Network services accommodate an every-increasing amount of data, voice, video, and multimedia traffic over a statewide backbone to support the missions of government and education. NDIT provides consulting services to assist customers in acquiring network solutions that best fit their business needs.
Available Services
Major categories of service include:
- Wide Area Network (WAN)
- Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN)
- Wireless Network
NDIT's Enterprise Service Level Agreement includes Service Level Objectives and Standard Intervals for Request Fulfillment.
Benefits
- Facilitates open communication with citizens of the state
- Ensures that a single entity does not adversely affect the functionality of the whole network
- Minimizes the state's investment in human resources
- Supports rapid detection and resolution of problems
- Protects the network infrastructure from damage and security breaches
Requesting Service
NDIT’s Self Service Portal may be used to submit an “Network Connectivity” service request.
Billing
For billing information, please visit the NDIT Billing Page.
Resources
NDIT Wiring Standards
This standard defines a telecommunications wiring system for North Dakota State Agencies, offices or buildings that will support a multi-product environment. The purpose of this standard is to enable planning and installation of building wiring, regardless of the telecommunications products, be it voice and/or data, which subsequently will be installed. This document addresses "telecommunications infrastructure cabling."
Client VPN
The user must be a local administrator on the system to install the components for the first time. (Users that are not local administrators should contact their IT staff for assistance on the initial installation of the GlobalProtect client. NDIT Desktop supported entities will want to contact the Service Desk for assistance.)
Supported Operating Systems and Service Packs
Supported Mobile Devices
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Current version of IOS and Android OS.
Approved Anti-Virus Vendors
The statewide network, known as the North Dakota Statewide Technology Access for Government and Education network (STAGEnet), was created by the 1999 legislative session. STAGEnet provides broadband connectivity, Internet access, video conferencing and other networking services for North Dakota state entities. All state agencies, colleges and universities, local government, and K-12 are required to participate in STAGEnet.
Goals and Objectives
The STAGEnet Strategic Goals and Objectives focus on providing broadband connectivity, Internet access, and other networking services.
Mission
The State of North Dakota’s Information Technology Department along with STAGEnet partners will develop and enhance a statewide network to service its primary consumers. STAGEnet will exist to provide a secure, reliable, and cost-effective network that has the scale and flexibility to support the convergence of data, voice, and video to meet and surpass the business objectives of government and education.
Vision
STAGEnet strives as a collaborative spirit to architect an enterprise infrastructure through partnerships with all levels of government and education. In addition, the committee will seek out partnerships with the service provider community in an effort to help deliver equal access throughout North Dakota. Past and future collaborative efforts will continue to provide great opportunities for STAGEnet. Partnering together on strategic data, video, and voice projects will continue to reshape STAGEnet for the future and provide its users an innovative communications infrastructure.
Value of a Statewide Network
- Reliable
- Network reliability and security is universally achieved and provided through many diverse customer requirements.
- Accessible
- Access continues to expand to all borders of North Dakota through new strategic opportunities provided by existing and new providers.
- Affordable
- Cost effective access is provided to the network’s customers through the use of cooperative architecture and volume purchasing.
- Flexible
- Designed to provide a wide range of services and connectivity to government and education, the network inherently provides a high degree of flexibility in addressing unique needs and new services.
- Innovative
- Architecture is designed to meet the needs of many customers resulting in an enterprise infrastructure where innovation can thrive and stimulate new opportunities.
STAGEnet FAQs
Do I need to designate a contact person for all State Network issues?
Yes, one person from your organization should be appointed as the contact for all state network issues. They will be notified of pertinent information, and they will be responsible for reporting problems to the NDIT Service Portal. If the contact person changes, please notify the NDIT Service Portal so that information is directed to the right person.
What if I need additional bandwidth at my site?
You are able to purchase additional bandwidth if needed. Contact the NDIT Service Portal to discuss details and request more information.
How does the network handle IP addresses?
Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses are dynamically assigned using DHCP when connected to the state network. If a static IP address is required for a service, please submit a request through the NDIT Self-Service Portal.
What is NAT?
Network Address Translation – an IP addressing scheme commonly used by large WANs like our state network. Local IP addresses are 10.x.x.x numbers “inside” our network.
How will planned and unplanned outages be handled?
NDIT will notify customers of scheduled maintenance at least 48-hours in advance. Unplanned outages will be remedied as soon as possible. For status reports, visit the NDIT Service Portal.
Who do I call if there are problems at my site?
Contact us through the NDIT Service Portal or call: 701-328-4470 with details of the situation/problem. Include entity name, contact person, telephone number, and a general description of the problem.
Network Security
A secure, stable computing environment is essential. Our goal is to provide network protection and deliver a stable network environment by deploying:
Protection from Internet Threats - including viruses and malware.
Every bit of traffic entering STAGEnet from the Internet will be scanned for threats. The list of threats scanned is updated automatically as new ones are found with protection against new malware provided within hours of being found anywhere in the world.
Application and Protocol Monitoring
All traffic through the devices is classified to determine the application or protocol being used, even if it is encrypted or attempting to use non-standard ports. This information can be used to make policy decisions and enforce those decisions via security appliances.