What Does Gigabit Point of Presence (GigaPOP) Mean?
A gigabit point of presence (GigaPOP) is an individual access point to something called Internet2 that represents a high-speed IP network maintained by universities and other parties. Gigabit Points of Presence typically support data transfer speeds of 1 Gigabit per second or more.
Techopedia Explains Gigabit Point of Presence (GigaPOP)
The Internet2 network that is accessed through Gigabit Points of Presence has been described as a networking 'consortium' or smaller core network within the global Internet. Over 200 schools and universities, as well as industry groups and other members maintain a structure that delivers data transfer rates above 1 Gigabit per second. In the mid-1990s, Internet2 was set up to enable faster transfer speeds for various kinds of online research. That is part of the reason why the Internet2 network is focused toward academic or scientific data transfer. Individuals within the Internet2 community often take part in further planning on the future of the Internet and the use of new broadband technologies.
The Gigabit Points of Presence that provide Internet2 access come in two types. The first type of Gigabit Point of Presence, called type I, is an entryway into the shared network that demonstrates the mainstream Internet2 IP infrastructure. A second type called Gigabit Point of Presence type II provides access to other networks, such as proprietary networks for a specific research project. The type II Gigabit Point of Presence requires more different kinds of technology in order to provide specific access and security for a more targeted destination.