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Participation Benefits

THE NETWORK OF OHN
It’s in our name, but what does “network” mean to OHN?  Technologically speaking, OHN is building a network of existing networks that provises a guaranteed level of high quality broadband connectivity in the state of Oregon that can support and scale itself to meet the growing demands of telehealth applications and services in our future.

Now think about the people that use and benefit from that connectivity. Think doctors and patients; educators and students; facilities administrators and thought leaders; government leadership; telecommunications providers and industry service providers working together to improve the quality, delivery and access to healthcare in Oregon.

At OHN, our network represents the purpose, plan, people and technology required to make that vision a reality; together. And while we're starting from the ground up, we have big plans for the future in delivering the value that will very soon run ON the Oregon Health Network. The physical network and NOC itself, is truly, just the beginning.

THE NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER (NOC) powered by Easystreet
Easystreet Online Services has been contracted by OHN to run/operate our Network Operations Center.

What does the NOC do?
The OHN NOC monitors the network to ensure that each telecommunications vendor meets the contractually committed quality of service on its portion of the network. Leaf nodes are installed on OHN participant sites for end-to-end network monitoring and troubleshooting to minimize finger pointing between vendors and their sites.

How does the NOC help OHN Participants?
OHN participants may contact the NOC for help whenever they have technical network problems. NOC staff will work with the telecom vendors to identify and resolve any problems.

HOW DOES IT WORK

  • OHN will offer multiple service levels so participants can select the speed and degree of connectivity that will work best for their facility.
  • All participants are connected via Internet Protocol (IP) over Ethernet to all other OHN users through the Northwest Access Exchange (NWAX) in Portland.
  • Some sites will also connect with the Oregon Internet Exchange (OIX) in Eugene, the Southern Oregon Exchange in Medford and/or the Central Oregon Exchange in Redmond.
  • All sites will also have connections to the public Internet.
  • The network will also be interoperable with Oregon government and education networks.

FCC Seeks Public Comment for Changes to National Broadband Plan

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it is making changes to the National Broadband Plan, which is designed to assist thousands of health providers at hospitals and clinics in the U.S. who lack adequate broadband access and capability. The announcement, made July 15, begins a 30-day open window for public comment. Comments can be sent to: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW; Washington, DC 20554 or via email, fccinfo@fcc.gov.

To view a video of the Open Commission meeting in its entirety, click here.

Updates to the FCC’s National Broadband Plan include the development of a permanent $400 million fund to further broadband infrastructure and build out of health information capabilities in rural areas. This financial support is an additional funding opportunity, outside of the current Rural Health Care Pilot Program (RHCPP) of which Oregon Health Network (OHN) manages for the state, and the standard Rural Health Care Program (RHC).

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