Network Operations

Technical

Aggregation of Internet services through OPEN offers significant resource-sharing advantages to Oregon's K-12 schools. OPEN currently partners with Higher Education and State of Oregon in the Oregon Wide Area Network (OWEN) and has contracts with two tier one providers, UUNet and Cable and Wireless.

OPEN's network design has migrated from a single hub to two regional hubs, one located at Clackamas ESD and one at the University of Oregon. The network is designed to allow technology centers (TC) to branch out from each hub. Each hub brings together, or aggregates, traffic from the TCs and makes the connection to OWEN and then to the Internet provider. For more information see Intrastate Network Design.

Data Communications Design

The OPEN TC is responsible for the OPEN network server(s), the data circuit connecting to the Internet provider and the State of Oregon backbone, and the data circuit and router connecting each TC. OPEN has established common network standards to ensure reliability and cost effectiveness. Three types of Technical Centers are possible:

District TC that serves one district only. Examples are the Portland School District 1J and Eugene School District 4J.
An ESD TC (or a district under contract with the ESD) that serves districts within the one ESD region. Examples are Linn-Benton-Lincoln ESD, and Willamette ESD, which has contracted with Salem-Keizer School District 24J to perform technical network services.
ESD TCs serving districts within its geographic region, as well as other ESDs and their districts. Lane ESD, and Clackamas ESD are examples of this form of TC.

Network Support

The OPEN network support system is based on a graduated hierarchy of network support personnel. Technology coordinators will provide these services:

School - support school LAN, provide professional development.
District - assist school coordinators, support district WAN and school LANs, provide professional development.
Technical Centers (TC) - support regional WAN and OPEN backbone connection, assist SC / district coordinators, coordinate regional professional development.
OPEN Regional Hub - support OPEN backbone to the TCs, state network, and Internet, coordinate OPEN activities.