How did the NSF get involved?

In April 1995, the NSFNET backbone was shut down and replaced with a new network architecture called vBNS (very high speed backbone network system). The vBNS connects the supercomputer centers.

Network Service Providers enable regional networks to access the vBNS via Network Access Points.

The National Science Foundation remains involved in this new backbone network, along with other organizations such as Merit Network, Inc. and MCI.