CENIC Launches Disaster Recovery Network for Members

New CENIC Sentinel program aims to keep schools and universities connected during emergencies.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the overwhelming power of a natural disaster, with physical structures and infrastructure dwarfed by the scale of the event.CENIC's new disaster recovery solution aims to keep California's schools and libraries connected during even the most severe natural disasters.La Mirada Today

CENIC, a non-profit organization that operates high-speed internet networks for California's education and research communities, has announced the launch of a new disaster recovery solution called CENIC Sentinel. The program is designed to ensure CENIC's member institutions remain connected and able to communicate during natural disasters or other emergencies that could disrupt normal internet service.

Why it matters

Reliable internet connectivity is critical for schools, universities, and other educational institutions, especially during times of crisis when online communication and access to digital resources becomes essential. The CENIC Sentinel program aims to provide a redundant, resilient network that can maintain service even if primary internet infrastructure is damaged or disrupted.

The details

CENIC Sentinel will utilize a combination of satellite, microwave, and other wireless technologies to create a backup communications network that can be rapidly deployed to affected areas. The system is designed to be self-powering and can operate independently of local power and telecommunications grids. CENIC plans to strategically position Sentinel equipment and resources across the state to ensure rapid response capabilities.

  • CENIC announced the launch of CENIC Sentinel on March 30, 2026.

The players

CENIC

A non-profit organization that operates high-speed internet networks for California's education and research communities.

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What’s next

CENIC plans to begin deploying CENIC Sentinel equipment and resources across California in the coming months to ensure the system is ready for potential emergencies.

The takeaway

The CENIC Sentinel program demonstrates the importance of proactive disaster planning and redundant communications infrastructure to support critical education and research services, especially in the face of increasingly frequent natural disasters.