The Gemini Observatory Multicontinental Network
James R. Kennedy
Gemini Observatory, 670 N. A'ohoku Pl., Hilo, HI 96720
Abstract.
The Gemini Observatory operates two 8meter IR/optical telescopes: one in Hawaii and the other in Chile. Highspeed network connections among all of the mountain telescopes, their sealevel bases, and a support facility in Tucson are essential to their operation, providing video and audio communications, administrative computing systems, remote telescope operation, scientific data management, and many other applications. All the sites have recently been connected via the Abilene network, through collaborations with more than a dozen astronomy facilities near of the various Gemini sites, with Florida International University's AMPATH program, with various providers, and with grant support for the National Science Foundation. While the bandwidth levels required will change over time, Gemini's current objective is a minimum 10 Mbps presence on Internet2 to and from its principal sites. The Gemini North, Gemini South, and Tucson sites are at this level or better. Gemini North has been upgraded to a burst capability up to 155 Mbps to the US Mainland Internet2. Gemini South has burst capability to 10 Mbps, with 6 Mbps guarantied to the US Mainland Internet2.
Keywords: astronomy, communications, networking