Core network infrastructure supporting the VLT at ESO Paranal in Chile

Harold Reay

doi:10.1117/12.387229

2 June 2000 Core network infrastructure supporting the VLT at ESO Paranal in Chile

Harold Reay

Proceedings Volume 4011, Advanced Global Communications Technologies for Astronomy; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.387229
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

In October 1997 a number of projects were started at ESO's Paranal Observatory at Cerro Paranal in Chile to upgrade the communications infrastructure in place at the time. The planned upgrades were to internal systems such as computer data networks and telephone installations and also data links connecting Paranal to other ESO sites. This paper details the installation work carried out on the Paranal Core Network (PCN) during the period of October 1997 to December 1999. These installations were to provide both short term solutions to the requirement for reliable high bandwidth network connectivity between Paranal and ESO HQ in Garching, Germany in time for UTI (Antu) first light and perhaps more importantly, to provide the core systems necessary for a site moving towards operational status. This paper explains the reasons for using particular cable types, network topology, and fiber backbone design and implementation. We explain why it was decided to install the PCN in two distinct stages and how equipment used in temporary installations was re-used in the Very Large Telescope networks. Finally we describe the tools used to monitor network and satellite link performance and will discuss whether network backbone bandwidth meets the expected utilization and how this bandwidth can easily be increased in the future should there be a requirement.

Citation Download Citation

Harold Reay "Core network infrastructure supporting the VLT at ESO Paranal in Chile", Proc. SPIE 4011, Advanced Global Communications Technologies for Astronomy, (2 June 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.387229

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