Internet Extension to S. Caucuses and Central Asia

Abstract

In this paper, we outline the SILK Project, which is about to provide Internet connectivity on a regional basis to the NRENs of the eight countries in the Southern Caucuses and Central Asia. The project is mainly funded by the NATO Science Programme, under its Computer Networking Panel; but has additional contribution from Cisco Systems, DESY and DFN. The SILK Network is satellite-based; details of the equipment to be used is provided. It is quite state-of-the-art, including a separately manageable core network, clear interfaces to the NRENs, and an architecture which is expandable. We discuss the SILK Network, the technical activities to be undertaken and the management structure. It is made clear that we hope that this will be the basis for a substantially larger network in the near future.