School connection

Connect as a schools cluster to the Distribution layer 

Build your own connection

A group of local schools form a loop or cluster and connect the cluster to our network through our distribution layer. There may already be a cluster of schools in your area that you can join, or you may wish to form your own cluster. Schools can take advantage of the edge router deal secured with NEC for the National Education Network trial extension.

Form a legal entity

Schools in the cluster need to form a legal entity (usually a trust) together to act as the contracted party. This way the connection charges are shared and an IP address range can be allocated.

Best network experience, but expertise required

A connection to the Distribution Layer will give the cluster the cleanest connection and will ensure the maximum network experience (lowest jitter and latency), but can be technically challenging and will have overheads. You will need the help of an expert to connect the cluster and for ongoing management. If you do not have that expertise within your cluster, then contact REANNZ for a list of people who understand the network and who have helped schools to connect to it in the past. You will have to fund this expertise yourself.

You need to get to the network

The cluster needs to get to one of the 12 Points of Presense (PoPs) at which there is a distribution router.

Design considerations for School clusters

REANNZ have documented learnings from the development of a simple and repeatable School Cluster high-level design, based on the learnings made as a result of the NEN Trial, in support of the fundamental principles of the network and on designs agreed with the Ministry of Education.

The design concept involves considering the School Cluster as the distributed campus of a single logical entity for the purpose of delivering shared IT services from a variety of Suppliers.

Read the full report School Cluster high-level design (PDF) to obtain a detailed understanding on how to connect.

Cost estimate

The estimated one off connections costs may be between $5,200 - $30,000 which will be shared by the cluster. This does not include your membership fee or ongoing infrastructure and support costs.

Next step: How to connect to the distribution layer