[538] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
AlterNet - NEARnet Interconnect
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Andrew Partan)
Fri Apr 5 03:54:40 1991
From: asp@uunet.uu.net (Andrew Partan)
To: com-priv@psi.com
Date: Wed, 3 Apr 91 17:16:46 EST
AlterNet - NEARnet Interconnect
AlterNet & NEARnet have agreed to directly interconnect their IP
networks. The interconnect is expected to be operational within 45
days.
AlterNet customers will now be able to access NEARnet sites without
using the NSFNET backbone. This will allow commercial customers on
AlterNet to exchange "commercial" data with sites on NEARnet.
Additionally, AlterNet will connect to the new T3 NSS being installed
in Cambridge, MA. This will give AlterNet customers a second entry
point into the NSFNET backbone, greatly enhancing the robustness of
AlterNet connectivity to the Internet.
Similarly, NEARnet customers will be able to exchange "commercial" data
with AlterNet customers in addition to the already supported traffic in
support of education or research and development.
In the event of a failure of the Cambridge NSS, NEARnet traffic to the
NSFNET backbone will be carried via AlterNet to the College Park NSS.
This backup link to the NSFNET greatly increases the robustness of
NSFNET connectivity for NEARnet customers.
AlterNet customers also have access to PSINet and CERFnet through the
previously announced CIX (Commercial Internet eXchange) and to EUnet
via an arrangement with EurOpen (formerly EUUG). AlterNet is continuing
to expand its interconnections and expects to announce more
interconnections in the near future.
--asp@uunet.uu.net (Andrew Partan)
+1 703 876 5050
