Network

In the previous phases of the programme, regional networks were built in the three clusters. These interconnected national research and education networks (NRENs) and research and education communities in those areas.

To ensure that users continue to benefit from secure, adequate and affordable network infrastructures, the regional research and education networks (RRENs) will provide to the daily management of the networks. RRENs will also extend or upgrade them as and when required to cater for any additional needs.

Network management

Maintenance and management of the regional network will be ensured via a Network Operating Centre (NOC). This is staffed by engineers who will monitor performance, resolve any issues that arise and take preventative steps to optimise up-time. It will be the responsibility of each partner to carry out and monitor day-to-day network operations, as well as organise periodic service and performance review meetings with connectivity providers in each of their regions.

Besides the maintenance of the existing networks, the RRENs will assess procurement needs for connectivity, equipment and e-infrastructure in order to:

• Expand the reach of the network and increase the number of countries connected – when sufficient evidence indicates their national readiness and the potential positive impact on end users.
• Upgrade the backbone networks and improve the bandwidth and resilience of the existing links.

Cloud-based e-Infrastructure for African Open Science

Cloud e-infrastructures are especially relevant to support the development of a trusted and open environment for the scientific community to store, share and re-use scientific data and results.

UbuntuNet Alliance (UA), Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN), and West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) will deploy cloud e-infrastructure individually, with the ultimate aim of achieving inter-operability in order to consolidate a common African Open Science platform for flexible and seamless access to a wealth of online computing services and data repositories.