Networkshop community group

About the community

Designing, building and operating campus networks poses a wide range of challenges, such as technology choices, security, ubiquitous connectivity, resilience, monitoring, and efficient power use, many of which are similar for anyone working in research and education (R&E) networking at higher education (HE), further education (FE) or other Janet-connected organisations.

The Networkshop community aims to provide a platform and focal point for network admins and managers at Janet-connected sites to share common challenges and through discussion to determine the best solutions to those problems. The community will also, via feedback at events, help us to ensure that we understand the priorities and needs of our member organisations.

The main event for the community is our annual in-person Networkshop, which is typically held in June each year. To complement this, and to keep the spirit of Networkshop running year-round, we will also arrange several periodic events, predominantly online, on a variety of topical subjects.

Members of the community are encouraged to join the Networkshop Teams workspace through which you can access event resources, read blogs, and discuss any topics of mutual interest. The collection of past presentations, linked guides and blogs should build over time to be a valuable reference for anyone responsible for campus or R&E network operations.

Aims of the community

We aim to:

• Maintain a Teams area as a platform and focal point for network admins and managers at Janet-connected sites or related R&E networks
• Facilitate community members’ participation and engagement at our annual Networkshop event and at periodic online events throughout the year
• Support discussion between network admins and managers on any campus networking or network service topics relevant to HE, FE or other R&E organisations
• Provide a repository in the Teams area for resources presented at events, which may include slide decks and recordings from online webinars
• Receive feedback from the community on our network and services to help shape future services and topics to be discussed by the community
• Foster strong collaboration between R&E network operators, both within Janet and internationally

Who should join

The community is open to:

• R&E organisation chief information officers or similar senior IT management
• Campus network managers
• Campus IT staff supporting day-to-day network-related operations and services
• R&E networking collaborators in the UK or internationally

No prior experience in the area is assumed.

Prior attendance at Networkshop events is not required.

No specific time commitment is required. Members are free to participate depending on their own availability and interests.