Globally, research and development activities and innovations are increasingly multidisciplinary, collaborative, and require substantial computational power. The key to successful research today demands live consultations, data sharing and resource sharing. Therefore in order to optimally utilise the potential of institutions engaged in generation and dissemination of knowledge in various areas, it is important to connect them through a high speed broadband network. The idea of setting up a National Knowledge Network first emerged through deliberations between the office of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and the National Knowledge Commission. This was followed by extensive discussions with key stakeholders including experts, potential users, telecom service providers, educational and research institutions, which resulted in the design of the National Knowledge Network.
The NKN comprises of an ultra-high speed CORE (multiples of 10 Gbps), complimented with a distribution layer at appropriate speeds. Participating institutions at the Edge will connect to the National Knowledge Network seamlessly at speeds of 1 Gbps or higher. The network is designed to support Overlay Networks, Dedicated Networks, and Virtual Networks. Advanced applications in areas such as Health, Education, Science & Technology, Grid Computing, Bio informatics, Agriculture, and Governance will be an integral part of NKN. The entire network will seamlessly integrate with the global scientific community at multiple gigabits per second speed.
The purpose of such a knowledge network goes to the very core of the country's quest to build quality institutions with requisite research facilities and create a pool of highly trained persons. The NKN while impacting the existing academic and student community will also alter the R&D landscape for future generations.
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ABOUT NKN/2011
