The URI Research Computing Network (RCN)** is a network environment for researchers with advanced computing needs which would likely be impaired by cybersecurity protocols. A key goal of the environment is to mitigate any potentially negative research impacts that may result from the implementation of the new 2022 URI IT security policy, which affects all university devices. At a high-level, URI’s network is virtually segmented into two parts: a primary secure network for common URI academic and business operations; and a secondary network that can be thought of as an independent and distinct network for research use, that has limited connectivity to the primary. This secondary network, called the “Research Computing Network” (RCN), can be thought of as similar to one’s home network when one is working remotely. 

Below are some common reasons for a URI researcher to request access to the RCN:

  • Have devices/systems that cannot satisfy the IT security policies due to some intrinsic limitation and require internet access for their research function (i.e. embedded boards, experimental systems/OS/drivers, etc.)  
  • Require connectivity to external systems/servers that are inhibited due to IT security measures (e.g., university firewall caps data transfer bandwidth).  
  • Need to make frequent modifications to their endpoint that require elevated admin privileges (e.g., frequently installing or modifying software or configuration, or security software blocks scripting or compilers).  

Note that the URI RCN is subject to some constraints:

  • Currently only available on the wired network and not on WiFi.
  • Researchers using the network will not have the same level of network monitoring, security and support as available on the primary URI network.  
  • As the environment is not envisioned for general users, advanced computing ability and/or admin access is expected, and full device support will not be available.

To request access to the RCN, please submit a ticket through Service Now. After the request is submitted, it may take about a week for the process to complete, since it involves several configuration changes across multiple systems. For questions, please contact itrcs-group@uri.edu.

**Sometimes also referred to as the Research/Science DMZ.