The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) has completed a major upgrade to the communications network linking Tenerife and La Palma, with the deployment of a new submarine and terrestrial fibre optic system worth €23 million.
Funded through European investment, the project strengthens the digital infrastructure that supports one of the world’s leading astronomical research centres while providing greater resilience for data transmission between the islands.
A more reliable connection
The project, known as the Redundancy of the RedIRIS Optical Network between Tenerife and La Palma, has been designed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity between the IAC’s facilities.
By creating a redundant network, communications can continue even if one connection is disrupted, significantly improving reliability for scientific research and the transfer of the huge volumes of data generated by the observatories.
For an organisation that depends on continuous access to information, having a secure backup network is just as important as increasing speed.
Supporting world-class astronomy
The Canary Islands are home to some of the world’s most advanced astronomical observatories, including those on Teide in Tenerife and Roque de los Muchachos in La Palma.
Every night, these facilities collect enormous amounts of scientific data that must be transmitted quickly and securely to researchers.
The new fibre optic network will help ensure those connections remain stable, allowing scientists to continue their work without interruption.
Backed by European funding
The €23 million investment, financed through European funds, represents one of the most significant recent upgrades to the Canary Islands’ scientific infrastructure.
While the project has been developed specifically to support the IAC’s research activities, it also reinforces the islands’ position as a global centre for astronomy and scientific innovation.
Reliable, high-capacity communications are becoming increasingly important as modern telescopes generate ever-larger volumes of data.
Strengthening the Canary Islands’ research network
The completion of the project marks another important step in maintaining the Canary Islands’ reputation as one of the world’s leading locations for astronomical research.
By improving the resilience of the communications network between Tenerife and La Palma, the IAC is helping to ensure its observatories remain at the forefront of international science for years to come.