Frequently Asked Questions — Net-to-Jack
Service Overview
The Net-to-Jack program is a centralized service model with full, end-to-end support for internal and external network infrastructure. In the past, most departments provided their own support for internal network infrastructure (connectivity and routing/switching equipment within a building) or paid for third-party support. External network support and infrastructure, (connectivity out from a building to the SUNet backbone and the Internet) was provided by IT Services. The Net-to-Jack program combines these two support functions into one service profile, providing academic and administrative departments with highly reliable network equipment and centralized, expert monitoring and support at a cost-effective price.
Cost of Service: Net-to-Jack program charges are calculated at a flat rate, per jack, per month. Fees are billed to the department on a monthly basis, and will appear on the monthly statement from IT Services. Current charges are:
- Per port, per month: $9.50
- Critical jack per port, per month: $25.00
- New port activation: $70.00
- Move service to non-active port: $70.00
- Additional wireless access points, per month: $31.00
Help Desk Specialist: If the question is not listed below, please route a HELPSU ticket to: SOS
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens to the network equipment if I terminate my Net-to-Jack service?
- I need to move a few of my staff to new locations. What would I do to move the staff's Net-to-Jack connections and what will it cost?
- My department is large and spread out around campus. Is it possible to have all of my staff on our same subnet? What would that cost?
- I want to have one of my machines on Net-to-Jack while another set of machines in my same lab connected to a private network within this same building or across one or more buildings. Is this possible?
- What type of documentation can I expect from the survey? How does this help me when adding additional people to the Net-to-Jack service? Is the documentation kept up to date?
- Once I subscribe, how long will it take to move my staff to the Net-to-Jack service?
- Can I have selected staff at an even higher rate connection, say 1 gig? What would be the costs?
- What happens to the network equipment if I terminate my Net-to-Jack service?
If the equipment was funded by IT Services, the network equipment will be removed and re-deployed to other clients as needed. If the existing N2J equipment was purchased by your department, it would remain in place for your use. You will pay for service on a per-port basis as long as you have active network connections from a N2J switch, regardless of ownership.
IT Services requires a minimum 90-day notice prior to removing a client from N2J; you will have up to 90 days to replace any IT Services purchased N2J switches with your own switches. IT Services may or may not offer to sell you the existing N2J switches. IT Services will advise you what to expect and prepare for once advised that you wish to stop N2J service.
- I need to move a few of my staff to new locations. What would I do to move the staff's Net-to-Jack connections and what will it cost?
Complete a Communication Service Order for the moves by using either the Web-based CSO form or paper CSO form. The current rate for moves is posted on the Web.
- My department is large and spread out around campus. Is it possible to have all of my staff on our same subnet? What would that cost?
The Net-to-Jack program provides a very stable connection to the Stanford network backbone. The usual reason to have all systems on the same subnet is due to routing slowness. With the Net-to-jack program's connections, this is a minor issue. As with any of your network issues, we'll be happy to discuss this further at the time of our network audit.
- I want to have one of my machines on Net-to-Jack while another set of machines in my same lab connected to a private network within this same building or across one or more buildings. Is this possible?
N2J service is provided as a means to facilitate all network connections for a subscribing client. A private intra-building client network would not have to be on the N2J program for other standard office network service subscription. Both could co-exist, but would need review on a case-by-case basis for specific answers.
- What type of documentation can I expect from the survey? How does this help me when adding additional people to the Net-to-Jack service? Is the documentation kept up to date?
Inventory process of N2J identifies all the existing network switches being used, their location by bldg and communication room, and the active network ports patched onto the switches with an associated TSO port at the device end in each office. These documents are provided to you along with a one page overview on N2J service support with instructions for adding/moving/deleting ports, reporting trouble, and requesting any service level support for N2J.
IT Services maintains/updates all the N2J system records based on service orders placed by clients, using the initial Inventory as the baseline. Copies of N2J records can be requested from IT Services, and it is also recommended that clients maintain their own database for tracking service activities. Your monthly IT Services statement will also provide current billing information on N2J subscriptions showing quad-bldg-tso information and can be used as an inventory record by clients.
- Once I subscribe, how long will it take to move my staff to the Net-to-Jack service?
For a small department, the N2J process could be concluded with subscribed service in-place in as little as 30 days. A typical N2J subscription will usually run between 30-60 days, with very large clients (i.e., number of ports) potentially taking up to 90 days. The specific timeline for your group will be addressed during the acceptance stage of your N2J discussions. IT Services will accept responsibility for adds/moves/changes on your network at the time of Audit review with you and your acceptance/subscription to N2J; interim N2J Service begins on that date.
- Can I have selected staff at an even higher rate connection, say 1 gig? What would be the costs?
Gigabit service will be included in the N2J service model, but has not yet been priced. More information on this enhanced N2J service will be shared in the future.