blue network background with a CEN and a PSDN logo on it

Nutmeg Network

The ‘Nutmeg Network’, conceived in 2009, is a term to describe two purpose built statewide networks: the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) and the Public Safety Data Network (PSDN). Combined, they connect over 1000 points of presence across the state and provide service to nearly every community anchor institution through resilient, flexible, fiber based, high-performance networks.

CEN, established in 2000, serves as Connecticut’s ‘Trusted Internet Partner’ supplying high-performance and high-capacity Internet, peering, and value added services to schools, colleges and universities, libraries, state and municipal governments, healthcare, research, and open access institutions.

PSDN, established in 2009, serves as the primary provider of a secure, closed communication network, connecting first responders to statewide services such as E911, COLLECT, and shared radio ‘P25’ system.

This unique partnership, the ‘Nutmeg Network,’ allows for the State of Connecticut to provide unparalleled connectivity to community anchors. Directly connected PSDN entities such as local police, fire, and municipal governments, can gain access to CEN’s high performance Internet service through their existing PSDN connection where capacity allows.

Member Benefits

  • Reliable, predictable, and secure connectivity
  • Excellent member value proposition based on capability and scale
  • CEN and PSDN combined monitoring
  • 24x7 personalized support from local CEN and PSDN technicians

Service Features

  • High performance through resilient, high capacity, and ultra-low latency connections
  • PSDN bandwidth allocations for CEN Internet are subject to approval by PSDN Governance Board and are capped/rate limited due to the purpose and capabilities of the network.

Use Cases

  • PSDN connected police departments,  fire houses, and emergency operations centers use existing PSDN network connections to subscribe to CEN Internet
  • Police access for monitoring school network security cameras
  • L2/3 connections from PSDN connected police and fire to CEN connected schools and towns