"Big Netty" is the affectionate name for the networking and Internet connection facility that has been installed in all North East Workspace premises.
Fibre optic cable connects all of our buildings together. Each building is wired with Category 5 cable. Tenants can choose either to have a direct connection to the Internet or to have a secure connection via a "Big Netty" router.
For this "always on", 2 Mbps connection, tenants are currently paying around
£10 per month. A static IP address is an optional extra, with an increased
charge where the connection is to be used for Internet server hosting.
Tim Dixon of TDC Networking Consultancy Limited developed the innovative routing technology which has allowed the extensive network to be built economically.
North East Workspace and TDC won the One to One North East Regional Business Award in 2000 for their creation of the Big Netty network. Tim Dixon (left) of TDC and Richard Clark of North East Workspace are pictured after receiving the award.
Note: "Netty" is a Geordie word meaning "a convenience" or, less politely, "an outside toilet".