Cisco Systems (CSCO) says that the China Education and Research Network (CERNET), the world's largest education network, will deploy the Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System to upgrade its national backbone network and enhance overall network performance.

CERNET is a nationwide education and research computer network funded by the Chinese government and directly managed by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

The Cisco CRS-1, which can be configured to process up to 92 terabits–or a trillion bits–of data per second, will significantly enhance the overall information infrastructure in China, as well as provide a platform for CERNET to develop next-generation Internet applications.

The CERNET network links more than 1,000 major universities and research institutions with more than 20 million users in China. The network is not only used as an education and resource network but is also an integral part of the Internet backbone in China.