Link Oregon’s first 400G pilot network is now live, marking a major milestone for next‑generation research and innovation across Oregon’s higher education and research institutions. This new capability dramatically increases the speed and scale at which institutions can move data—unlocking advanced applications in AI, high-performance computing, real-time collaboration, and large-scale scientific discovery. It also positions Oregon to fully leverage Internet2’s 400G national backbone, enabling seamless, high-capacity connectivity to leading research institutions, national labs, and global collaborators.
Across the U.S., some research and education networks (RENs) have deployed 400G to support data-intensive, distributed research environments. From supercomputing and AI model training to multi-institutional science and emerging quantum applications, these workloads depend on fast, resilient connections that extend beyond state boundaries. By aligning with the emerging national 400G ecosystem, Link Oregon ensures that researchers can move massive datasets efficiently, participate in national-scale projects, and compete at the forefront of innovation.
A Strategic Investment in Oregon’s Future
The architectural foundation for Link Oregon’s 400G pilot has been in the making for several years. In 2020, during the global pandemic, we invested in an open optical line system from 1Finity, a Fujitsu Company, modernizing the network and enabling higher speeds while preserving long‑term flexibility. That decision was instrumental in shaping the future evolution of our network.
Instead of relying only on traditional transponders, we are deploying 400G ZR+ coherent optics, which allow us to scale bandwidth efficiently and economically over longer distances. Working with 1Finity, Ciena, and Arista Networks, we’ve built an initial 400G deployment that reflects the technology direction taken by peer RENs nationwide.
This 400G footprint now connects key core locations (shown in red below) — Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Hillsboro, Portland, and Salem — with the flexibility to add additional 400G links as needs arise and demand increases.
Why 400G Matters to Oregon’s Research Community
Oregon’s research landscape is expanding rapidly, and as a research and education network, we must stay ahead of requirements, ensuring that technical limitations do not hinder innovation.
- Oregon State University is building a national‑class supercomputing facility in Corvallis, supporting major advances in AI, data science, quantum research, robotics, and more.
- Portland State University now operates ORCA, an NSF‑funded high‑performance computing cluster, available to researchers statewide.
- The Cyberinfrastructure Alliance of Oregon (CIAO) — an NSF‑funded collaboration led by the University of Oregon — is building a shared research computing and data services model that will require fast, resilient, high‑capacity statewide connectivity.
- Collaborative research initiatives between the Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU and the Knight Research Campus at the University of Oregon (UO) continue to expand.
These initiatives are strategic to ensuring Oregon’s competitiveness in the AI and emerging quantum eras. A 400G‑capable statewide backbone is essential for enabling collaboration, supporting shared infrastructure, and ensuring Oregon’s researchers can lead on the national stage in the coming decade and beyond.
An Important Milestone for Oregon’s Future
Our 400G initial deployment is a meaningful step toward world-class connectivity for Oregon’s higher ed institutions. We’re excited to mark this milestone and signal our readiness to support the next generation of world‑class research emerging from Oregon’s universities. More updates to come as we continue this evolution!