Intercontinental Traffic
25%
Of GÉANT Network traffic either originates from or is destined for locations outside of Europe
Data Growth
+35%
Forecasted growth of GÉANT’s intercontinental traffic in the next 7-10 years
Global Reach
>2 continents
GN5-IC1 to deliver long-term connectivity to at least two continents and planning for further activities
Long-Term Investments
7 years
Minimum term for connectivity contracts / Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRUs) via GN5-IC1
What is GN5-IC1?
GN5-IC1 is the ambitious 36-months project that will plan and implement the first phase of a new intercontinental connectivity investment programme to further support the European Research and Education community.
Part of the new GN5 Framework Partnership Agreement in Horizon Europe (GN5-FPA), and sister project to the GN5-1 project, GN5-IC1 aims to extend and secure the global reach of the GÉANT network by replacing and updating existing intercontinental connectivity infrastructure.
With big scientific projects either coming online in the next few years or generating ever more data, GN5-IC1 will be vital to address the demand for enormous growth in intercontinental networking capacity.
A particular focus will be put on increasingly relevant topics such as European digital sovereignty, security, interoperability with other world regions, and on an intercontinental connectivity approach based on collaboration and reciprocity.
Finally, GN5-IC1 will work on identifying current gaps in R&E connectivity, as well as future intercontinental connectivity needs, and on establishing long-term international capacity planning and investment in synergy with international partners, users, and other initiatives.