A rede GÉANT e as tendências de desenvolvimento das novas redes de comunicação em fibra óptica [The GÉANT network and development trends of new communication networks over fiber optics]

In this paper we will present the last generation of fiber optics communication networks. We introduce the main concepts related to the fiber optics, and then we show the results of the research made about the chosen case study: GÉANT – the European network to share scientific data. We focus on the network components, it structure and functionality, and also the benefits that it brought, not only in terms of technology, but also the ones related to social sciences. In the end, we do a brief comparison between GÉANT and the other similar networks around the world, and we contextualize GÉANT in Portugal, from its partners to the network topology. The reader in the end will have a general idea of the fiber optics technology, and will know the benefits of this technology to a network so important as GÉANT.