On-Demand E-Science Grids Utilizing Adaptive-Mesh Network Architecture

A realtime self-optimizing, self-organizing Adaptive-Mesh grid network architecture enabling cost-efficient, high-performance realtime distributed scientific collaboration is presented as a Network Enabled Platform (NEP) for CANARIE’s consideration by a Virtual Organization (VO) comprising of Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLS), Cyber Infrastructure Alberta (CYBERA), Optimum Communications Services, Inc. (OCS) and TRLabs. Pilot applications for the Adaptive-Mesh grid include dynamic, high-bandwidth network connectivity among CLS’ scientific facilities, complementary research facilities, remote users, super computing and data storage facilities. Specific CLS’ projects requiring bursty, yet high-performance network connectivity include remote user control and analysis of protein crystallography (CMCF) and materials sciences (VESPERS) research and experimentation. While CLS and its users provide the pilot application projects for the NEP proposal, OCS provides the Adaptive-Mesh dynamic network optimization technology (as a multi-point packet-switched network service over fiber-optic wavelength networks), and CYBERA and TRLabs provide fiber-optic wavelength connectivity (via TRnet and NETERA networks) and super-computing and storage facilities (CYBERA/WestGrid). Initially, an Adaptive-Mesh grid is to be deployed at least over TRnet, to interconnect the five TRLabs’ member university campuses and CLS using the single 10Gbps wavelength of current TRnet, while providing up to 50Gbps of non-blocking packet-switched (e.g. MPLS) site-to-site network access capacity among up to 20 access points at guaranteeable 5Gbps site-to-site throughput rates (as and when demanded by the momentary site-to-site data loads) with direct L1-circuit like performance. Using conventional technologies relying on non-adaptive L1/L0 connections, a dedicated wavelength connection (i.e. 20 wavelengths in total) plus 50Gbps of protected, full-duplex core switch/router capacity would be required to implement the same network connectivity that the Adaptive-Mesh achieves with the single wavelength on TRnet while eliminating the need for core routers/switches, and providing direct customer-controllability (via e.g. MPLS Labels) of data routing across network grid. To extend the (core) Adaptive-Mesh grid deployed over TRnet, additional Adaptive-Mesh grids can be deployed e.g. within the campus areas, or to reach to other frequent collaborators (e.g. complementary research facilities), and the various Adaptive-Mesh grids can be efficiently inter-connected by a hierarchy of inter-exchange Adaptive-Mesh grids. Direct Adaptive-Mesh connectivity can be formed between users and facilities over on-demand formed pools of optical network capacity (e.g. wavelength rings), for instance using CANARIE UCLP based techniques, regardless of the geographic locations of the various sites requiring high-bandwidth interconnectivity. Such on-demand grids providing deterministic, high-performance connectivity with built-in security and ubiquitous reach can further provide a viable architectural alternative for the multi-service Future Internet.

Prior to founding Optimum and developing the ITN solution, Mr. Sandstrom worked at various R&D capacities for communications system vendors in North America and Europe since 1995, for established companies such as Tellabs, Inc. as well as startups including Cyras Systems, Inc. (acquired by CIENA Corp. in 2001). He holds several pending US utility patents on the innovative techniques enabling the groundbreaking efficiency and the unique features of Optimum's self-optimizing ITN Adaptive-Mesh network solution.

Mr. Sandstrom holds an MSEE degree from Helsinki University of Technology, Finland and an Executive MBA degree from Golden Gate University, San Francisco.

• Mark_Sandstrom.ppt: Slides