We spoke with Einar Ljønes (Sikt), the coordinator of the newly formed Special Interest Group on Campus Network as a Service (SIG-CNaaS), which has recently held its first community meeting. He highlights how the group is bringing organisations together to address shared challenges and shape more flexible, service-driven network models.
Words: Grace Cooper, GÉANT
Campus networks in focus
Across the European research and education (R&E) community, campus networks are becoming increasingly central to teaching, research, and digital collaboration. Universities and research institutions depend on reliable, secure and flexible network infrastructures that support everything from connected campuses and digital learning environments to advanced research workflows. Within this context, the SIG-CNaaS community provides an important platform for collaboration and shared development.
Exploring new ways to manage and deliver services
SIG-CNaaS brings together experts from NRENs and the wider community who are exploring modern approaches to campus networking. The group focuses on how campus networks can increasingly be delivered as service-oriented, automated and scalable infrastructures, rather than traditional locally managed network environments.
Finding solutions together
One of the challenges facing many institutions today is the growing complexity of campus networking services. Campuses must support a rapidly expanding range of devices, applications and digital services while maintaining high standards for performance, reliability and security. At the same time, operational teams are often working with limited resources and increasing expectations. SIGCNaaS offers a forum for exploring new architectural models and operational approaches that help address these challenges.
Creating shared and interoperable solutions
A key ambition of the group is to promote greater interoperability and shared approaches across the community. By exchanging experience, discussing technical architectures and identifying common needs, SIG-CNaaS helps members move towards more standardised and interoperable solutions that can be adapted to different national contexts.
Learning from real world experiences
The SIG has also developed into a space for practical collaboration between NRENs actively working on Campus Network as a Service models. Through regular discussions and knowledge sharing, participants exchange operational insights, deployment experiences and lessons learned from real-world implementations. This practical collaboration accelerates learning and provides valuable input for organisations that are exploring similar service models.
Join the SIG-CNaaS community
As a relatively new Special Interest Group within the GÉANT community, SIG-CNaaS warmly welcomes additional NRENs and institutions that wish to contribute to the conversation. Expanding participation will strengthen the community’s collective expertise and create new opportunities for collaboration across Europe.
Looking ahead, SIG-CNaaS aims to support the development of nextgeneration campus network services that are more automated, resilient and aligned with evolving needs. By fostering open dialogue, sharing practical experience and building collaborative relationships, the group contributes to ensuring that campus networks continue to evolve as a strong foundation for innovation and R&E across Europe.
NRENs and institutions interested in shaping the future of campus networking are encouraged to join the conversation and be part of the growing SIG-CNaaS community.
To learn more about SIG-CNaaS visit: community.geant.org/sig-cnaas
