Ohio’s Terabit Network takes shape as OARnet moves to 400 Gbps

OARnet makes progress on major upgrade to statewide fiber-optic backbone
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Dec 4, 2024) — 

OARnet is transitioning its statewide, fiber-optic backbone from 100 Gigabits per second (Gbps) to 400 Gbps connectivity—a significant milestone on the path to 1 Terabit (1,000 Gbps)—to accommodate the rising demand for broadband services in Ohio and to position the state for further technology innovation and economic growth. 

The 400 Gbps upgrade, part of a long-term project called the Next Generation OARnet Terabit Network, is slated for completion in 2026 and will make a significant impact on Ohio. Outcomes will include: 

The OARnet statewide backbone is comprised of six rings, defined by the path of the underlying fiber-optic infrastructure, which are powered by state-of-the-art optical transport and routing equipment. The backbone provides clients with high-capacity, redundant connectivity to cloud providers and high-speed internet service. Implementation of the Next Generation OARnet Terabit Network ensures that the backbone will continue to exceed the performance demands of OARnet customers.
The OARnet statewide backbone is comprised of six rings, defined by the path of the underlying fiber-optic infrastructure, which are powered by state-of-the-art optical transport and routing equipment. The backbone provides clients with high-capacity, redundant connectivity to cloud providers and high-speed internet service. Implementation of the Next Generation OARnet Terabit Network ensures that the backbone will continue to exceed the performance demands of OARnet customers. 

  • Integration of new technology, such as artificial intelligence and expanded automation, to streamline government service delivery. 

  • A robust blended in-person and online learning environment that ensures a successful student experience throughout the state. 

  • Facilitation of training, certifications and internships to support workforce development. 

  • Increased availability of healthcare and expanded services as broadband creates links between urban and rural healthcare centers. 

  • Promotion of research and workforce development at higher education institutions, which also supports JobsOhio initiatives in recruiting new businesses and retaining and expanding existing businesses to advance economic development. 

The State of Ohio has committed $20 million in capital improvement funds to date to support the Next Generation OARnet Terabit Network, under the direction of Mike Duffey, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). This project is critical for Ohio’s future success, laying the groundwork for a Terabit-capable network beyond 2026, as soon as the technology becomes available. 

“OARnet is one of the nation’s leaders in statewide delivery of broadband networks that advance the goals of government and education,” Duffey said. “The Next Generation OARnet Terabit Network will allow Ohio to remain competitive with other states for economic development and research grant opportunities and support workforce retention.”  

Over the last few years, OARnet has strategically upgraded portions of its statewide fiber-optic backbone to 400 Gbps capacity and has now completed the greater Columbus area and southern Ohio regions of the project.  

In addition, OARnet has upgraded its connectivity to Internet2, which links Ohio to national resources, to 500 Gbps. Internet2 connections in Cincinnati and Cleveland provide dedicated circuits for peering, research traffic and cloud computing services. This allows Ohio to participate in national university research collaborations on critical issues such as health, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as well as educational cloud computing and access to providers such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google. 

The project has required OARnet’s engineering team to upgrade fiber as well as optical, routing and switching equipment in each of the six rings of the statewide backbone. (See accompanying diagram.) Working collaboratively with clients and vendors, OARnet has overseen delivery of new fiber, construction to support new infrastructure, and field testing to verify the performance of the equipment. 

Ensuring seamless internet connectivity and other technology services for clients during the transition to 400 Gbps has been a top priority for OARnet. Engineers and business relationship managers work closely with OARnet’s various client communities, such as higher education institutions, state and local government entities, K–12 districts and healthcare organizations to carefully coordinate the equipment transition and leverage the redundancy in the system to avoid interruptions in service for the millions of Ohioans who rely on the OARnet backbone for education, research and government services. 

“OARnet must continue to develop its capacity for enhancements to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid pace of the digital transformation in Ohio,” said Pankaj Shah, executive director of OARnet. “This initiative also complements the state’s overall strategy, under the offices of BroadbandOhio and InnovateOhio, to provide high-speed internet to every citizen and enhance digital literacy to develop the next-generation workforce.” 

Written by Andrea Gibson

Since 1987, OARnet has delivered technology-based solutions that reduce costs, increase productivity and improve customer service. As a division of the Ohio Department of Higher Education's Ohio Technology Consortium, OARnet serves Ohio's education, health care, public broadcasting and government communities. Other members of the consortium include the Ohio Supercomputer Center and OhioLINK.

Subjects: 
Network