In today’s digital age, a secure and reliable network has never been more critical for research, education, and innovation. ORION offers high-capacity connectivity and digital infrastructure to support our community’s evolving needs. By continually improving our network, enhancing security measures, and preparing for AI, we are better equipped to empower researchers and educators in Ontario.
Upgrading Network Infrastructure for Enhanced Connectivity
Over the past year, we have made substantial upgrades to enhance the performance of our network. ORION secured $1.8 million in funding support from CANARIE to complete routing and optical transport upgrades. These enhancements underscore our commitment to improved flexibility, service reliability and increased capacity with speeds up to 400Gbps. By addressing current needs and future challenges, we are well-positioned to provide robust and secure digital infrastructure for our community.
One of the tools ORION uses to monitor our platform is OpManager, an advanced network management tool. With real-time monitoring capabilities, increased visibility, and superior data visualization, we gain deeper insights into network patterns. We can use OpManager to detect potential network performance threats and anticipate future requirements with greater accuracy, enabling institutions to operate with increased confidence and efficiency. If your network team doesn’t have an account, feel free to contact us at noc@orion.on.ca, and we’ll be happy to assist in setting it up. We will continue enhancing our infrastructure to sustain the success of research and education institutions.
Enhancing Digital Security for the Community
Leveraging advanced security tools and multiple intelligence sources, our team actively monitors network traffic to identify and mitigate potential threats. Over the past year, we successfully responded to more than 700 distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) incidents, helping 43 institutions avoid costly service disruptions. These efforts play a vital role in safeguarding institutions from malicious activities to protect the research and education community across Canada.
ORION is also improving internet routing security with Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI). RPKI ensures that only authorized networks can announce their routes, which prevents malicious route hijacking and unauthorized misconfigurations. Our team has been working closely with connected institutions, providing guidance and support to increase the security of our digital platform. By implementing RPKI, our community is strengthening our collective defence against threats and safeguarding our network for all users.
ORION is upgrading our network infrastructure and implementing additional security measures to maintain our services 24/7 and prepare our community for the future. The team is committed to providing secure and reliable access to digital tools and resources to support groundbreaking research and education in Ontario.
Reliable digital infrastructure is critical for all universities. ORION’s network offers secure, seamless connectivity for our staff, faculty, and students, allowing them to focus on our mission of teaching and learning
Preparing for AI and Future Innovation
In addition to enhancing our network connectivity and security, ORION is taking significant strides to be ready for AI-driven research and innovation. We are proactively planning and preparing to support the increasing bandwidth requirements associated with large data transfers and high-performance computing. We are committed to improving network performance, security and efficiency, ensuring that our infrastructure can support the growing demands of AI-driven research. We aim to empower researchers and educators to leverage cutting-edge technology to make groundbreaking discoveries in their respective fields.
Network Evolution Through Community Insights
To support the development of a future-ready network, we have implemented a Community Advisory Group strategy. This initiative encourages collaboration and provides a platform for strategic input, helping us align our services and solutions with the community’s needs. Through this approach, we can adapt to emerging trends and technological advancements, which positions us to meet future challenges more effectively.
Ultimately, we will continue to upgrade our network, increase security controls, and prepare for AI to support our community going forward. Through strategic investments and proactive initiatives, we can maintain a resilient and reliable platform that drives ongoing growth and success. ORION remains committed to empowering researchers, educators, and innovators to build a better future.