Internet2 is the preeminent national computer network for research and education aimed at developing and deploying advanced computer technologies for the networked world. It also fosters partnerships and collaboration between universities, government labs and corporations.

Internet2 uses Abilene, an advanced, yet stable high-speed, low latency backbone network to connect over 200 universities, government labs and corporations via gigaPoP’s – the regional networks that connect to Abilene. It also connects to many international networks, allowing Internet2 members to collaborate with researchers around the world.

Internet2 work focuses on the following areas:

• Applications drive the networks by allowing communication and cooperation between researchers. The primary applications are tele-immersion, virtual laboratories, digital libraries, and distributed instruction.



• Middleware is the software that binds the applications layer and the network layer and provides services for applications such as directories and security. Directories, identifiers, authentication, authorization and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) are examples of middleware. For more information, see the middleware primer.



• Advanced Networks – while the research is connected to applications and middleware, Internet2 strives to provide cutting edge network infrastructure, such as Abilene and the gigaPoPs, as well as connections to international networks.



• Engineering is closely allied with the advanced networks and identifies, develops, and tests technologies that make the infrastructure work such as IPSEC, IPv6, quality of service, and measurement of network traffic.
  


• Partnerships – Internet2 fosters collaboration among universities, government labs and corporations because no Internet research occurs in a vacuum. Successful development and deployment of useful, large-scale applications inevitably requires the cooperation of many people.