KAREN is not a standard commercial network, meaning there are different rules and requirements around getting access to the network. This page provides an overview of the process involved in getting access to KAREN. Contact REANNZ for further information.

1. Determine eligibility

Access to KAREN is governed by the Network Access Policy and, in part, by the Acceptable Use Policy. Alternatively you can contact REANNZ to discuss access.

Membership costs vary based on the type of membership you are eligible for, and the potential use you wish to make of the network:

• Membership costs should be discussed with REANNZ
• Connection costs vary (review connection costs)
• You will need to be able to purchase an access circuit to a KAREN POP (KAREN POP locations)
• You should also understand the requirements for edge devices

Once you have confirmed that you are eligible to use the network as a member, associate member or partner you will need to sign an agreement with REANNZ concerning your use of the network and the costs that will be incurred.

2. Order an access circuit and equipment

In order to make the connection to KAREN you will need to connect to a KAREN POP.

The connection is usually made using fibre optic cable and is based on LX (up to 10km) or ZX (up to 80km) optics.  These distances are approximations as the actual connection is based on a measurement of signal loss across the fibre optic cable.

We've complied a list of providers that can assist with connecting you to KAREN's POPs

You will need to purchase an edge device (or devices) to terminate the KAREN connection and secure your network.  This device needs to support certain standards to ensure a successful KAREN connection is made.

KAREN uses border gateway protocol (BGP) as a routing protocol and requires organisations to have:

• Public IP address space (/24 subnet mask is the minimum supported)
• Autonomous system number (ASN)

APNIC are responsible for allocating public IP address space and ASNs in New Zealand.

Please note that the management of your edge devices and the access circuit is the responsibility of your organisation.  REANNZ and it’s contractors are responsible for the POPs and the core network equipment.

3. Submit a connection form to REANNZ

Organisations that are connecting to KAREN need to complete a connection form. This form provides details about the connection you want to make and the way you intend to make it. There are connection forms for single sites and multiple sites depending on how many sites you wish to connect to the network.

Single site connection form

Multiple site connection form

REANNZ will then submit documentation requesting that you be connected to the network and contractors will contact you to provide details about the timing (which should be within 12 working days unless issues are encountered).