TENET Network Infrastructure and Connectivity
TENET serves a dual role in the digital landscape, operating both as a comprehensive Internet Service Provider (ISP) and a specialized research and education network. At the heart of its operations is the South African National Research Network (SANReN), a large-scale government infrastructure project designed to facilitate seamless network connectivity between research organizations and institutions of higher education.
Key Facts
- Operates the South African National Research Network (SANReN).
- Maintains peering links with major South African ISPs.
- Connected to JINX (Johannesburg) and CINX (Cape Town) exchange points.
- International capacity includes a 10 Gbit/s link via SEACOM and a 20 Gbit/s link via WACS.
- Supports high-bandwidth projects like the Square Kilometer Array and MeerKAT.
Domestic Connectivity and Peering
To ensure efficient data routing and low latency, TENET maintains private peering links—direct connections between networks to exchange traffic—with several large ISPs within South Africa. Furthermore, it peers at two critical Internet exchange points: the JINX in Johannesburg and the CINX in Cape Town.
International Bandwidth and Redundancy
Global connectivity is managed through strategic points of presence in London and Amsterdam, utilizing the SEACOM cable to provide 10 Gbit/s of capacity. To ensure network resilience, a second route is available via the WACS cable along the West Coast.
This second route provides 20 Gbit/s of capacity and was acquired as an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU)—a long-term lease of a fiber optic cable—by South Africa's Department of Science and Technology. This redundancy is critical for supporting bandwidth-hungry scientific applications, most notably the Square Kilometer Array and the MeerKAT radio telescope.
| Cable System | Capacity | Key Locations/Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SEACOM | 10 Gbit/s | London and Amsterdam points of presence |
| WACS | 20 Gbit/s | West Coast redundancy; supports SKA and MeerKAT |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SANReN?
SANReN is the South African National Research Network, a government-led infrastructure project operated by TENET to connect higher education and research organizations.
Which Internet exchange points does TENET use?
TENET peers at the JINX in Johannesburg and the CINX in Cape Town.
How does TENET handle international connectivity?
It utilizes two primary cable systems: SEACOM, providing 10 Gbit/s via London and Amsterdam, and WACS, providing 20 Gbit/s via the West Coast.
Why was the WACS route acquired?
The WACS route was obtained by the Department of Science and Technology to provide redundant access and support high-bandwidth scientific projects such as MeerKAT and the Square Kilometer Array.
What is an IRU in the context of TENET's network?
An IRU, or Indefeasible Right of Use, refers to the long-term lease agreement used to obtain the 20 Gbit/s route on the WACS cable.