HEAnet, the high-speed internet network that unites the Republic's research and educational institutions, jolted its capacity upwards tenfold yesterday when it formally switched on seven new fibreoptic lines.
The seven 155 megabit STM-1 lines, which HEAnet received as part of the Government's deal with transatlantic cable operator Global Crossing, will vastly increase the research capabilities of Irish universities and institutions.
In particular, the network will allow Irish researchers to collaborate with colleagues in Europe on networked computer "grids" that harness the power of thousands of individual PCs.
Researchers will also now be able to link to cutting edge Internet2 projects in the US.
Launched formally by Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, at the Tipperary Institute in Thurles, the new network brings the State to a "revolutionary point", she said.
"Of all the matters that are of strategic importance for research, none is as strong as this," she added. The network was introduced during a two-day national networking conference hosted by HEAnet to examine the future of internet services for education.
