Fonds 0310 - GTAnet fonds

GTAnet evolved out of a series of early Canadian digital networking research projects and efforts. CAnet was the first national network to provide internet-connected services across Canada. Founded in 1990, the network focused on connecting education and research institutions to one another. The University of Toronto acted as the network operations centre, led by members of its Computer and Networking Services (CNS) department (now known as Information Technology Services). CAnet was renamed to the Canadian Network for the Advancement of Research, Industry and Education (CANARIE) in 1993.

As CAnet was originally established, so too were individual provincial networks that became CANARIE members. In Ontario, this began as Onet, established in 1988 with initiative from the assistant director of the University of Toronto’s CNS department. Onet eventually evolved into the Optical Regional Advanced Network of Ontario (ORANO) in 2001, which soon changed its name to the Ontario Research and Innovation Optical Network (ORION).

GTAnet was established in conjunction with ORANO during the transition from Onet, specifically to service education and research institutions in the Greater Toronto Area. It was led in part by senior members of U of T’s CNS department. U of T was also a member of the network itself, as well as a significant contributor to network infrastructure. Other partners have included York University, the Royal Ontario Museum, and Hospital for Sick Children, for example. GTAnet officially amalgamated with ORION in April 2023.