Frequently asked questions

Why is this programme available?
What are the benefits of this programme?
What do I have to do to participate in this programme?
How long does the programme run for?
What will happen to my connection at the end of 2008?
We are keen to take up this offer. What do we do now?
Can schools, libraries and other research and education organisations connect to KAREN?
Is this programme available to schools, libraries and other research and education organisations?
How can I connect to KAREN?
What is an Accredited Network Aggregator?
What Aggregator should I use?
What if my current service partner is not an Accredited Aggregator?
What speed can I expect from my KAREN connection?
What equipment or installation costs can I expect?

Why is this programme available?

This programme will accelerate the reach of KAREN, making membership more valuable for existing and new participants. ITPs and wānanga have an increasing reason to be networked both within the sector and externally. This is informed by the Tertiary Education Strategy. REANNZ wants to support the government and the sector by lowering the barrier for ITPs and wānanga to experience the transformational benefits of KAREN.

What are the benefits of this programme?

First and foremost, this programme means you can connect to KAREN without paying any membership fees during the 2008 calendar year. Being connected to KAREN brings a huge number of educational and technical benefits.

KAREN allows you to prepare students for the innovative networked workplace of the future. The possibilities include:

expanded course delivery via video conferencing
distance education courses
multi-media services
video streaming
remote collaborative teaching and learning lessons and scenarios
improved access to local /overseas partners
access to digital resources from universities/crown research institutes
access to local, national, and international advanced networks and their digital content
increased integration with the local business community through tech parks, incubators, R&D investors vertically with feeder schools and other TEI partners

You can also take advantage of KAREN to streamline your IT operations through:

managed internet access
data storage
voice over IP
multi-media services, direct connection to key resource providers, and powerful servers for high spec applications

What do I have to do to participate in this programme?

To help you realise the greatest value from your KAREN connection, you will be asked to commit to projects with an equivalent value of in-kind contribution during the year. These projects must deliver outcomes that would not have been possible without KAREN.

Contact REANNZ for further information and guidance on developing your projects.

How long does the programme run for?

This programme runs for the 2008 calendar year only, so the sooner you get connected the better deal you get.

What will happen to my connection at the end of 2008?

REANNZ is confident you will see significant value from KAREN membership and will continue your KAREN connection as a full contributing member in 2009 and beyond. See our page on membership costs to view the cost structure for ITP and wānanga KAREN membership.

Should you not wish to be KAREN member beyond the programme period simply notify REANNZ and we will discontinue your connection.

We are keen to take up this offer. What do we do now?

Contact Vicki Lindsay, Communities Assistant at REANNZ on +64 4 913 1098 or vicki.lindsay@reannz.co.nz to let us know you’re interested. We can also talk you through the connection options, and give you a steer on pulling together your KAREN projects.

Can schools, libraries and other research and education organisations connect to KAREN?

Yes, schools, libraries and other research and education organisations can connect to KAREN, and some in the process of doing so right now.

Membership eligibility is detailed in KAREN’s Network Access Policy.

Is this programme available to schools, libraries and other research and education organisations?

This programme is currently available to ITPs and wānanga only. ITPs and wānanga form the natural next level of community for KAREN to engage now that the universities, CRIs and the National Library are connected.

ITPs and wānanga have a wider regional presence than current members, and this programme should stimulate greater local connectivity options especially in locations more distant from current PoPs, helping other potential members.

How can I connect to KAREN?

There are two options available to connect to KAREN:

Directly to a KAREN Point of Presence (PoP)
To a KAREN PoP via an Accredited Aggregator

What is an Accredited Network Aggregator?

An Accredited Network Aggregator is an organisation that has been accredited by REANNZ for the purpose of providing KAREN connectivity services to members. There are currently three Accredited Aggregators – TelstraClear, FX Networks and SNAP (Christchurch and Lincoln only).

Aggregators enable multiple smaller organisations to gain access to KAREN where they do not have the requisite technical capabilities internally for a core KAREN connection.

Which Aggregator should I use?

The choice of Aggregator is up to you. Not all Aggregators operate in all areas. Please contact the Aggregators directly to check availability in your area. For contact details, see our list of KAREN access providers.

What if my current service partner is not an Accredited Aggregator?

Other service providers may become Accredited Aggregators by approaching REANNZ.

What speed can I expect from my KAREN connection?

A connection to the core network can be made at 10Gbps or 1Gbps. Aggregators provide connection speeds from 10Mbps (minimum) to 1Gbps.

All connections offer symmetric, uncontested, low latency bandwidth.

What equipment or installation costs can I expect?

This will depend on the type of connection you choose to make and your existing infrastructure.

Contact your Aggregator or last mile service provider for advice on their costs.

The technical centre section of our website has detailed technical information on connecting to KAREN. And our operations team can facilitate your connectivity planning.

Updated: 13 February 2008