A factor of 800,000
The definition of a good communications network has hardly changed in decades. It needs to be suitable for every application and available all the time. The range of applications and the performance of the hardware in use, on the other hand, have changed dramatically and continue to do so. This means that networks continually face new challenges. When SWITCHlan first appeared back in 1989, the maximum connection bandwidth was only 128 kilobits per second. That was enough to cope with all the applications available at the time. Today, it's up to 100 gigabits per second. That, too, is enough for all applications – for now.
More than just a data network
SWITCHlan is more than just a smoothly functioning data network for universities. It's a unique blend of infrastructure, transmission technology, quality assurance, lab testing, assistance, transparency and partnerships. In addition to the infrastructure, SWITCH offers useful network services and a dedicated customer service team to help universities make the most of the network.
Forming an integral part of the academic community, it commits its resources to innovation. The SWITCHlan team is thus open to ideas for experimental projects. It's no coincidence that SWITCHlan forms the basis for a large number of central SWITCH services, including SWITCHaai.
Our offering at a glance
- Redundant IP connections for teaching and research in Switzerland
- Point-to-point connections and multipoint networks
- Private optical connections on dedicated lambdas
Infrastructure at a glance
- Fibre-optic network stretching over some 2,900 km
- Procurement, installation and operation of all active network components
- Dedicated Network Operations Centre
- Comprehensive monitoring
- Bandwidths up to 100 Gbit/s
- High transmission quality
- High stability and availability
- Connections to international research networks
- Internet connections via four different providers and numerous peers
Services at a glance
- Fault reports accepted round the clock
- Technical support during office hours
- Transparent communication
- Close cooperation with clients on troubleshooting and expansion of SWITCHlan
- Provision of tools
- Assistance with various network issues, such as IPv6, performance, multicast, IP address registration and NTP
