Stronger connections across borders: SURF and German DFN join forces

By exchanging two times two routes with each other, SURF and DFN strengthen cross-border connectivity between the Netherlands and Germany and make more efficient use of infrastructure that is already available within the research and education community. More broadly, the agreement is one building block in a wider European and global research and education networking ecosystem, whose strength lies in federated collaboration: bilateral, regional and pan-European initiatives reinforce one another.

Spectrum sharing: independence on shared routes

The collaboration between SURF and DFN is based on spectrum sharing. By allowing each organisation to operate its own optical equipment on shared routes, the model combines efficient use of existing physical infrastructure with operational independence. For NRENs such as SURF and DFN, this is an important basis for strong, resilient and future-proof cross-border connectivity.

Connections always stay available

Through spectrum sharing, the two NRENs make defined portions of the optical spectrum on their fiber routes available to one another, while each remains in control of its own optical networking equipment. Under the agreement, SURF provides access to the Amsterdam-Hamburg and Amsterdam-Aachen routes, while DFN provides access to the Hamburg–Frankfurt and Frankfurt-Aachen routes. For SURF, the added route diversity means that Frankfurt can serve as a backup location for internet connectivity, strengthening the resilience of the SURF-network. For DFN, Amsterdam provides a similar benefit, adding an additional location for international connectivity and further strengthening network resilience.

Cross-Border Fiber Strategy

Ensuring and expanding access to European and global research infrastructure is an important element of SURF’s Cross-Border Fiber Strategy. By working directly with neighbour NRENs on shared routes and capacity, we strengthen our international network while retaining control over the infrastructure and equipment that are essential to our services.

Federated collaboration across Europe and beyond

The agreement complements connections with other National Research and Education Networks, including partners in the Nordic countries through NORDUnet, as well as the pan-European GÉANT network. NRENs take responsibility for their national infrastructures and communities, while working together across borders on shared capacity, interoperability, innovation and trust. GÉANT plays a key role as a pan-European connector and facilitator within this federation, linking Europe’s NRENs with one another and with research networks worldwide.

Cost efficiency

The collaboration also supports cost efficiency. Rather than building or procuring every international connection separately, SURF and DFN make better use of infrastructure that already exists within the research and education community. This keeps resources within that community and creates room for joint innovation, experimentation, and future capacity growth.

Strong digital hub in Amsterdam

DFN has installed networking equipment at Nikhef, close to NetherLight, SURF’s Global Exchange Point for research and education. Together, these facilities strengthen Amsterdam’s role as a digital hub, connecting Dutch research and education to European and international partners in science, education and innovation.

Interested in our international network?

Want to learn more about spectrum sharing, cross-border connectivity or SURF’s international network strategy? Contact Karin Wessel: karin.wessel@surf.nl