It interconnects national research and education networks (NRENs) across Europe, enabling collaboration on projects ranging from biological science, to earth observation, to arts and culture.

The GÉANT project combines a high-bandwidth, high-capacity 50,000 km network with a growing range of services.

The GÉANT project began in November 2000, entered full production operation in December 2001 (fully replacing a network called TEN-155).

As well as providing the high-bandwidth links across Europe, the GÉANT network also acts as a testbed for new technology.

It was the first "hybrid" network deployed on an international scale, combining routed IP and switched infrastructure.

[12] GÉANT links to research networks in other world regions, including: These links not only help international research collaboration but also aid with projects that deliver societal benefit, such as e-health, telemedicine and weather forecasting/disaster warning systems.