What is KanREN?

Kansas Research and Education Network (KanREN, Inc.) is a non-profit consortium of colleges, universities, school districts and other organizations in Kansas, organized for the purpose of facilitating communication among them, and providing themselves with connectivity to the Internet via a statewide TCP/IP network.

KanREN's Mission:

The purpose of KanREN, Inc. is to provide innovative, cost-effective network technology and attention to individual member needs.

KanREN's Vision:

Kansas educators, learners and researchers will be aided in attaining their goals through KanREN, Inc., an innovator and provider of premier network and technology services.

KanREN's Values:

  • Integrity - We practice fiscal,technical and professional integrity at all times.
  • Community - The KanREN membership is an interconnected community that has created, and continues to support KanREN, and we will assist our members first, then other organizations.
  • Respect - We treat members, one another and others with respect and consideration.
  • Solutions - We provide sustainable and equitable technology solutions for members.
  • Partnerships - We seek collaboration that furthers our vision.
  • Standards - We adhere to industry standards and practices.

Important Facts:

  • KanREN is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)3 Kansas corporation, Bylaws
  • KanREN is not primarily a network--KanREN is an educational consortium. KanREN operates a state-wide TCP/IP network on behalf of its member institutions.
  • Membership in KanREN is open to any college, university, library, or school district in the state of Kansas. Other non-profit organizations may join the consortium subject to the approval of the KanREN executive committee.
  • KanREN is not a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP), though we do provide dedicated Internet connectivity for most of our member sites.
  • KanREN is not supported with any funding from the state or federal government. Though begun with funding from the National Science Foundation in 1993, today KanREN is completely supported by membership fees paid by its member institutions.
  • KanREN is not an agency of the government of the state of Kansas.
  • KanREN is an Internet2 Sponsored Education Group Participant (SEGP)
  • KanREN is a Kan-Ed peering partner
  • KanREN is affiliated with the Great Plains Network
  • KanREN is a member of Net@EDU - The policy making division of Educause.
  • KanREN provides E-rate discounts (SPIN: 143005645)