socrates network services

Network / Internet Circuits and Local WAN Circuits  

SOCRATES provides eligible schools and libraries fiber based connectivity to our regional network including unlimited Internet access. Additional direct or virtual WAN services can be provided for entities who need connectivity to multiple sites. Circuit sizes are 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps. Not all circuit sizes are available at all locations. 

Fortinet Unified Threat Management: Firewall and Filtering

By leveraging the expertise of our partners at Arvig/Jaguar, SOCRATES is able to provide our members with comprehensive secure and filtered internet services that are customized to local site policies and guidelines. This is accomplished utilizing redundant Fortigate 3700D firewalls. This robust comprehensive security solution allows for Internet filtering (including 1:1 program devices), deep SSL inspection, granular policy and application control while providing a rich visibility of network traffic.

Network Performance and Monitoring

Each subscribing SOCRATES member is provided a network support portal that offers multiple pathways of monitoring and reporting on network performance. This one stop shop provides trouble ticket submission, network monitoring and usage graphs, and log analysis. In addition, the network work support portal provides subscribing members curated resources on how to configure and manage their Fortinet vdom.

VoIP Phone Systems

Customized turnkey VoIP phone service is available to members through the SOCRATES regional network contract and partnerships with Arvig, Jaguar Communications and Marco/Mitel. SOCRATES helps members leverage eligible Category 1 and Category 2 E-Rate funding to support VoIP installation and services. 

Consulting and Managed Technical Services

Request a product, project or service quote.

Network Information and Features

Key features of the network include:

• 10 Gbps of shared Internet access (scalable)
• Managed, secured, and filtered Internet “to the door”*
• Virtual WAN connectivity*
• Network redundancy
• VoIP services*
• 7x24x365 dedicated help desk/network support
• Utilization and support portals
• Common training and member support

*optional service level

SOCRATES Network is provided in collaboration with Arvig and Jaguar Communications, and telecommunications partners throughout south central Minnesota.

SOCRATES network supports interconnectivity throughout the state in collaboration with eight regional telecommunications clusters and consortia, and through shared access to Internet2 and the state’s higher education network systems.

View a map of SOCRATES' service area.

Regional Technology Coordinators and Directors meet every other month at the SCSC. Typical meeting agendas include national, state and regional technology initiative updates, SOCRATES network updates and training, technology leadership professional development and an open sharing and problem solving session. 

Tentative Meeting Schedule and Links to Meeting Notes 

Upcoming meetings:
Oct. 4, 2017 | Dec. 6, 2017 | Feb. 7 2018 | April 11, 2018
Meetings are scheduled from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and include lunch unless otherwise noted.

Meeting Notes:
Oct. 5, 2016 | Dec. 8, 2016 | Feb. 14, 2017 | April 11, 2017

Join the coordinators group and receive notices and notes

SOCRATES Network Services Pricing

Pricing for SOCRATES network services is based on a cooperative model where the overall costs of network circuits, infrastructure, maintenance, support, and administration are shared by members through common pricing for standard circuit and security options.  

E-Rate Information

SOCRATES files consortium level Category 1 E-Rate Applications for members who purchase regional Internet and networking services and VoIP phone services from them. SOCRATES also provides training and resources to help schools and libraries with their local E-Rate application process. 

Following are links to resources for the FY 2017–2018 application cycle:    

• Information about the E-Rate Modernization Order
• E-Rate Schools and Libraries Division (SLD)
• Resources for the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC)
• Eligible Services List

Telecom Equity Aid Information

SOCRATES applies for Telecom Equity Funding as a consortium on behalf of its members for all eligible costs associated with the regional network and for their eligible internal network transport costs.