CANARIE is looking to build on the successful development of user controlled lightpath (UCLP) software. Funded by CANARIE and developed by the Communications Research Centre and Carleton Univ, the software is the focus of a $1-million request for proposals (RFP) to develop and deliver a robust “production version” featuring a user-friendly graphics interface and support for web services workflow.

The winner of the RFP is required to produce a version of UCLP that allows users to control, manage, partition and advertise their lightpaths across CA*net 4, CANARIE’s advanced optical research network. The maximum payment to any single applicant is $500,000.

UCLP was developed with CANARIE funding as a tool for users to establish temporary, dedicated optical connections or lightpaths for collaborative research. It’s a key component in the grid architecture underpinning CA*net 4 and is attracting international attention. The new UCLP software is an important step in increasing the ease of using lightpaths for research. The RFP deadline is April 30.

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