Who is SRNET?
Saskatchewan Research Network Inc. (SRNET) is a member-driven, not-for-profit organization that provides advanced information technology and collaborative leadership to support education, research and innovation in Saskatchewan. SRNET is Saskatchewan’s partner in Canada’s National Research and Education Network.
What does SRNET specialize in?
SRNET specializes in network infrastructure and information technology services. Along with these, SRNET provides collaborative leadership for the benefit of all members.
How does SRNET differ from other service providers?
SRNET’s network services are not sold commercially – these services are for education, research and innovation purposes. SRNET is neither a partner nor a competitor – SRNET represents the SRNET membership community and is a broker of services to ensure that members receive the highest value possible.
What services are offered by SRNET?
SRNET and SRNET’s national partner, CANARIE, offer a wide range of services:
Identity and Access Management Services
SRNET is able to offer identity and access management solutions for members who participate in the Canadian Access Federation (CAF).
Canadian Access Federation
CAF allows multiple institutions to share their services and eliminates the need for multiple login accounts to access each institution. Services offered through CAF include: using home credentials to access content and services from anywhere in the world.
Eduroam
Educational roaming (eduroam) is a world-wide roaming service that allows access to the internet through your CAF enabled login. Students, researchers and staff from participating institutions can get internet connectivity when visiting other participating institutions by simply opening their laptop. The eduroam service reduces the number of guest accounts that connect to a network, which simplifies the process for institutions.
Federated Identity Management
Federated Identity Management is a single sign-on solution that is delivered through CAF. This technology allows members at participating institutions in Canada to access a central catalogue of services and resources, without having to enter their login credentials multiple times.
Content Delivery Service (CDS)
Content Delivery Service (CDS) gives Canada’s research and education community faster access to internet-based resources and content, without increasing internet transit costs. When a user accesses content through an approved content provider, the query is sent over the NREN network instead of the ISP (internet service provider).
Shared Services
SRNET is facilitating collaboration between Members to improve the services provided, reduce business and operational risks and lower costs. We are also supporting Members to leverage each other’s extensive capabilities to address issues in the community. Driven by SRNET’s members, shared services are continuously being created to provide new value for Saskatchewan.
What value does SRNET bring to Saskatchewan?
SRNET’s digital infrastructure network and services offers a unique and specific value to each of our members:
- SRNET’s advanced digital infrastructure increases value for researchers by creating a digital environment that improves productivity. By offering improved access to ultra-high-speed and advanced digital infrastructure, SRNET is contributing to the economic success in Saskatchewan.
- SRNET’s high-capacity network creates an advanced digital learning experience and improves collaboration among educators. SRNET’s infrastructure creates an environment that improves learning for both the student and the educator.
- SRNET’s advanced network services accelerate and enhance research and product development.
- SRNET’s collaborative leadership and advocacy helps to strengthen Saskatchewan’s research, education and innovation sectors.
Who is CANARIE?
CANARIE is SRNET’s national partner. SRNET’s backbone network is provided through CANARIE and Canada’s National Research and Education Network. This network connects Canadians to over 112 similar advanced networks internationally.
What is Canada’s NREN?
SRNET is part of a bigger picture – Canada’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). Canada’s NREN includes twelve provincial and territorial network partners as well as CANARIE. This powerful digital infrastructure connects Canadians to national and global data, tools, colleagues and classrooms that fuel the engine of innovation in today’s digital economy.
How do I become a member?
SRNET connects 14 members at 17 different member locations, and serves approximately 286,000 students in the province. SRNET has member organizations in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw, and is constantly seeking new members. SRNET memberships are open to research and education institutions in Saskatchewan. To learn more about our membership, contact us.