GÉANT

The first generation of the pan-European network starts with the launching of the four-year GÉANT project in November 2000. Initiators of the project were the European Commission and National Research and Education Networks of European countries. The project was financed by the European Commission's Research and Development Programme and the Consortium of National Academic Networks. The result of this project was the pan-European research and education network which was put into operation in December 2001, connecting about 3000 research and education institutions in more than 30 European countries, and at that time representing the most highly developed computer communication network of its kind in the world. CARNet also participated in this project and got the opportunity to connect to the GÉANT and to host the GÉANT node in Zagreb. 

GÉANT 2

The GÉANT 2 project was a big international project of upgrading the then pan-European research and education network. GÉANT 2 started as a part of the 6th Framework Programme - FP6, of the European Union, with the aim of improving the infrastructure at gigabit data rates and introducing advanced applications into academic networks during a four-year period. This was the first integrated FP6 project which Croatia had joined, and 31 European academic networks (NRENs), the TERENAand DANTEinternational organisations and the European Commissionalso participated in the project. Integrated projects involve performing particular planned project activities throughout Europe, which achieves better international connection and develops international cooperation.

The total value of the project was 191.32 million euros, of which 93 million euros were provided by the European budget through the FP6 programme. The project was realised through a model of work represented by NA (Networking Activities), JRA (Joint Research Activities) and SA (Specific Service Activities).

The GÉANT 2 project enabled high-quality and intense involvement of the Croatian scientists and researchers in international research projects, and the connection of Croatia and Croatian scientists with the European research (ERA) and higher-education  area (EHEA).

The pan-European network enables the improvement of network infrastructure at gigabit data rates and the introduction of advanced applications into European academic networks. The pan-European network is intended for education and research through National Research and Education Networks.

GÉANT is the largest network ever built for the purposes of the European academic community, to which it offers access to a wide range of sources of information and experts, by means of a high-quality connection with research organisations in North America, Japan, Latin America, Africa and Asia. GÉANT to a large extent simplifies the process of global cooperation and makes the world's largest community of researchers (over 3 million).  

For more information on the project, visit http://www.geant2.net/.