As part of the GÉANT project the GÉANT Testbed Service was implemented to provide a flexible, WAN based testbed environment to enable researchers to dynamically prototype new, innovative applications and systems in an environment able to mirror real-world conditions.
At its launch in 2014 GTS provided a class-leading infrastructure to support research into future internet technologies and services. It has been used by a range of NREN, institutional and public-private projects across Europe.
GTS leveraged the core GÉANT network and developed systems to allow users to specify, configure and implement their testbeds through easy-to-use graphical interfaces – improving flexibility and allowing rapid prototyping of different configurations.
Following a recent code review by GÉANT project teams it was identified that GTS had a number of code vulnerabilities that would require substantial rework. As a result, a review of the sustainability of GTS was undertaken to consider the options for the future.
A review of the existing and potential new users of GTS together with recent developments in cloud services and virtual network services has concluded that it will be more cost-effective and scalable to retire GTS and to implement future research activities on other facilities within the GÉANT portfolio than to continue development for the small number of current users. As a result, it has been agreed to close GTS for new user requirements with immediate effect and to work with current GTS users to migrate their projects onto other facilities and services before a final closedown of the service no later than September 2021.
The remaining users who currently have an active testbed in GTS will be contacted by the GTS support team to discuss their needs going forward and any users who have been considering GTS should speak with their NREN or GÉANT Partner Relations contact to discuss alternative provisions.
