Aussies taking regional research to PNG via new network

University researchers, AARnet roll out wireless APs

Darren Pauli (Computerworld)
01 February, 2010 12:42
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Australian technology groups will install wireless access points across Papua New Guinea to connect it to an Asia Pacific research network.

The Papua New Guinea Academic and Research Network (PNGARNet) will be linked with researchers located in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and New Zealand via the international eduroam network.

Researchers located in the country will have access to a 5Mbps satellite link via the Divine Word University which will be handled by the Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet) backbone.

The AARNet, Queensland University of Technology and Open Systems will install the wireless networks.

PNGARNet chairman Jan Czuba said in a written statement the link will boost research in the country.

The wireless network was designed and built in Brisbane before being shipped to the country. Queensland University staff traveled to the PNG to train IT on maintenance of satellite connections, which are the predominant channel of Internet access in the geographically dispersed country.

AARNet CEO Chris Hancock said the link will provide new research opportunities in PNG.

“We have delivered an essential link to provide visiting researchers and academics with a secure wireless Internet network to transmit information and communicate with their counterparts [in the] PNG,” Hancock said in a written statement.

The Australian researcher has previously claimed its network is five years ahead in broadband technology in the country. Hancock said while the average home connection speed is between one and 20Mbps and anticipated to be 100 Mbps by 2017, current AARNet capacity is between one and 20Gbps and anticipated to be 200-250Gbps by 2017.

AARNet is also acting as a test bed of sorts for the National Broadband Network. While not consulting directly with the NBN Co, the organisation was working with the NSW government for research around smart-grids and smart-networking.