What is the Research Network?
The research network, or Science DMZ, is a segment of the campus network dedicated to research and education that is either network-data-intensive or incompatible with the default security settings of the main campus academic/administrative network.
The Science DMZ is not an automatic "anything goes" environment. Still, it does allow for higher data transfer rates across designated research and education networks via Internet2, and security settings can be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the needs of scientific research by separating it from the rest of the university's administrative networks. It also provides unique services that can support research including Advanced Layer 2 Services (AL2S), Data Transfer Nodes (DTNs), and High Performance Computing (HPC) resources.
Types of Research Network Access
As research becomes increasingly data-intensive and collaborative, having the right network infrastructure is essential. Our campus offers a variety of research network connectivity options designed to meet the diverse needs of faculty and research teams. Research network connectivity is highly customizable, but most needs fall into one of the following categories.
Internet/Internet 2 Access Networks
These networks provide outbound connectivity to the Internet and Internet 2, but are generally isolated from the campus network. These networks can provide support for devices that may not be able to connect to the standard campus network, but don't really need to connect to campus resources. They can also provide access to Internet 2 sites and services not accessible from the standard campus network.
Advanced Layer 2 Services (AL2S) Networks
Advanced Layer 2 Services (AL2S) enable the creation of high-performance, point-to-point connections between our campus and peer institutions. These connections simulate having a direct cable connection between the two sites. They provide many of the same security and connectivity beneifits as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with a much simpler configuration and with less network processing overhead that would typically slow down communications.
Research Isolation Networks
These networks are designed for projects that require strict data containment or advanced high-speed communications services between devices internal to the project network. These networks start off as an isolated or "air-gapped" network by default. If there is a need for communications into or out of the network, the network users can request firewall rules to enable that access in a safe and secure manner that protects both the research network and existing campus network resources.
Other Research Network Services
The research network also hosts some ancillary services that may be useful for research or instructional purposes including the following:
Please click on the items above to request DTN and HPC services.
Getting Started
Please click the request service link to start a request for research networking services or to submit any questions you may have about research networking. As research network services are highly flexible and customizable, ITS will work with the you to document the particular needs of your use case and build a solution that appropriate addresses those need.
Questions about this ticket or process?
Please review the attached documentation, but if you still have questions, you can direct your questions to the IT Help Desk via email at helpdesk@tntech.edu or via phone at 931-372-3975.