We really have 4 separate relationships with Kan-ed.
Since KanREN has been contracted to provide all phases of network operations for the Kan-ed backbone, the design, monitoring, and support services for the Kan-ed network will be housed in the new KanREN network operations center in Lawrence. Support calls for both networks will come into the same call center and then be routed to the appropriate staff members once the call is received.
Yes, KanREN's contract with Kan-ed specifies several services and support mechanisms that will be provided to Kan-ed members. KanREN members will have access to the same services along with many extended services that they have always been entitled to as consortium members (such as router configuration support, Firewall support, and other DNS or web services support)
No, KanREN has added additional, separate support staff and equipment that will handle Kan-ed calls. KanREN members will still have priority access to the same support services.
No, no one has to join Kan-ed to preserve state funding or to avoid penalties. However, if you want to have access to the services and resources that Kan-ed will provide, you will need to become a member.
Some of those services include:
It depends on which services you are interested in. You obviously will have to be connected to that backbone network if you want to participate in IDL/videoconferencing services. However, many of the databases and information resources are available now with any broadband or dialup internet connection.
According to the (in progress) Kan-ed PPR, no member should ever be "directly" connected to the Kan-ed backbone except in the instance that a valid peering partner (connection provider) cannot provide them a connection. You should locate an approved Kan-ed peering partner in your area and arrange a connection to the Kan-ed backbone through them.
More than likely you are physically and logically "touching" the Kan-ed backbone, however there are still things you must do to make that a full-featured Kan-ed connection. You must fill out the paperwork to become a Kan-ed member and you must make sure that the KanREN staff knows that you are now a member so that they can verify your configuration and ensure that quality of service rules are in place to guarantee the best experience with your connection.
The answer to the question depends on the peering partner (connection provider). Those who have chosen KanREN as their connection provider have the option of using their KanREN connection as their conduit for doing IDL or videoconferencing with other KanREN and/or Kan-ed members, as well as enjoying all other KanREN services, including Internet. Your circuit may have to be upgraded to accommodate the extra bandwidth required for videoconferencing / IDL.
Bandwidth for video must be prioritized above other applications if video is to work successfully. Total bandwidth on any connection can be shared between video and other types of services, just as long as the connection is properly configured to manage the differing needs of different services. KanREN deployed QoS to perform this function over two years ago.
Absolutely, your KanREN connection is a full-featured Kan-ed connection and will not limit any of the services or locations available to you. Any site using appropriate, compatible H.323 technology should be able to connect to other sites. If you are a member of an IDL or video consortium, we recommend you contact your consortium to ensure that your video hardware (codecs, cameras etc.) are compatible and appropriate for what you wish to do. KanREN will be happy to work with you and your video consortium to ensure you get the best experience. Correct classroom equipment and connectivity are equally important.
Generally, institutions are advised to use 2 T1's worth of bandwidth (3Mbps), however 4.5Mbps is also a common recommendation. The best answer we can give you is that you should contact KanREN and your video/IDL consortium if you belong to one. We want to work with you and your consortium to ensure that we take into account your video, Internet, and other network needs to arrive at the correct bandwidth levels for your institution.
Without speaking too much for Kan-ed we can quote a few of the currently available services that are published on their website.
You can access these database resources at: http://skyways.lib.ks.us/library/databases.html. Kansas residents can access these databases from anywhwere by obtaining a Kansas Library Card from their local library. Libraries and other educational institutions can work with the database providers to set up no-password-required access within their facilities. We encourage you to check the Kan-ed website to keep up to date on other services available from Kan-ed.
In addition to those services provided to you by Kan-ed, KanREN members will still have access to KanREN specific benefits and services that are not available to other Kan-ed sites (i.e. Click to Meet web-conferencing server, Intranet management services, advanced router configuration support, but most importantly, Internet service!)
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