{"id":1922,"date":"2011-06-24T09:25:47","date_gmt":"2011-06-24T13:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edutechdebate.org\/?p=1922"},"modified":"2012-09-27T10:39:03","modified_gmt":"2012-09-27T14:39:03","slug":"nren-impact-reflections-based-on-the-internet2-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edutechdebate.org\/research-and-education-networks\/nren-impact-reflections-based-on-the-internet2-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"NREN Impact: Reflections based on the INTERNET2 experience"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Internet2 (USA) shares a key characteristic with other National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) and that is provision of connectivity to multiple universities. However, Internet2 is organized as not-for-profit whereas some NRENS are government\/ministry based. Internet2 takes pride in being community led and member focused. <\/p>\n

Internet2\u2019s core mission is \u201cto ensure that scholars and researchers have access to the advanced networks, tools and support required for the next generation of collaborative discovery and innovation and for effectively preparing the next generation of innovators, our students\u201d. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Started in 1996 with 34 universities, Internet2 now has 372 members and 131 sponsored education group participants. Members include U.S. universities, corporations, government research agencies, and not-for-profit networking organizations representing over 50 countries. Internet2 membership is by institution and has been restructured into four levels based on the Carnegie Classification assignment for Higher Education members, operating budgets for Affiliate members and revenues for Industry members. These levels determine membership dues and fees.<\/p>\n

EMERGING TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICE EXAMPLES <\/b><\/p>\n

Expanding to a broader education community<\/u>
\nTo bring more innovators to the table, the Internet2 developed a K20 Initiative to connect university members to the broader education community through a process called Sponsored Education Group Participants. The result is connection to the Internet2 backbone network of 66,000 Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) in 38 U.S. states. CAIs are community-based organizations that include K-12 schools, libraries, community colleges, health centers, hospitals and public safety organizations. <\/p>\n

The plan is to extend the network to 200,000 CAI through a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant. The $62.5 million grant will upgrade the Internet2 Network to an 8.8 Terabit per second national network. The infrastructure will serve not only the Internet2 members but also 200,000 CAIs. Since CAIS are not Internet2’s traditional research university members, a different network, U.S. Community Anchor Network (CAN) was established to bring together the diverse voices of CAIs, with start-up costs provided by Internet2 and other partners. Thus, the physical infrastructure will be shared by Internet2 and U.S. CAN; however, Internet2 will focus on network R&D needs of its members while U.S. CAN will tailor its programs to the various community anchor sectors.<\/p>\n

Opening Internet2 membership to industry partners has reciprocal benefits.<\/u>
\nBenefits from industry include significant contributions in support of the development and deployment of advanced, Internet applications and services, including donations of equipment, cash, software, personnel, consulting, and services. By serving on Internet2\u2019s Board of Trustees and its advisory councils, industry members make available valuable input and strategic guidance on advanced networking in research and education. Benefits to industry partners include ability to interact with current and prospective customers, showcase products and services, acquire market and user intelligence, tap and recruit university talent, and discover new market opportunities, among other things.<\/p>\n

The governance structure is member-led and member-focused.<\/u>
\nThe Board of Trustees is inclusive, consisting of representatives, from members, including university presidents and CIOs, and leaders from industry and research agencies. The Board offers leadership, strategic direction, and oversight. <\/p>\n

The size and diversity of its membership require advisory councils, again coming from its membership, for its many services–Applications and Middleware, Architecture and Operations, External Relations, and Research. These Advisory Councils guide strategic planning and implementation, help set organizational priorities, and ensure that Internet2 continues to serve the needs of the research and education community members. <\/p>\n

Members are engaged and opportunities for membership engagement abound through a variety of Working Group activities, such as:<\/p>\n