About Edge-DTN-STOR
NSF CC* CRISPIE Edge-DTN-STOR (Edge-DTN-STOR) is a high-performance research storage service built on Nextcloud and integrated with CRISPIE Data Transfer Nodes (DTN). It provides participating institutions with secure storage and multiple access methods for managing and transferring research data. Edge-DTN-STOR is made possible through the NSF CC* Regional Networking: Connectivity through Regional Infrastructure for Scientific Partnerships, Innovation, and Education (CRISPIE, NSF #2346648) award.
1. Introduction
This guide explains:
- How to use Nextcloud for file sharing and collaboration
- What users should expect during login
- What happens when access is restricted
This environment is designed for institutional and federated access (e.g., universities, research networks, and partner organizations).
2. What is Nextcloud?
Nextcloud is a secure collaboration platform that allows users to:
- Store and share files securely
- Collaborate with others
- Access files from web browsers, desktop, and mobile devices
- Control who can see or edit content
Common Uses
- Research data sharing
- Institutional collaboration
- Secure document sharing
- Project-based file access
3. Logging in to Nextcloud
Supported Login Methods
Depending on your organization, you may log in using:
- Institutional Single Sign-On (SSO)
- ○ CILogon - Institutional credentials are facilitated through CILogon
- ○ OpenID Connect (OIDC)
- ○ Other federated identity providers
- Local Nextcloud credentials (if enabled)
You must log in using an account that provides a valid email address.
4. Email Address Requirement
To access this Nextcloud system:
- Your account must have a valid email address
If your account has no email:
- Login will be denied
- Access will not be granted
If you believe your email is missing or incorrect, contact your IT administrator.
5. Understanding Groups
In the CRISPIE project individuals are members of Groups that represent their institutional affiliation. Groups are managed by NextCloud Admins.
List of Groups
- Brookdale
- Edge
- Montclair
- NJIT
- Ramapo
- Rider
- Rowan
- Rutgers
- TCNJ
What Groups Do
- Control folder access
- Control file sharing permissions
- Determine visibility of shared resources
Users are automatically added to groups during NextCloud onboarding process — no manual requests are required.
6. Teams
Teams are created and managed by the users.
For more details - https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/stable/user_manual/en/groupware/contacts.html
7. File Access & Sharing Basics
Upload Files
- Click + → Upload
- Drag and drop files into folders
Share Files
- Click the Share icon
- Add users or groups
- Choose read/write permissions
Access from Anywhere
- Web browser
- Desktop sync client
- Mobile apps (iOS / Android)
8. What to Do If You Cannot Log In
If you experience login issues:
- Verify you are using the correct login provider
- Ensure your email address is valid and correct
- Confirm your organization is a partner in the NSF CRISPIE project
- Try logging out and back in
- Contact your support if issues persist
Common Reasons for Login Failure
- Email domain not approved
- Missing email address
- Account removed due to access policy
- Using the wrong login provider
9. Privacy & Security
This system:
- Does not read your files automatically
- Uses email domain only for access control
- Logs access attempts for security auditing
All access decisions are automatic and policy-based.
10. NextCloud Documentation
To know more about Nextcloud, please visit the Nextcloud official documentation.
11. Getting Help
Have questions? We're here to help! Please or email us at crispiesupport@njedge.net.
This service supports open data only (does not satisfy for example HIPAA/Health data management requirements), and does not include data redundancy or backup. Users must maintain independent backups of all stored content.