GÉANT is the pan-European data network for research and education. It interconnects the national research and education networks (NRENs) of European countries and offers services on top of the network, including identity and trust services, the eduroam roaming service, multi-domain monitoring and dynamic circuits. Its users are researchers, educators and students at institutions connected through their national network, not individual consumers. The service is delivered as a network and service layer, not as software installed by the customer.
GÉANT is operated by the GÉANT Association, a not-for-profit association with its head office in Amsterdam. As an association it has no foreign owner. The network is co-funded by the European Commission and Europe's NRENs. It also has links to research networks outside Europe, such as Internet2 in the United States, so traffic may leave the continent. A European organisation should therefore check routing and data-processing terms, for example with the national network that provides its connection.