What you can access on our network
As mentioned elsewhere, REANNZ's network is different from traditional telco networks. It's a research and education network, which means that all by itself, it enables access only to specific parts of the internet.
Think of it like this: REANNZ's network is a series of fat pipes built to allow large loads of data to quickly move between a small number of locations. The web makes use of millions of other pipes, large and small, that allow lots of different - and typically smaller - amounts of data to move pretty much everywhere.
These networks might overlap, but they're separate.
The ability to access the millions of pipes that support the web exists, but at the moment that comes as an additional service; you have to subscribe to REANNZ Internet (or sign up to another internet service provider) as well.
What it means for you
Obviously, you can join REANNZ and subscribe to REANNZ Internet, and you'd then have a fantastic, all-encompassing internet service with no data caps, that is comparatively cheap.
But even without subscribing to REANNZ Internet, schools connected to our network can still access a range of content and services over ultra-fast broadband. Doing this will mean you can avoid public Internet usage charges (which can be very expensive) and eliminate any bandwidth restrictions.
What services could you access this way? There's a long list of content available via our network here. The list already includes such heavyweights as Google and Youtube, and is constantly growing as REANNZ forms partnerships with different content providers. Additionally, we're always seeking to understand what content is most appropriate for our members.
The following shorter list is a selection of content specific to the interests of schools.
Services provided for free
- e-asTTle - online assessment tool
- Asnet video conferencing - standard definition video bridge
- Virtual Learning Network - social learning community
- LAMS - collaborative learning activities tool
- Elgg - social networking system
Services offered on a commercial basis
- Moodle - learning management system
- Knowledge NET - learning management system
- Ultranet - learning management system
These services are provided by our partners. Contact our partners to arrange access to the paid-for services.