eResearch Symposium: Science DMZ Wrap-up

Science DMZ workshop at the eResearch Symposium

Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) hosted the 2012 eResearch Symposium which attracted researchers, IT specialists and educationalists from across the country and abroad.

In a dedicated workshop, REANNZ and NeSI presented the Science DMZ concept. The Science DMZ is a network architecture that separates the large data traffic flows that high-performance science generates, from “business as usual” traffic. The REANNZ team presented an 8Gb/s data transfer using the REANNZ Network from Wellington to Auckland.

Whilst the Science DMZ network design implemented for the Symposium demonstrated you can divert traffic uninhibited onto, and across the REANNZ Network, a tool capable of sending large files is also required. The NeSI team presented the final piece of the jigsaw: the use of gridFTP via the Globus toolkit, an offering by NeSI. The NeSI team transfered large data sets from Auckland internationally to the ESnet gridFTP node at Lawrence Berkley Laboratories in the US .

Approximately 50 attendees not only watched 45 minutes of Science DMZ presentations, but asked thought provoking questions for an additional 30 minutes.

An important component of the Science DMZ is the measurement and monitoring infrastructure. This was also demonstrated through-out the symposium at the REANNZ booth. We are installing perfSONAR nodes across our network and are recommending that our community do the same. We are offering our community the opportunity to source from us perfSONAR nodes. Further information about perfSONAR and our offer can be found on the REANNZ website.

Due to the significant interest in the Science DMZ approach, REANNZ is offering additional on site presentations for those who are considering implementing the Science DMZ to aid in their processes of science. To discuss this, or to talk about a presentation at our site, please contact us: engagement@reannz.co.nz.