Labem, and links between Opava, Ostrava, and Karviná, will also be modernized. The project also includes two important international locations: Bratislava and Vienna, where connections with our partner organizations in Slovakia (SANET) and Austria (ACOnet) are being modernized.

“Since its establishment in 1996, CESNET has played a significant role in the development of information and communication technologies primarily for education, science, and research. We are honoured that ČD – Telematika is one of the long-term partners of this association,” says Jan Hobza, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ČD – Telematika.

DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology in the field of communication systems enables the transmission of multiple independent optical signals of different wavelengths through one or a pair of optical fibres. Its advantages lie in higher data transmission capacity, reduced installation and maintenance costs, improved reliability, and data transmission security.

“The chosen solution will provide CESNET with the necessary flexibility and robustness to enable high-speed signal transmissions, including the possibility of special T/F and QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) application transfers. QKD is a technology that utilizes quantum mechanics to ensure communication security and will support the research activities of another group of our users,” adds Jan Růžička, Deputy of CESNET for e-infrastructure.

The partial tender process was carried out within the e-INFRA CZ: Modernization project (CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/18_072/0015659).

The CESNET Association was founded by various Czech universities and the Czech Academy of Sciences in 1996. Its objective is the operation and development of ICT services that comprise the national e-infrastructure for research, development and education e-INFRA CZ. Integral components of its activities include research and development in information and communications technology. CESNET is an active partner in numerous international research infrastructures, such as the Pan-European GÉANT research, development, and education network, the European Grid Infrastructure EGI.eu and the European infrastructure for open science EOSC. For more details, visit www.cesnet.cz and www.e-infra.cz.

ČD – Telematika a.s. is a significant provider in the field of railway technologies for security and communication, as well as a supplier of wholesale telecommunications services and services in the area of management, maintenance, and construction of optical infrastructures. It operates its own optical network in the Czech Republic, which is part of the state’s key infrastructure. It complements its portfolio of activities with value-added services in areas such as road telematics. For more information, please visit https://www.cdt.cz/en/.