ATM Network Infrastructure at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Objective: Provide ATM-based high performance networking and advanced network services for GSFC-based ESS testbed systems and users enabling: Distributed processing among supercomputers and workstations; Synchronization of sensitive communications such as video (with audio) conferencing among desktop workstations; and Large volume and/or high resolution image data transfers

Approach: Utilize an ATM testbed to evaluate deployment strategies for new networking technologies; Cooperate with HPCC NREN and GSFC CNE Projects on end-to-end architectures.

Accomplishments: Deployed initial GSFC ATM testbed configuration; Developed network design for interfacing with the initial NREN connection at GSFC; Supported NASA's first, and subsequent, intra-NASA MBone-based desktop video conferencing.

Significance: An ATM-based network infrastructure is a key component in the evolution towards shared use of remote network resident resources by the science community. Whether GSFC investigators use remote testbeds, remote Investigators use GSFC testbeds, Investigators move data between distributed archives and testbeds or link various combinations of distributed testbeds, or high performance computing is used in some other scenario, an evolving high performance transparent GSFC network is an essential component. (see graphic, 60K)

Status/Plans:

• FY95: Support interfacing with and operational use of NASA NREN connections at 45 Mbps by April and 155 Mbps by September.
• FY96: Support interfacing with and use of NASA NREN connection at 622 Mbps by September.

Point of Contact:

Pat Gary
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
(301) 286-9539
pat.gary@gsfc.nasa.gov

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