[Status of NIHS Computer Network System (NIHS-NET)]

Area of Science:

• Information Science
• Computer Networking
• Network Security

Context:

• The National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) previously operated under the name NIHS Information and Computing Infrastructure (NICI).
• Existing network infrastructure faced limitations in speed and connectivity.
• The need for a robust and secure network system for scientific research was identified.

Purpose:

• To detail the development and implementation of the upgraded National Institute of Health Sciences Computer Network System (NIHS-NET).
• To enhance the computing and network infrastructure supporting scientific research at NIHS.
• To improve internet connectivity speeds and network security across all NIHS campuses.

Summary:

• The NIHS-NET system involved replacing main and common server machines.
• Network lines were upgraded from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, significantly increasing bandwidth.
• Connection nodes transitioned from Inter Ministry Network (IMnet) to the Science Information Network (SINET), with dedicated lines established between NIHS campuses (yoga, osaka, tsukuba) and SINET.
• Internet connection speeds from each campus to SINET were enhanced.
• A comprehensive security audit was conducted on the new system.

Impact:

• The upgraded NIHS-NET provides a high-speed, reliable, and secure network infrastructure for the National Institute of Health Sciences.
• Enhanced connectivity facilitates improved data sharing, collaboration, and computational capabilities for researchers.
• The modernization positions NIHS to better support advanced scientific endeavors and data-intensive research projects.