A Nationwide 400-Gbps Backbone Network for Research and Education in Japan

This paper describes the architectural design, services, and operation and monitoring functions of Science Information NETwork 6 (SINET6), a 400-Gigabit Ethernet-based academic backbone network launched on a nationwide scale in April 2022. In response to the requirements from universities and research institutions, SINET upgraded its world-class network speed, improved its accessibility, enhanced services and security, incorporated 5G mobile functions, and strengthened international connectivity. With fully-meshed connectivity and fast rerouting, it attains nationwide high performance and high reliability. The evaluation results of network performance are also reported.