Backup network test was successful

In September, ISNIC performed tests on it's backup network connection over satellite.

On 16th September, between 01:00-02:00 UTC, network connection outside of Iceland were migrated from our fiber connections to our backup connection over satellite. During this time we monitored our infrastructure and the effect on our services. The test was successful, but there were some parts of services that did not function during the test, so another test was scheduled and that part of the services tested specifically.

On 25th September between 17:00-18:00 UTC the test was repeated, this time in coordination with PCH, which monitored the effects from their infrastructure. This test was also successful and we identified the problem discovered in the first test and mitigations where enabled.

The backup network connection over satellite is necessary in case all the submarine cables connecting Iceland to the rest of the world are disabled. These tests have demonstrated that with the backup connection, the effects of that event would be negligible for day-to-day operations of ISNIC.