New networks are being developed to develop future Internet technologies including:
The very high performance Backbone Network Service (vBNS) run by Worldcom. 34 universities participate.
The Abilene network (also called Internet 2) is being developed by the University Corporation for Advanced Internet Development (UCAID).
CA*Net3 is the Canadian government initiative.
Access is through Gigapops, similar to NAPs, but which operate at very high speeds (622 Mbps to 2.4 Gbps) using SONET, ATM and IPv6 protocols (see Figure 7-13).
Protocol development focuses on issues like Quality of Service and multicasting.
New applications include tele-immersion and videoconferencing.