HPWREN Usage Conditions

version of Secember 8, 2018

Due to the large set of projects supported by the HPWREN program, it is unrealistic to utilize the network in an uncontrolled manner. In order to continue to support and protect good science, education and crisis response activities, it is critical that connected collaborators understand that HPWREN's resources are limited, and are careful about the load they impose on the network, as well as onto the (rather small) support staff. Because of our shared infrastructure situation, HPWREN users must follow these usage conditions. If the usage conditions are changed, we will make an attempt to inform HPWREN users; however, it is also your responsibility to periodically read this agreement - as non-compliance may result in immediate network disconnect.

• HPWREN collaborators need to have an understanding that HPWREN is a collaborative program, and not a generic and paid for service. It is critical that each collaborator read, understand, and follow the rules outlined on the first page of href=http://hpwren.ucsd.edu (especially Acknowledgments and Disclaimer), and this document.
• All IP address use (including a connected host machine) must be centrally coordinated, with IP addresses assigned by HPWREN staff once an IP request form is received. These forms are available by request from HPWREN staff. Uncoordinated picking of IP addresses is reason for a permanent disconnect. For short duration uses (such as a laptop for a few hours), most sites support DHCP for automatic IP address assignments. DHCPed addresses are not permitted for permanent use.
• For each machine the HPWREN staff requires a statement about anticipated bandwidth use (e.g., in kilobits per second), and their characteristics (bursty, continuous, ....). Is the requirements change over time, a revised statement needs to be provided. The IP address request form includes fields for such data.
• A block diagram of the complete site setup connected to HPWREN has to be provided to HPWREN staff within no more than a week of the IP request.
• A host/site connect requester commits to using HPWREN bandwidth efficiently in a non-wasteful way (i.e., taking any reasonable steps to minimize unnecessary bandwidth use). For example, no video (bandwidth hog) permitted unless someone actually watches it, and even then for limited durations only.
• Uncoordinated NAT or VPN devices are discouraged, as they make network trouble shooting harder. An uncoordinated NAT/VPN site may not receive trouble shooting support from the HPWREN team, and will possibly be disconnected if it appears to causes problems to HPWREN. An example of problems VPNs may create are capabilities to reach HPWREN-internal addresses from outside HPWREN, which may result in immediate disconnect if such is perceived as possibly happening.
• A HPWREN collaborator must understand and acknowledges that the HPWREN connection is not permitted to be used just as a cost saving method, but only to connect applications that are reasonably unrealistic to connect via other means.
• No network backdoor connection is allowed. If there is an alternative means to connect, do not connect to HPWREN in addition, as it could make network management very difficult. Revocable exceptions may be made by the HPWREN PI at his discretion in writing, if there is a good reason, and the activity is very carefully and continuously coordinated. If such exception is granted, and there is an assumption of a problem, the connection will be discontinued if no response is received to a clarification request within at most 24 clock-hours. If the backdoor connection appears to cause significant problems, the site may be immediately disconnected.
• An HPWREN collaborator must understand that the security of the equipment and privacy of the traffic is the responsibility of the user. The HPWREN team cannot be held responsible for security or privacy. If privacy is an issue, use end-to-end encryption.
• An HPWREN collaborator needs to attend the periodically scheduled users meetings. Those meetings are to provide information to everyone about the collaborative activities, and to provide input as a group to the HPWREN team about future goals, objectives, and implementations that the HPWREN program should consider to adopt.
• HPWREN collaborators are strongly encouraged to from time to time provide text and images for short updates on the HPWREN news web site at: /news/. Please contact the HPWREN PI if you would like to submit such materials.
• An HPWREN user must understand that violating rules or not operating in a cooperative spirit with the HPWREN team may result in immediate disconnect.