Activities
1. Wi-Fi based Glacier Monitoring
Melting glaciers is a global concern of the modern world. Entire Himalayan region is seriously affected from this emerging issues. As the components of environment preservation efforts, NREN has set up wireless network for the observation of potentially risk Imza Tsho Glacier Lake, by the support of Keio University of Japan. Due to the unexpected expansion of its size, it creates most potential threat to the Himalayan region.
The project has set up two Field server equipped with web‐camera enclosed within a protective shield installed close to the end moraine of Imja Tsho and three field servers at Namche Bazar. The camera with 360° view angle relays image of the lake through internet every 10 minute along with atmospheric data from the sensors. The project have deployed five (Air temp, Humidity, Solar Radiation, UV Radiation & CO2 concentration) sensors. These data are being regularly transmitted and can be accessed through internet interface (http://fsds.dc.affrc.go.jp/data4/Himalayan/). The data is being uplinked through ISP facility in Namche Bazaar which is networked with the monitoring unit through relay points at Chhukung- ri and Quangde. As the period of three years the project have collected vital information relate to forecast the Himalayan climate.
2. High Speed Backbone for Research & Education(R&E) Network
NREN has begun this program with the grant support of Information Society Innovation Fund (ISIF) and the in-kind support from Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC), USA. The project has built network infrastructure among education and research organization and operate 45 Mbps TEIN3 (Trans-Eurasia Information Network) for the research and education communities of Nepal.The first phase of the project has started in 2009 and will be run till the mid of 2010.
As the first phase of the project, twelve research and education institution, including Kathmandu University, Institute of Medicine , TU Central Library, University Grant Commissions are selected for the project and the project has setup network infrastructure in those institution.The project has planned to provide R&E network connectivity till the end of February, 2010.
After the successful completion of its first phase, It will build the network infrastructure and create the environment of research network in Nepal. And Nepal will be connected with high speed R&E Network that will ensure to reduce the current gap of advance research as well as access the opportunities of advance visual communication in Nepal.
3. Tele-medicine
Telemedicine is rapidly developing applications for clinical medicine where medical information is transferred through the phone or the internet and sometimes other networks for the purpose of consulting, and sometimes remote medical procedures or examinations.
As one of the major partners of Model Hospital as well as Institute of Medicine, NREN invest its technical expertise through the leadership of Dr.Mahabir Pun, for the promotion of telemedicine activities in Nepal. Currently, the activities have already extended on the following districts: Dolakha, Trishuli, Makawanpur, Mustang, Myagdi and planning to extend in other rural districts of the Nepal.
The Wi-Fi based network, connecting the centrally located Kathmandu Model Hospital to a number of remote hospitals and rural health center in the hills. The project has been practicing interactive and trying to implement remote monitoring services rather than store-and-forward telemedicine services. The efforts have already started producing tangible results those are reflected in terms in knowledge/skill of health care providers, doctor’s willingness to work in remote areas. And further, preparations are being made for virtual classrooms in more remote areas.
4. Global R&E Network Connectivity
NREN has formulated the objectives to connect with Global research and education network. The organization has emphasis it’s more efforts to bring the connectivity of Global R&E network in Nepal. NREN is the primary member of APAN (Asia-Pacific Advanced Network), R&E member of Internet2, as well as the beneficiaries partners of TEIN3 (Trans-Eurasia Information Network).
APAN is a non-profit international consortium established on 3 June 1997. It is designed to be a high-performance network for research and development on advanced next generation applications and services. It provides an advanced networking environment for the research and education community in the Asia-Pacific region, and promotes global collaboration. As the Primary of APAN, NREN have brought 10 Mbps international R&E Link for the purpose of research activities.
Internet2 is an advanced networking consortium led by the research and education community. The not-for-profit partnership includes leaders from research, academia, industry and government. In 2009, Internet2 member rolls included over 200 higher education institutions, over 40 members from industry, over 30 research and education network and connector organizations, and over 50 affiliate members. Through its regional network and connector members, connects over 60,000 U.S. educational, research, government and “community anchor” institutions, from primary and secondary schools to community colleges and universities, public libraries and museums to healthcare organizations.
It operates the Internet2 Network, a next-generation Internet Protocol and optical network that delivers production network services to meet the high-performance demands of research and education, and provides a secure network testing and research environment.
NREN has become a Research and Education Network members of Internet2 and going to connect with this network.
Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN3) provides a dedicated high-capacity Internet for research and education communities across Asia-Pacific. It currently connects 11 countries in the region and is now expanding its footprint to South Asia bringing the total number of partners to 18: Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam are being joined by Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. It provides direct connectivity to Europe’s GÉANT network, TEIN3 offers Asia-Pacific a gateway for global collaboration, enabling over 45 million users at more than 8000 research and academic centers to participate in joint projects with their peers in Europe and other parts of the world.
As the project partners from Nepal, NREN has connected with TEIN3. NREN get access of this network and going to distribute its 45 Mbps International R&E Link among its R&E members.