SciTransfer
GN4-2 · Project

Europe's High-Speed Research Network Now Offers Managed Cybersecurity and Connectivity Services

digitalMarket-readyTRL 8
geant.org

Imagine Europe built a superhighway just for scientists to share massive amounts of data — think terabytes flying between particle physics labs, hospitals, and universities in seconds. GN4-2 upgraded that highway, added security cameras to stop cyber-attacks, and created a self-service dashboard so network operators can manage everything remotely. It connects 39 countries into one seamless network, like having one Wi-Fi password that works across the entire continent. The goal is making sure European researchers never have to wait for data, no matter where their collaborators are.

By the numbers
EUR 59,000,000
EU contribution for network development
39
Countries connected through the GÉANT network
41
Partner organizations in the consortium
38
Total project deliverables produced
68
Months covered by the Framework Partnership Agreement
6
SME participants in the consortium
The business problem

What needed solving

Organizations managing large-scale networks across multiple countries face fragmented tools, rising cybersecurity threats (especially DDoS attacks), and the challenge of transferring massive datasets reliably. Building this infrastructure from scratch for each institution is prohibitively expensive and technically complex. There is a clear need for shared, production-grade network services that work seamlessly across borders.

The solution

What was built

The project delivered production-grade network services including Network Management as a Service, DDoS Mitigation (piloted and refined through two cycles), Certificate Transparency Log v2.0, a Testbeds Service (v6.0) for safe testing of new configurations, Consolidated Connection Services v3.0, and a Network Monitoring/Performance Verification Architecture — all operating across 39 European countries.

Audience

Who needs this

National research and education network (NREN) operators looking to upgrade managed servicesManaged security service providers needing continental-scale DDoS mitigationLarge universities and research institutions requiring high-bandwidth cross-border data transfersCloud and data center operators serving research-intensive enterprise clientsGovernment agencies managing multi-site secure network infrastructure
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Telecommunications & Internet Service Providers
enterprise
Target: National research and education network operators (NRENs) and managed service providers

If you are a network operator struggling to manage infrastructure across multiple sites — this project developed Network Management as a Service, a production-ready platform that lets you monitor and manage distributed networks from a single dashboard. With 39 countries already connected through this system, the architecture is proven at continental scale. This could cut your operational overhead by consolidating tools into one managed service layer.

Cybersecurity Services
any
Target: Managed security service providers and enterprise security teams

If you are a security provider dealing with increasing DDoS attacks against your clients — this project built and piloted a Distributed Denial of Service Mitigation service that went through two development cycles to reach production follow-up stage. Backed by 41 consortium partners sharing threat intelligence across 39 countries, the system offers a scale of detection and response that single-country solutions cannot match. The Certificate Transparency Log service adds another layer for detecting fraudulent SSL certificates.

Cloud & Data Infrastructure
enterprise
Target: Data center operators and cloud service providers serving research-intensive clients

If you are a data infrastructure company needing to support massive data transfers for scientific or enterprise clients — this project delivered consolidated connection services and a testbeds environment (now in version 6.0) for testing new network configurations before deployment. The GÉANT backbone handles extreme-scale data transfers required by big data and scientific instruments, with 38 documented deliverables covering everything from performance verification to service provider architecture.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to access these network services?

The project was funded with EUR 59,000,000 in EU contribution under a Framework Partnership Agreement. Access to GÉANT services is typically channeled through national research and education networks (NRENs). Commercial pricing for managed services like Network Management as a Service or DDoS Mitigation would depend on negotiation with GÉANT Vereniging, the coordinating organization.

Can these services scale to enterprise-level deployment?

Yes — the services are already operating at continental scale across 39 countries with 41 partner organizations. Multiple deliverables are labeled 'Production Service,' meaning they are past pilot stage and running in live environments. The network handles extreme-scale data transfers required by scientific instruments and big data applications.

What is the IP and licensing situation?

GÉANT Vereniging (Netherlands) coordinates the project. As a Research Institutions and Education Consortium, IP arrangements would be governed by the Framework Partnership Agreement with the European Commission. Businesses interested in licensing specific services (DDoS Mitigation, NMaaS) should contact the coordinator directly to discuss terms.

How mature are the cybersecurity services specifically?

The DDoS Mitigation service went through a v1.0 Pilot and then a Pilot Follow-Up, indicating iterative testing and refinement. The Certificate Transparency Log reached v2.0 Production Service status. Both are beyond proof-of-concept and have been validated in operational environments across the GÉANT network.

Can these services integrate with existing enterprise network infrastructure?

The project explicitly aimed for interoperability with other e-infrastructures, including alignment with the European Open Science Cloud vision. The Service Provider Architecture deliverable (Pilot Follow-Up stage) and the Network Monitoring / Performance Verification Architecture (Production Service) suggest standard interfaces for integration. The testbeds service (v6.0) allows testing new configurations before deployment.

Is there ongoing support and development beyond the project end?

GN4-2 ended in January 2020 but operated under a 68-month Framework Partnership Agreement, indicating long-term commitment. GÉANT continues as an organization with ongoing funding cycles. The progression from v1.0 pilots to production services shows an active development and maintenance pipeline.

Consortium

Who built it

The GN4-2 consortium is massive — 41 partners across 39 countries, making it one of the broadest geographic partnerships in Horizon 2020. However, the industry ratio is just 7% (3 industrial partners out of 41), with the bulk being research organizations (13) and other entities (19, mostly national network operators). There are 6 SMEs involved. For a business looking to adopt these services, the low industry ratio means this was built primarily by and for the research community, but the production-grade deliverables and the involvement of GÉANT Vereniging (classified as SME) as coordinator suggest a path to commercial service offerings. The 39-country footprint is a strong signal of interoperability and real-world deployment at scale.

How to reach the team

GÉANT Vereniging is based in the Netherlands. Contact their partnerships or business development team through geant.org for service access and licensing discussions.

Order a report on this consortiumSee GEANT VERENIGING profile →
Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want a direct introduction to the GÉANT team for Network Management as a Service or DDoS Mitigation? SciTransfer can arrange a focused briefing tailored to your infrastructure needs.

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