Case Study: Connecticut Education Network achieves statewide 100 Gbps Science DMZ for high-speed, low-latency research and education connectivity with Juniper Networks

Scientists and Students Discover and Learn with Fast, Reliable Access from the 1000 GBPS Connecticut Education Network

The Connecticut Education Network (CEN) delivers affordable, high‑speed Internet and network services to K‑12 schools, libraries, higher‑education institutions, municipalities, and government agencies across Connecticut. As data‑intensive research and collaboration grew—particularly between UConn’s main campus and its Health Center—CEN, UConn, and Internet2 needed a higher‑capacity, low‑latency Science DMZ to support large bulk transfers and advanced research workflows.

CEN implemented a Juniper‑based Science DMZ using MX960/MX480 routers and QFX10000/QFX5100 and EX4600/EX3400 switches, with Integration Partners handling design and deployment. The upgrade delivered a 100 Gbps CEN‑Internet2 connection and a scalable, low‑latency path that supports genomics, physics, GIS, and other research needs, while enabling backbone growth (10/20 Gbps), up to 1 Gbps service to members, and new Layer‑2 VPN and private Ethernet offerings statewide.

Connecticut Education Network

Rob Vietzke

Vice President of Network Services