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What is an NREN?

The network behind research and education

What is an nren globe

What is a National Research and Education Network (NREN)?

National Research and Education Networks provide the specialised connectivity and digital infrastructure that universities, research institutes, and education organisations rely on to collaborate, share data and access global research resources. In Australia, this national research network is operated by AARNet.

A National Research and Education Network (NREN) is a specialised digital infrastructure designed to support the needs of research and education communities. 

Unlike commercial internet providers, NRENs are built to connect universities, research institutes, K-12 schools, cultural institutions, health and medical facilities, and other education and research organisations. They provide high-capacity connectivity and specialised services that enable institutions to collaborate, share data and access research resources. 

NRENs play an important role in supporting modern research and education by enabling collaboration between institutions and connecting national networks to international research and education networks. 

In Australia, the National Research and Education Network is operated by AARNet, connecting universities, research institutes, and education organisations across the country and linking them to global research networks.

Why NRENs exist

Today's research and education rely on digital infrastructure that connects institutions, people, and data across regions and countries. 

Scientific research increasingly generates very large datasets and requires high-performance networks to move data between laboratories, scientific instruments, data storage systems, and high-performance computing (HPC) facilities. Researchers often collaborate across multiple institutions and countries, requiring reliable and secure connectivity to share data and work together. 

Education institutions rely on robust digital infrastructure to support online learning platforms, collaboration tools, and shared services across campuses and institutions. Universities and schools also need secure connectivity to support research activities, international collaboration, and access to specialist digital services. 

National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) provide the specialised infrastructure designed to support these needs. By connecting institutions through high-capacity networks and linking them to global research and education networks, NRENs enable collaboration, discovery, and innovation across the research and education community.

What NRENs enable

High‑capacity research networks
Global research collaboration
Secure data sharing between institutions
Connectivity between scientific instruments, laboratories, data storage, and high-performance computing facilities
Connectivity to data centres and cloud platforms
Access to international research infrastructure and collaborations

Real-world research powered by global networks

Researchers around the world rely on national research and education networks to collaborate, share data and access global infrastructure. Explore real examples of how NRENs support scientific discovery and international collaboration.

Explore In The Field stories
In The Field Stories

Global NREN ecosystem

NRENs around the world interconnect to form a global research networking ecosystem. Examples include Internet2 in the United States and GÉANT in Europe. These networks enable scientists, educators, and students to collaborate internationally.

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Aarnet gren video
How global research networks connect the world.

AARNet's role

AARNet operates Australia's National Research and Education Network. The AARNet network connects universities, research institutes, cultural institutions, and education providers across Australia, and links them to international research networks.

University students laptop class