Jisc Pick Neos Networks for 100Gbps Dark Fibre in N.Ireland

Jisc, which provides network and IT services to the education sector, has once again chosen Neos Networks to deliver yet another of their new Dark Fibre networks, which will this time be used to serve their sites (e.g. Universities and Research Centres) in Northern Ireland with speeds of up to 100Gbps (Gigabits per second).

The new Dark Fibre connectivity forms part of the ongoing efforts to overhaul Jisc existing Janet Network across 15 UK regions. For example, Neos is already working with Jisc to deliver faster connectivity in parts of England, such as in the North West, Midlands and South of the country.

The new network, which includes new points of presence and Belfast access centres, aims to provide high-capacity (100Gbps capable) fibre connectivity between Jisc resources and data centres in the UK, Northern Ireland and key partner networks in Dublin.

The new gigabit-capable dark fibre network will also benefit from improved resilience thanks to two separate back-up routes to mainland UK via submarine (sub-sea) optical fibre cables, which link back to the company’s unbundled exchanges in Glasgow and Southport.

Deployment of the new network is already underway as part of the initial 7-year contract.

Sarah Mills, Neos’ MD of Wholesale and Smart Infrastructure, said:

“We are immensely proud of our 20-year relationship with Jisc. This latest contract win is another significant milestone. The new network will deliver operational efficiencies for Jisc and enable it to continue to improve the services it offers to its members in the education and research arena.”

Neil Shewry, Jisc’s Deputy Director of Network Delivery, said:

“We need to continually improve and enhance the connectivity options for the institutions we serve. This new network will give us the bandwidth, the capability and the reliability we need to deliver on that goal. This network will provide future-proof connectivity to Jisc’s members and help to meet increasing demand created by the ongoing shift to the hybrid learning environment.”

The development comes shortly after Neos completed the latest phase of their Project Edge network expansion, which has seen them unbundle a total of 550 BT exchanges (here) – they’re already aiming to push this up to 700 by the end of 2022. The company’s fibre UK footprint has also reached around 34,000km.