National research and education network

A national research and education network (NREN) is a specialised internet service provider dedicated to supporting the needs of the research and education communities within a country.
It is usually distinguished by support for a high-speed backbone network, often offering dedicated channels for individual research projects.
In recent years NRENs have developed many 'above the net' services. National Identity federations, many of which are represented in REFEDs, are one example of such services.