What is it?
GEOLab is an initiative aimed at the research community, which also includes the participation of EllaLink - the group that owns the submarine system linking Europe to Latin America. This system includes a dedicated fiber optic pair between Funchal and Sines, where the connection to GEANT, the main European network for research and education, is made.
EMACOM also has in the Ellalink system an optical fiber, with about 56km, which departs from the Madeira landing station and is a resource of high interest to the research and teaching community, in activities related to earth observation, particularly of seabed movements.
Who is it intended for?
In 2022, the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and EMACOM - Telecomunicações da Madeira signed a cooperation protocol aimed at promoting the use of optical fiber for research purposes, particularly in the areas of seismology, volcanology, marine ecology and oceanic conditions.
Through this protocol, EMACOM is committed to assigning the rights of use of optical fiber for all equipment supporting the scientific experiments to be carried out within the scope of the project and its connection to RCTS - Science, Technology and Society Network.
FCT also adds to this responsibility the commitment to ensure access to GEOLab by the research and teaching community, in a partnership that aims to take advantage of human and technological potential by sharing technological resources in the areas of research and connectivity, namely through the use of the submarine cable system.
Who manages Geolab's operation in Portugal?
The management and operation of these experiments will be the responsibility of FCT, through its Scientific Computing Unit (FCCN).
Within the scope of the protocol, FCT will also be responsible for the activation of a new RCTS Point of Presence (PoP) at the CLS(Cable Landing Station) of Funchal and the reinforcement of the Penteada PoP, located at the premises of the University of Madeira, in order to ensure global Internet connectivity through GEOlab's Science, Technology and Society Network (RCTS).
