Software Management, Distribution, and Support for ESnet Network Provisioning Tools

In order to enable the efficient use of high performance networks, the DOE has invested substantial resources in the development of next-generation network provisioning systems. For example, the DOE-funded tool, On-demand Secure Circuits and Advanced Reservation System (OSCARS), enables users to dynamically provision network paths with Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees. Additional work is required to transition tools such as OSCARS into production-grade, commercial products ready for broad adoption in both the high-performance and general-purpose networking communities. Other tools such as LambaStation and TeraPaths have demonstrated similar successes and can also be transitioned. This project will develop a management, distribution, and support infrastructure for these open-source network provisioning tools. In particular, the support infrastructure will manage the provisioning software, provide an open code repository, and formalize the process for code contribution/modification, version control, and release. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee The network infrastructure should greatly benefit the scientific community by enabling greater distribution and adoption of provisioning tools across current and future high-performance networks. Broader adoption, particularly at universities and laboratories that have not yet joined high-performance networks, would enable many more scientists to collaborate across the globe