"Shadow Internet" is misleading. ESnet, along with many others, is simply a "private network" that differs from the long-haul wide area networks most of us are accustomed to (as it makes use of "dedicated" fibers instead of riding on top of existing networks).
There are several other networks like ESnet, such as the National Lambda Rail, FutureGrid, GENI, and Internet2. The Global Research NOC at Indiana University manages many of these networks and several (if not the majority) make use of existing unused dark fiber that Level3 has in the ground.
Comments
"Shadow Internet" is misleading. ESnet, along with many others, is simply a "private network" that differs from the long-haul wide area networks most of us are accustomed to (as it makes use of "dedicated" fibers instead of riding on top of existing networks).
There are several other networks like ESnet, such as the National Lambda Rail, FutureGrid, GENI, and Internet2. The Global Research NOC at Indiana University manages many of these networks and several (if not the majority) make use of existing unused dark fiber that Level3 has in the ground.