Janet (Joint Academic Network) is a high-performance computer network dedicated to the UK education and research community. Operated by Jisc (formerly Janet(UK)), it connects universities, colleges, research councils, and other public-sector institutions, providing reliable, secure, and high-bandwidth connectivity for data-intensive research, online learning, and administrative services. Originally launched in 1984 as a successor to the earlier SERCnet, Janet has evolved through multiple generations, now supporting multi-gigabit speeds and emerging technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and federated identity management.
1 History
1.1 Origins and early development (1984–1990)
1.1.1 SERCnet to Janet
The Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) operated SERCnet, a pioneering network linking UK research sites. In 1984, Janet succeeded SERCnet, expanding connectivity to universities and polytechnics. Initial speeds were modest, using X.25 packet-switching technology. The network was managed by the Joint Network Team (JNT) and later SERT (SERC’s establishment).
1.2 Expansion and SuperJanet (1990–2000)
1.2.1 SuperJanet phases I–IV
In the 1990s, Janet underwent major upgrades under the SuperJanet program. Phase I (1992) introduced IP-based services and faster backbones. Phase II (1995) increased capacity using ATM technology. Phase III (1998) deployed a national dark fibre network. Phase IV (2000) reached multi-gigabit speeds, supporting the growing demand for multimedia and data-intensive research.
1.3 Modern era and Jisc merger (2000–present)
1.3.1 Janet6 and Janet7
Janet6 (launched 2007) provided a 10 Gbps backbone, with upgrades to 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps in subsequent years. Janet7 (2016) introduced a software-defined networking (SDN) foundation, enabling dynamic capacity allocation and virtualised network slices. In 2020, Jisc merged with the Janet network operations, streamlining management and strategic direction.
2 Architecture and infrastructure
2.1 Physical topology
2.1.1 Backbone and Points of Presence (PoPs)
Janet’s backbone consists of a core fibre ring and multiple regional Points of Presence (PoPs) located at major universities. PoPs aggregate traffic from regional institutions and provide connections to the central backbone. Redundant paths ensure resilience.
2.1.2 Interconnection with international research networks (e.g., GÉANT)
Janet is interconnected with GÉANT, the pan-European research and education network, at multiple London and Manchester exchange points. This allows UK researchers to collaborate seamlessly with peers worldwide. Further transatlantic links connect to Internet2 (US) and other NRENs.
2.2 Core protocols and technologies
2.2.1 Routing and switching
2.2.1.1 MPLS and VLANs
Janet uses Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) to create efficient, traffic-engineered paths. VLANs enable logical segmentation of customer traffic, supporting separate virtual networks for different institutions or services.
2.2.2 Network management and monitoring
A dedicated Network Operations Centre (NOC) monitors performance, capacity, and faults. Tools include SNMP-based collectors, flow analysis (NetFlow/IPFIX), and active probing. Engineers use a custom dashboard for real-time alerts and historical trending.
2.3 Security and access controls
2.3.1 Janet Network Access Control (JNAC)
JNAC enforces policy-based access to the network, authenticating devices and users before granting connectivity. It integrates with institutional directories (e.g., Active Directory, LDAP) and supports role-based profiles.
2.3.2 DDoS mitigation and threat intelligence
Janet operates a central DDoS scrubbing service that detects and filters malicious traffic. Threat intelligence feeds from research and commercial sources are correlated to block known attack vectors. A Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) handles security incidents across the community.
3 Services and applications
3.1 Connectivity services
3.1.1 Standard, plus, and premium connections
Janet offers three tiers: Standard (shared bandwidth, suitable for general internet and email), Plus (guaranteed capacity, for video streaming and moderate research), and Premium (dedicated bandwidth, for high-throughput computing or real-time data). Each tier comes with different service-level agreements and pricing.
3.2 Digital identity and federation
3.2.1 UK Access Management Federation
3.2.1.1 Shibboleth and SAML
The UK Access Management Federation (run by Jisc) enables single sign-on across institutions using the Shibboleth software stack and the SAML protocol. Users authenticate at their home organisation and can then access subscribed services (e.g., journals, e-learning platforms) without re-authentication.
3.3 Cloud and collaboration tools
3.3.1 Janet Cloud Broker Service
This service helps institutions select and manage cloud providers by offering procurement advice, contract negotiation, and usage monitoring. Brokered services include IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS from suppliers vetted for security and compliance.
3.3.2 Video conferencing and VoIP
Janet provides hosted video conferencing platforms, supporting H.323/SIP endpoints, as well as a VoIP trunk service for institutional PBX systems. These services are optimised for low latency over the Janet backbone.
4 Governance and funding
4.1 Jisc ownership and strategic direction
4.1.1 Board and advisory groups
Jisc, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, owns and operates Janet. Its Board of Directors includes representatives from higher and further education. Advisory groups (e.g., Network Advisory Group, User Network Committee) provide technical and strategic guidance.
4.2 Public funding model
4.2.1 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and devolved administrations
Janet is primarily funded through membership subscription fees from institutions, supplemented by grants from UKRI (for research connectivity) and from the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Capital investment for backbone upgrades often comes from special government programmes.
5 Impact and future developments
5.1 Enabling research (e.g., big data, e-Health, HPC)
Janet has been instrumental in large-scale research projects, including the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) data analysis, the UK Biobank genomic sequencing, and climate modelling. Its high bandwidth and low latency allow transfer of petabytes of data between collaborating centres and international partners.
5.2 Support for digital education
5.2.1 Remote learning during COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janet handled a massive surge in remote teaching and learning traffic. The network expanded capacity at peak times and provided priority queues for video conferencing and learning management systems. No major outages were reported.
5.3 Emerging technologies
5.3.1 Network slicing and 5G integration
Janet is trialling network slicing using SDN, enabling slices with guaranteed latency and bandwidth for specific applications (e.g., remote surgery, AR/VR labs). Integration with 5G private networks is being tested to extend coverage to campus and outdoor research sites.
5.3.2 Quantum key distribution trials
Jisc has partnered with UK universities (e.g., Cambridge, Bristol) to test Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over fibre links on the Janet backbone. These trials aim to demonstrate ultra-secure key exchange for sensitive research data and government communications.