Hi everyone,
 
Over the past weeks, we’ve been advancing the GREN Map and preparing a demo for TNC26.
As the map evolves, one question keeps coming up and we’d really value your input: how should we consistently represent the different types of networks and initiatives in our ecosystem?
 
While working on the current version, we’ve identified some challenges, for example:

- How to distinguish between NRENs, regional backbones, and intercontinental connectivity initiatives;
- How to better represent initiatives/systems/consortiums like AmLight or BELLA without “breaking” the map structure;
- How to reflect the relationships between national, regional, and global infrastructures.

As a starting point, we are exploring a simple classification such as:

- NRENs (e.g., RNP, GARR, etc.);
- Regional/backbone networks (e.g., GÉANT);
- Intercontinental connectivity initiatives (e.g., RedCLARA?);
- Consortia/projects (e.g., BELLA, AmLight).

But this is still work in progress and likely incomplete, that's why we would really appreciate your thoughts:

- Does this classification make sense?
- What are we missing?
- How would you represent initiatives that don’t neatly fit into one category?

To facilitate the progress of this initiative, we are organizing an online meeting on June 3 at 11 a.m. BRT (2 p.m. GMT) to discuss this topic and share our plans for presenting at TNC26.
Meeting link here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/229131862133689?p=NzR8eFN1H2zxHgIh1L 

If you have quick thoughts, feel free to reply directly to this thread.
Even brief comments would already be very helpful.
 
Looking forward to your feedback.
 
Best regards,
--
Lucas Bondan, Ph.D.
R&D Coordinator - RNP
Invited Researcher - UnB
lbondan.wordpress.com