- What is ICNet?
ICNet is the managed business connectivity service provided within Cornwall Innovation Centres, offering Internet access, networking and business-grade connectivity services designed specifically for tenant businesses.
- How is ICNet different from standard business broadband?
Unlike many standard broadband services, ICNet is delivered over dedicated Innovation Centre infrastructure and includes business-focused options ranging from shared broadband through to private, dedicated bandwidth solutions.
- What Internet speeds are available?
A range of services are available, from entry-level broadband services through to dedicated bandwidth services. Bandwidth requirements can be discussed with the Centre team to identify the most suitable option for your business.
- Can I upgrade my service as my business grows?
Yes. We can usually increase bandwidth or move you to a higher-level service as your business requirements change.
- Is ICNet suitable for Teams, Zoom and video conferencing?
Yes. ICNet is designed to support modern business applications including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, cloud services and hybrid working environments.
- Is the service shared with other businesses?
Some ICNet products use shared bandwidth, while ICNet Private Bandwidth provides dedicated, non-contended capacity for organisations requiring guaranteed performance.
- What does ‘non-contended’ mean?
A non-contended service means the allocated bandwidth is 100% reserved for your business and is not shared with other users, helping to deliver consistent performance.
- Can I have a static IP address?
Yes. Static public IP addresses are available on selected services. Please speak to the Centre team about your requirements.
- Is Wi-Fi included?
Wi-Fi availability will depend on your office location and service requirements. Dedicated wired network connections are also available for businesses requiring enhanced performance and reliability.
- Can I connect my own firewall or networking equipment?
In most cases, yes. However, all equipment connected to ICNet must comply with our technical, safety and security requirements.
- How secure is ICNet?
ICNet incorporates managed network infrastructure and security controls, securely isolating each tenant company from others. However, every business remains responsible for securing its own devices, applications, data and internal networks.
- Do I still need antivirus and cyber security protection?
Yes. All tenants are responsible for maintaining appropriate cyber security measures, including software updates, anti-malware protection and secure passwords across all their systems and devices.
- What happens if there is a network fault?
We will work with our network partners and suppliers to restore service as quickly as possible. Planned maintenance and service interruptions will be communicated whenever practical.
- Is support available?
Yes. Support is available through the Centre team and our specialist network partners where required.
- Can ICNet support cloud services such as Microsoft 365?
Yes. ICNet is designed to support cloud-based applications including Microsoft 365, online collaboration tools and software-as-a-service platforms.
- Can I host services from my office?
Many businesses use ICNet to support externally accessible applications and services. Requirements should be discussed with the Centre team to ensure suitable connectivity and security arrangements are in place.
- Will my bandwidth be monitored?
We monitor network performance and usage statistics to help maintain service quality and support troubleshooting where required. Content is not routinely inspected.
- Are there any restrictions on how I use the service?
Yes. ICNet must not be used for unlawful activities, distribution of malicious software, spam, offensive content or any activity that could negatively affect other users or the network. Please refer to the Acceptable Use of the Services Clause (5) in the ICNet T&Cs for more information.
- Can I share my connection with another company?
No. ICNet services are provided solely for the subscribing business and may not be resold or shared with other tenant companies unless expressly agreed.
- Why should I choose ICNet instead of buying broadband elsewhere?
ICNet combines flexible workspace, local support, business-grade infrastructure, scalable bandwidth and direct access to a high-capacity network designed specifically for Innovation Centre businesses. The service is managed locally and can grow alongside your organisation.
- Can I order my own leased line or Internet service into the Innovation Centre?
In most cases, businesses should use the connectivity services available through ICNet. If you believe your business has specialist requirements, please discuss them with the Centre team. Any third-party telecommunications services or infrastructure installations would require prior written approval and may be subject to technical, operational, security and building management considerations.
- What happens if I move or expand offices within the Innovation Centre?
Your service can be transferred to your new office location or expanded securely into additional units if your business is growing. Depending on the move, minor configuration changes or installation work may be required. The Centre team will advise on timescales and any applicable charges before the move takes place.
- Can I securely connect multiple offsite offices or business locations together?
Yes. Depending on your requirements, ICNet may support secure site-to-site connectivity solutions, VPN technologies and other business networking services. Please speak to the Centre team to discuss your specific needs. ICNet Plus services are particularly suitable for businesses requiring dedicated and private connectivity.
- What resilience is built into the network?
The Innovation Centres have invested in a new high-capacity network architecture designed to maximise reliability and resilience. This includes a 10Gbps primary connection, secondary failover connectivity, resilient routing and carrier-grade infrastructure. In the event of certain network failures, traffic can automatically reroute via alternative paths.
- Can I increase my bandwidth temporarily for a project or event?
Potentially, yes. One of the benefits of the ICNet platform is its flexibility. Subject to available capacity and technical requirements, temporary increases in bandwidth may be possible for events, large data transfers, product launches, media production or other short-term projects.
- How quickly can a new connection be installed?
Many standard ICNet services can be delivered quickly because the network infrastructure is already installed within the building. Timescales vary depending on office location, service type and any additional configuration requirements. The Centre team can provide an estimate once your requirements are known.
- Can ICNet support software developers, media companies and high-data users?
Yes. The ICNet platform has been designed to support a wide range of businesses, including software developers, digital agencies, engineering firms, research organisations, media companies and other organisations with significant bandwidth requirements. Dedicated, non-contended services are available for businesses requiring higher performance or guaranteed capacity.
- What connectivity options are available for businesses with security, compliance or regulatory requirements?
ICNet offers a range of connectivity options suitable for businesses with enhanced operational or security requirements. Available services may include dedicated bandwidth, VLAN or physical separation, public IP addressing and support for business firewalls and secure remote access solutions. We recommend discussing any specific compliance requirements with the Centre team before installation.
- Can I use my own firewall?
Yes. Many businesses choose to use their own firewall or security appliances. However, equipment connected to the ICNet network must comply with our technical and security requirements and must not adversely affect the network or other users. You should also ensure that your own devices are capable of the physical data throughput of the ICNet service you are connected to.
- Is there a limit to how many devices I can connect?
No specific device limit applies under most services, but available bandwidth is shared between all users and devices within your organisation. Businesses with large numbers of connected devices may benefit from a higher-capacity package.
- Can I host servers in my office?
Yes, provided they comply with Innovation Centre policies, power requirements and security standards. Businesses hosting public-facing services should discuss their requirements with the Centre team to ensure suitable connectivity and addressing are available.
- Does ICNet support IPv6?
The underlying infrastructure supports IPv6 capability and future growth. Businesses requiring IPv6 services should contact the Centre team to discuss availability and implementation options.
- Why is ICNet different from other managed workspaces in Cornwall?
Most managed workspaces simply provide an Internet connection. ICNet is backed by enterprise-grade infrastructure including a dedicated 10Gb fibre network, resilient architecture, business-focused support and scalable connectivity options. This allows businesses to access levels of connectivity typically associated with larger corporate environments while retaining the flexibility of Innovation Centre workspace.