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This explains Janet and UIS policy on connecting partner organisations (external institutions) to the University.

Introduction

These pages contain information and advice for University institutions on connecting non-University partner organisations. The content is written for several audiences:

  • Institutional IT staff in departments and colleges.
  • Institutional management staff e.g. Heads of Department, Bursars.
  • A reference for University Information Services (UIS).

Below, there is a reference of Janet terminology (which is essential when discussing this topic), a condensed summary of the advice (also see Further information) and reference links to Janet policies.

 

Janet terminology

Jisc has specific terminology that will be used throughout these pages. These are essential in the following discussion.

  • Private network: Under UK Law, Janet is defined as a private network and is subject to specific regulations to maintain this position. This is reflected in Janet policies. In contrast, a public network has different regulations.
  • Eligible organisation: The organisation paying, and responsible for, the Janet connection – i.e. the University of Cambridge.
  • Partner organisation: An external organisation that accesses the Janet IP service through the eligible organisation’s network.
  • Members of the eligible organisation: Staff and students of the University, or a connected partner organisation.
  • Guests: Those who are not Members of the University (or partner organisation) that can be granted temporary access to Janet. A Guest is defined as being directly involved in furthering the University’s mission.
  • Visitors: Those who are not Members of the University (or partner organisation) and are not involved in furthering the University’s mission. Includes the general public.

This paper contains quotes from Janet policies. They are displayed in the following style:

“Janet is the name given to an electronic communications network and associated electronic communications networking services and facilities that support the requirements of the UK education and research communities.” Janet Eligibility Policy.

 

Summary

This summary explains Janet policy on how to connect partner organisations (external institutions) to the University. While it references identity management, it does not discuss CRSid eligibility issues.

While it is necessary that UIS understands Janet policy and can provide policy-related advice to the University, in many situations the UIS will not be the decision maker on who does, or does not, get Janet access. UIS is not included in every University management strategy discussion and it does not have legal expertise. UIS is therefore reliant on sound instruction from other University authorities.
 

Connecting partner organisations

  • As the eligible organisation, the University may provide Janet access to partner organisations that further the University’s mission in education, research, business or community engagement. This is stated as:

“The mission of the University of Cambridge is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning, and research at the highest international levels of excellence.”

  • Partner organisations that do not further the University’s mission must not use Janet, but instead may use a commercial ISP.
  • Partner organisations may be commercial (in which case State Aid must be considered) or not-for-profit.
  • Partner organisations are either embedded in a host University institution or are independent and have their own CUDN connection.

For embedded partner organisations:

  • It is for the host University institution, not UIS, to decide whether to connect an embedded partner organisation.
  • The host University institution is fully responsible for the embedded partner organisation in all matters relating to the University and Janet acceptable use policy.
  • UIS does not apply the commercial CUDN connection charge to a University institution with an embedded commercial partner organisation.
  • The host University institution must ensure it does not contravene State Aid regulations by providing Janet access such that it grants a commercial advantage to an embedded commercial partner organisation. The host University institution may mitigate this by choosing to apply a commercial service charge for using Janet. UIS can provide advice on commercial ISP charges.
  • The host University institution must provide adequate technical resource to effectively manage the IT functions of the embedded partner organisation.
  • The host University institution must apply the technical conditions specified (see Further information).

 

For independent partner organisations:

  • It is for the University, not UIS or the partner organisation, to decide and instruct UIS on whether to connect an independent partner organisation.
  • It is for the University, not UIS or the partner organisation, to decide and instruct UIS on whether to apply the commercial CUDN connection charge to an independent partner organisation (to mitigate State Aid issues).
  • The independent partner organisation is subject to the same acceptable use policy as other University institutions.
  • The independent partner organisation must provide adequate technical resource to effectively manage its CUDN connection.

Where there is a dispute, UIS should refer the case to the University Information Services Committee (ISC).

 

Links to Janet policies

The following Janet policies were referenced in the creation of the UIS policy on connecting partner organisations:

 Acceptable Use Policy

 Responsibilities of Janet-Connected Organisations

 Guest and Public Network Access

 Network Access for Guests Technical Guide

 A guide to managing state aid issues

 State Aid – Questions and Answers