Oregon Graduate Institute (OGI)*, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Portland State University (PSU) created the Northwest Access Exchange (NWAX) through a joint venture called the Portland Research and Education Network (PREN). PREN was founded in 1999 to provide connections to Internet2®*** and to improve the quality of Internet access in the Northwest.

In March 2001, the three university presidents approved a regional Internet exchange to be operated by PREN.

NWAX was chartered to improve the quality of Internet access in the Northwest, enabling universities to provide next-generation services, including:

• Two-way interactive video
• High-quality distance education
• Telemedicine

NWAX became operational in December 2001 and the Presidents agreed to continue support through 2003. Current fees, detailed in the Membership Information section are subsidized to help the Exchange attain critical mass.

NWAX Mission

The mission of the Northwest Access Exchange is to interconnect public and private networks to improve regional access and service quality, and accelerate regional deployment of Next Generation capabilities.

NWAX Goals

• Attain regional critical mass. Oregon is currently on the periphery of the Internet because of how the Internet evolved and our proximity to Seattle and California. One of the main goals of the Exchange is to attain regional critical mass as explained in this White Paper on Critical Mass by growing to become a major Internet exchange point. This process will occur as more networks connect and traffic grows across the Exchange so that in time connecting to NWAX will be like connecting directly to the core of the Internet. This will greatly improve regional service quality, reduce costs and open new opportunities for the region
• Foster metropolitan, regional and global collaboration**
• Leverage advanced technology to extend the benefits of leading-edge research, education and health care state wide**
• Promote interconnection with state, regional and commercial networks to ensure seamless access and delivery of services wherever needed**
• Support state and community development goals**
• Become self-supporting