About GPN

The Great Plains Network (GPN) is a non-profit consortium aggregating networks through GigaPoP connections while advocating research on behalf of universities and community innovators across the Midwest and Great Plains who seek collaboration, cyberinfrastructure and support for big data and big ideas, at the speed of the modern Internet.

GPN was among the first GigaPoP connections in the country for Internet2 and has remained diligent in its mission to advocate research and the missions of its member institutions over the course of its 30 year history.

The Great Plains Network was founded by researchers and for researchers to advance regional capabilities with respect to advanced networking and access to national cyberinfrastructure.

  • Eight States
  • Over 20 Universities
  • First connector to Internet2
  • First 2x10G connector to Internet2
  • Internet2 Commercial Peering Service
  • One of few R & E networks with a mission to provide outreach to the research & education community

Vision

To connect and cultivate the region’s research and education professionals, institutions and universities, resulting in more productive and successful collaborations.

Our Mission

Advancing research initiatives through unified diversity, wherein the goals and interests of the consortium are met while accommodating the varying perspectives, needs, and circumstances of each individual member, resolving each collective quandary more effectively.