This section introduces national research and education networks (NRENs) and provides guidelines for their development in the Caribbean. The Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network, CKLN, is grateful to the consultants from Telecom/Telematique Incorporated (TTI) for developing blueprints and providing technical assistance for the respective countries as the CKLN facilitates the national institutions develop their own NRENs.
What are research & education networks and why are they so important?
In practice, RENs interconnect a country’s higher education
institutions plus government research institutions,
primary and secondary schools, libraries, hospitals,
museums and other public institutions.
The support needs of this restricted user group are typically delivered on the physical network by a set of applications, tools and value-add services, either provided in open access mode by the collaborating members of the network or contracted from external providers.
Background
"The National Research and Education Network (NREN) organizations arose over the last 25 years from a need for the R&E community to address technical, financial, and administrative issues arising from a rapidly evolving networking environment.
The formation of the NRENs was a recognition that the Internet and communications technologies would play a much different role in the future and would require a consummately broader, more innovative, and collaborative approach. These factors forged the structure of the European NRENs and their peer regional networks in other parts of the world."
While the European NRENs have delivered successful state of the art network in support of research activities within the European research arena, they observe that the requirements of research and education continue to evolve.
"The user base itself of the NREN is no longer simply research and higher education, but is growing to include a broader social and cultural constituency."
The developing Caribbean NRENs have much to learn from the rest of the world, especially that "the NREN organizations must recognize these rapidly changing requirements and venture into new services and activities, and engage with other essential related organizations."
The NORDUnet team emphasizes that within the NREN Community "it has become clear that only a few NREN’s have a long term vision and/or strategic plan. But strategic plans are essential to meet the challenges of 2020 and support the changing landscape of research and education. NREN’s must take an active role and develop strategies to meet the challenges."
NRENs in the Caribbean
The value for an NREN and their regional associations is now globally accepted; they provide collaborative support using applications and support services to communities of practice for knowledge creation, innovation around science and technology and the advancement of knowledge and aid in the development of their members with many outreach activities.
As part of a sustainable cost-sharing model, most NREN services are based on applications that are common to the membership.
These include:
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Digital library resources
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Digital laboratories
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Grid applications such as high-capacity storage and remote computing power
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Catalogue systems and document delivery
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Wikis
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Web conferencing and mailing list subscription services
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e-Learning tools and portals
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Portal for information/news updates
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Multi-party video conferencing
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Gatekeeper and MCU booking systems
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Streaming video
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Software licensing
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Online web-shops for a range of academic services
