100 Gbps link to Europe lights up to delight researchers

Researchers are getting another 100 Gbps of dedicated connectivity between America and Europe, courtesy of a link on the AEConnect cable activated by Indiana University. Paid for by a National Science Foundation NEEAR (Networks for European, American and African Research) grant, the link connects the US to Ireland. The pan- …

[CheeseTriangles]

GCHQ?

Presumably with a feed to Cheltenham?

[Norman Nescio]

Re: GCHQ?

Since the initial landing point on this side of the pond is in the Republic of Ireland (Killala, County Mayo), GCHQ are unlikely to get first dibs at the traffic on that system - although there is fairly chunky backhaul to the UK.

You might want to look at what Stiúrthóireacht na Faisnéise (and possible the Garda NSU) are doing with regard to Cable Landing Stations in the ROI, and the status of Irish laws regarding surveillance and storage of traffic.

[Known Hero]

Re: GCHQ?

Why would GCHQ even bother the US has all the data anyway, so GCHQ hasn't got orders to collect this traffic.

[phuzz]

Re: GCHQ?

"Why would GCHQ even bother the US has all the data anyway"

The NSA is supposed to have limits on how much it's allowed to spy on US citizens, so they let GCHQ do that bit of snooping and just get the results as "information from an ally", which is allowed.

Allegedly.

[anothercynic]

Re: GCHQ?

Please. GÉANT is research... it's all freely available. GCHQ doesn't need a special link. #conspiracytheoryalert