| What is an Institutional Network (known as CityNet)? |
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CityNet is a fiber rich infrastructure that campus’ the entire City of Tacoma. Not a single government institution, agency or school is more than a quarter of a mile from access to CityNet. Like a wide-area network, CityNet enables users to share resources, connecting multiple locations in a seamless pattern into a single operation. CityNet supports voice, video and data applications meaning users can move the computer and telephone and video programming or training services off commercial or leased phone lines at a considerable cost savings.
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What is the difference between the digital application of CityNet and the hybrid fiber–coaxial (HFC) application of CityNet? |
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The digital network supports voice and data applications and can support video applications using internet protocol or IP. The HFC Network is primarily used for the transport of video. Voice and data applications can also be supported by the HFC Network.
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Is there an approved list of potential CityNet users? |
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Yes, there is a list. As part of the cable franchise/agreement negotiations there is an approved list of sites that can be connected and lit up on CityNet at incremental cost.
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Who is considered a qualified User on CityNet? |
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Government agencies, agencies with a close affiliation to government, schools, libraries, etc.
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| If my department or agency is qualified, how can we get service? |
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Apply for service.
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| Where can the application be found? |
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There is an application available at this web site or through the Franchise Administration Office. Completed applications should be submitted to the Franchise Administration office. A site visit will be arranged. CityNet Technical Administrator is available to assist in the completion of your application. Also available at this web site is an outline of the Provisioning Process, which gives you a step by step guide through the process.
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| If my department or agency were to apply , what would be our responsibility to get hooked (lit) up? |
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You are responsible for covering the costs of the last quarter mile, your end user equipment, installation and testing, as well as your monthly fee.
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What is the "last quarter mile"? |
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The distance to make the connection from the closest point in CityNet service loop, in the Public Rights of Way, to your building or location. Typically that distance is no more than a quarter mile and usually less.
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What is the average cost of the "last quarter mile"? |
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Above ground connections have been averaging $7,000. Below ground or trenching varies on location.
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If my department or agency needs to purchase end-user equipment, is there someone who could advise us? |
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Yes. The Technical Administrator for CityNet is available to assist you. He will work with representatives of Click and/or other vendors to help accommodate your needs.
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Is there an opportunity to buy end-user equipment from the City? |
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Yes. The City can purchase equipment under the current vendor contracts held by Click! Network. The City will resell it you for cost.
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What kind of service for voice, video and data applications are available over CityNet? |
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Anything from simple telephone service to a combination of services (DS1 to OC12).
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| Is there limited use of this network? |
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Network capacity can be scaled to meet your needs. The network is limited to use by certain groups and agencies.
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What is a node, and where is it located? |
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A node is an electronic device that sends and receives signals to and from individual users. A node is the point at which CityNet branches off the service loop to connect to the individual user.
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How secure is information traveling over the network? |
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Very secure. Information travels in packets and is virtually unreadable until is it reconfigured at its end destination.
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| Would my department have a dedicated fiber or share bandwidth? |
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Shared bandwidth. Dedicated fiber does not provide for the best and most economical use of CityNet. Security is not compromised by sharing bandwidth. Agencies do not receive and can not read other agencies’ information.
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Are there any fees associated with the use of CityNet? |
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Yes. There is a monthly User fee negotiated with the General Services Franchise Administration office.
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Is there an agreement or contract? |
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Yes, there is a CityNet User’s Agreement. This agreement is negotiated between the user agency and the Franchise Administration office. The agreement outlines responsibilities and costs associated with using and maintaining CityNet. |