Technology Solutions Centre

UofW Research Network

Description and General Operations

The Research Network is a networking environment that was created to accommodate researchers and other authorized parties to deploy computer systems and services that support their academic requirements.The Research Network sits on the "switched" portion of the campus wired network and is segregated from the main campus through Firewall Services.

The Research Network provides the following services:

• General network-level firewall protection from Internet attacks

• Unhampered outbound communications to the Internet

• Access to the standard services the University offers to other Internet users

• Full access to other systems or "peers" on the Research Network 

 Deploying Systems on the Research Network

The network cable jack in your office / lab will have to be configured prior to getting access to the Research Network.  The Research Network is only supported in areas that have switched ports - not all areas of the campus are covered at this time. For details on whether your area can accommodate a Research Network connection, please contact the TSC Help Desk.

System deployment methods on the Research Network are dependent on how the user classifies the system:

• Stand-alone systems – When connecting your stand-alone system, you will automatically receive an IP address through a local DHCP service. Network connection speed will be set automatically.

• Servers – Prior to deploying your server, you will receive a static IP address and valid Internet hostname from TSC for the system you wish to deploy. You can provide TSC with a list of services you want open to the Internet/campus and the edge firewall will be adjusted to accommodate this. Network connection speed is set to 10Mbps Half Duplex operation by default. Requests can be made to have the connection speed increased.

Research Network Operations Policy

Current and prospective users are urged to read the Research Network policy (currently in draft form) as it covers usage, operations and responsibilities of clients. The draft is available for viewing here:  Research Network Operations Policy.

Contact Information

All requests for system deployments are to be handled through the TSC Help Desk. An on-line form is available to help speed the process, located here. To contact the TSC Help Desk directly, phone 786-9149.

Research Network Management

Since the Research Network is not directly managed by TSC, a working group has been formed to help oversee its general usage and function. The group meets periodically to review any changes, adjustments or trends in network usage. They also share a community through the MyUWinnipeg campus portal.

The following lists the members of the current Research Network Working Group:

 

Member	Department
Danny Blair	Geography
Dwight Vincent	Physics
James Deng	ACSAS
Mark Leggott	Library
Mark Rogowski	TSC
Michael Hohner	Library
Mike Langedock	TSC
Randy Kobes	Physics
Simon Liao	ACSAS

Research Network Mailing Lists

A private mailing list for Research Network users to post and share information has been made available to those who wish to join. Please contact Mark Rogowski at 786-9034 (m.rogowski_at_uwinnipeg.ca) if you would like to be added to this list.