National Network

Delivering high-performing connectivity across Australia

Our network spans the continent and covers all capital cities

The AARNet network consists of thousands of kilometres of fibre optic cable, connecting major cities and regions around Australia. We also own and operate spectrum on the Indigo submarine cable system connecting Sydney to Perth (Indigo Central), which provides an additional link between the east and west coasts.

Designed to meet the unique needs of research and education

As Australia’s national research and education network, AARNet operates a nationwide fibre infrastructure supporting research and education nationwide.

AARNet provides over two million researchers, academics, staff and students across the nation with fast and reliable access to the internet, scientific instruments, high-performance computing, data centres and a vast array of online tools and resources every day.

Making high-speed broadband accessible to more people

We are continuously extending the reach of the network and deploying new technologies to meet the needs of Australian universities, CSIRO and other research organisations, and to provide more opportunities for organisations with a research and education mission to access the high-speed broadband they need in the digital age.

This national infrastructure forms the foundation for AARNet’s International Network, enabling global collaboration.

AARNet National Map March 2025 — AARNet National Network Map

This national infrastructure forms the foundation of AARNet’s broader research and education network, including international connectivity and advanced network services.

Resources

AARNet National Map

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Our international network

Our international network connects Australia’s research and education community to global partner networks, enabling high-performance collaboration and data exchange worldwide.

Read all news

The teams from AARNet, NMI, and UTS with an atomic clock.

Testing a new network timing core to keep Australia in sync

Using AARNet’s national network as a live testbed, UTS researchers are developing a more resilient way to distribute trusted time across the Internet.

21 Years of eduroam in Australia

AARNet celebrates two decades of providing trusted, seamless Wi-Fi access across campuses, schools, airports, and cultural institutions.

Australia’s breakthrough quantum-secure link protects data using the laws of physics

This technology promises to future-proof critical data against tomorrow’s cyber threats.