Albuquerque GigaPoP
The Information Technologies group at the University of New Mexico has established the Albuquerque GigaPoP (ABQG), an aggregation point of networks to provide high-bandwidth network accessibility to the State of New Mexico.
ABQG is a state-of-the-art interconnection facility designed to serve research and education programs in New Mexico. ABQG is a project of the University of New Mexico in collaboration with New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Council for Higher Education Computing Communication Services (CHECS) and the New Mexico State Agency of IT. ABQG is operated by the University of New Mexico.
ABQG is the on-ramp for high speed National Networks. These high speed networks are the National Lambda Rail (NLR) and Internet 2 (I2). Additionally, also available is access to commodity Internet 1 (I1) and peering to keep in-state traffic local.
The interconnection of separate Internet networks exchanging traffic between the participating partners provides more efficient traffic, a higher bandwidth connection, reduced Internet 1 (commodity) traffic, and network reliability (if equipment or network failure occurs at one of the partners, the connection will continue via the other partner’s network).
New Mexico remains a mostly rural state with major population centers in seven separate areas spread throughout the state. The ABQG vision includes support for the Wire New Mexico initiative bringing Internet connectivity to all of New Mexico with the help of ABQG participants. State-wide networking reduces the amount of “hops” (routers determining traffic flow) around the nation on the Internet by keeping the network traffic in-state.
By developing partnerships, leveraging technological assets, reducing duplication and sharing large bandwidth pipes, ABQG will push network access to rural points where local commercial ISPs can complete the outreach to the most rural areas.
Working together with the State and New Mexico Universities, the networks can support state-mandated programs (and vice versa) including:
- Education
- Emergency Services
- Tele-Healthcare
- Economic Development