Network Design Report For Vip Tv Australia Information Technology Essay
VIP TV Australia is a television broadcaster that delivers 30 channels of digital video content via satellite. After a successful take-over on the stock market in 2000, the new owners had neglected to update the existing network infrastructure. As technology improves, the current equipments have turn out to be unreliable and difficult to maintain. Therefore it is necessary to update the network infrastructure, so as to maintain and support VIP TV’s day-to-day operations efficiently.
VIP TV is currently utilizing Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) network. FDDI was once a popular networking standard owning to its increased reliability, ubiquity, latency, efficiency at a low cost. However, it has been rendered as obsolete presently. Nevertheless, Gigabit Ethernet has been implemented to replace the existing FDDI backbone.
VIP TV’s diverse networking specifications can be classified into two distinct categories, which are:
Digital Broadcast
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Digital Broadcast
In Digital Broadcasting, one has to address the requirements for the management of applications which deals with the broadcast of content, which includes the Network Operation Centre application and Automation File Server. Most of the On-Air functions and equipments of VIP TV are sensitive to timing latencies that exceeds 20ms. Therefore network latencies must be well-managed. A slight failure can cause a domino effect, causing latencies to be increased tremendously within the network. Video digitalizing in the network will be handled by a separate Serial Digital Interface network based on SMPTE 292 standard.
Management Information Systems
Management Information Systems compromises the traditional applications functions such as management, finance, marketing, human resourcing and engineering. This represents the second element of the business equation for VIP TV.
Analysis Product
Initial Conditions
Project Objective
The objective of the project is to update the existing network infrastructure of VIP TV by changing the existing FDDI ring topology network to a Gigabit Ethernet network.
Project Scope
The scope of the network design compromises 3 subnets for “Digital Platform”, “Management Information Systems” and its “Executive Officers”. Based on the specifications, there are 2 main sites, The Central Sydney and The Northern Sydney. There will also be 57 hosts in the entire network.
The distributions of 57 hosts to the users in the network are delegated as follows:
Digital Platform
Technical Operators X (5)
Schedule and Programming Staff X (2)
IT Techs X (1)
Management Information Systems
Scheduling and Programming X (10)
Accounts and Finance X (10)
Human Resources X (5)
Operators and IT Techs X (8)
Management Information Systems – Executive Officers
CEO X (3)
CIO X (3)
Strategy and Planning X (10)
Total hosts distributed: (57)
Design Architectures and Goals
Initial Design Architecture
FDDI Ring Technology Network
IBM AS400 Server
Proposed Design Architecture
Gigabit Ethernet Network
IBM iServer
The above shows the Initial Design Architecture and the Proposed Design Architecture. The main idea of the implementation is to upgrade the current FDDI Ring Technology Network to the proposed Gigabit Ethernet Network. We will change the IBM AS400 Server to support the IBM iServer too. Connections between Central Sydney and Northern Sydney will also be made. Generally, the existing network design will be improved.
Design Goals
Reduce current operating costs
Introduce a more reliable network Infrastructure
Establish simultaneous connections between multiple components in the network
Constraints of Network Design
The main constraint of implementing the proposed network design is the financial issue. In order to update the existing network infrastructure to the proposed design, a large sum of money is expected to be invested. With the management low financial budget, it is not easy to implement the entire design with the budget given. Changing of network equipments is another issue to take note of, as they are relatively costly. However, with careful financial planning and discussions for a higher budget from the management will help to avoid the problem of financial shortage.
Requirement Specifications
User Requirements
Index
Requirements
Analysis Outcome
Relates To
Priority
1
57 Hosts
Distributions to Users
Hosts Distributed
Management
Nil
Network Requirements
Index
Requirements
Analysis Outcome
Relates To
Priority
1
Good TV
transmission quality
Clients Satisfaction
Management
High
2
Replace
FDDI Network
FDDI Network Replaced
Network Team
High
3
Gigabit Ethernet connections supported
in every buildings
Gigabit Ethernet
Connections Implemented
Management
Medium
4
. Confirmation of fibre optic suitability for
Gigabit Ethernet
Suitability Confirmed
Network Team
Low
5
Manage Latencies in digital broadcast environment
Latencies Managed
Network Team
High
6
Prioritise reliability and availability for MIS applications
MIS Applications Prioritized
Management
& Network Team
High
Application Requirements
Index
Requirements
Analysis Outcome
Relates To
Priority
1
Ensure Business services
available & accessible
Available & Accessible
Management
Medium
2
Ensure NOC equipments sensitive to latencies when
exceed 20ms
NOC Equipments
Sensitivity Ensured
Network Team
High
3
NOC Maximum file sizes transferred within 20ms, time frame is 5Kb
upload & download
Requirement Met
Network Team
High
4
Ensure AFS equipment sensitive to latencies when
exceed 20 ms
AFS Equipments
Sensitivity Ensured
Network Team
High
5
AFS Maximum file sizes transferred from NOC to POD, time frame is 2Kb
upload & download
Requirement Met
Network Team
High
Index
Requirements
Analysis Outcome
Relates To
Priority
6
Replace
IBM AS400 Servers
IBM AS400
Servers Replaced
Management
High
7
Setup firewall to block all non-route protocols
Firewall Setup Successfully
Network Team
Low
8
Integrate HP Open view with critical business processes
HP Open View Integrated
Management
High
9
Deploy network monitoring for HP Open view
HP Open View Deployed
Management
High
Device Requirements
Index
Requirements
Analysis Outcome
Relates To
Priority
1
Ensure POD devices sensitive to latencies when exceed 20ms
POD Devices
Sensitivity Ensured
Users & Network Team
High
2
Ensure MuX computers sensitive to latencies when
exceed 20ms
MuX Equipments
Sensitivity Ensured
Users & Network Team
High
3
Ensure MuX computers transferred within 20ms, time frame is 1Kb
upload & 5kb download
Requirement Met
Network Team
High
Application Requirements Map
IBM iServer
Electronic Program Menu Information
HP Overview System using SMNP
Flow Analysis
Based on the specifications and requirements given, we will need to derive a flow model to represent the data flow in the company’s internal network system. This is done by first identifying the different sources of data and their individual requirements.
Flow Models
North Sydney Operations Centre (NOC)
Chief database keep tracks of the programming over the company’s channels. Programmes and advertising names are then entered here along with the schedules that have been composed for programming. Information from NOC is sent to the Multiplexer Computer and the Automation File Server (AFS).
Requirements:
Timing latencies may not exceed 20 ms
Maximum file size transmitted within 20ms time frame: 5kB upload and 5kB download
Network Operations Centre (NOC) flow
Automation File Server (AFS)
Central event control point for the digital video platform play out devices (PODs). It translates programmed events into triggers of PODs, plays programmes and forward checks, the availability of advertisements and programmes.
Requirements:
Timing latencies may not exceed 20 ms.
Maximum file size transmitted within 20ms time frame: 2kB upload and 2kB download
Automation File Server (AFS)
Play out Devices (PODs)
PODs Comprise of hard disc drives, digital tape recorders and etc.
Requirements:
Timing latencies may not exceed 20 ms.
Maximum file size transmitted within 20ms time frame: 2kB upload and 2kB download
Play out Devices (PODs)
Multiplexer and Multiplexer Computer
Multiplexes video feeds with embedded audio and graphics information onto a single carrier for up-linking to the satellite.
Requirements:
Timing latencies may not exceed 20 ms.
Maximum file size transmitted within 20ms time frame: 1kB upload and 5kB download
Multiplexer and Multiplexer Computer Flow
System Application and Products (SAP) and Management Information Systems (MIS)
The existing IBM AS400 Servers will be replaced with an IBM iServer. The supply chain software module of SAP will be implemented. This would support the current business goals by enabling greater monitoring of critical revenue generation processes.
Requirements:
Timing latencies may not exceed 20 ms.
Maximum file size transmitted within 20ms time frame: 2kB upload and 2kB download
SAP and MIS Flow
Network Monitoring System and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
To achieve a more integrated implementation of HP OpenView with critical business processes, it will monitor both the on-air playback systems and the SAP system.
Requirements:
Timing latencies may not exceed 20 ms.
Maximum file size transmitted within 20ms time frame: 1kB upload and 1kB download
Network Monitoring Flow
Identified Flow Maps
Flow Information for Prioritization
Functions
Performance
No. of Users
Model
Capacity
Reliability (%)
Delay
Network Operations Centre (NOC)
Client-Server
5kB upload
5kB download
99.95%
20 ms
8
Automation File Server (AFS)
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.99%
20 ms
Nil
Play Out Devices (PODs)
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.99%
20 ms
Nil
Multiplexer and Multiplexer Computer
Peer-to-Peer
1kB upload
5kB download
99.99%
20 ms
Nil
SAP and MIS
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.999%
20 ms
57
Network Monitoring
Distributed-Computing
1kB upload
1kB download
99.999%
20 ms
9
Flows Prioritized by Number of Users Served
Functions
Performance
No. of Users
Priority
Model
Capacity
Reliability (%)
Delay
SAP and MIS
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.999%
20 ms
57
1
Network Monitoring
Distributed-Computing
1kB upload
1kB download
99.999%
20 ms
9
2
Network Operations Centre (NOC)
Client-Server
5kB upload
5kB download
99.95%
20 ms
8
3
Automation File Server (AFS)
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.99%
20 ms
Nil
3
Play Out Devices (PODs)
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.99%
20 ms
Nil
3
Multiplexer and Multiplexer Computer
Peer-to-Peer
1kB upload
5kB download
99.99%
20 ms
Nil
3
Flows Prioritized by Reliability
Functions
Performance
No. of Users
Priority
Model
Capacity
Reliability (%)
Delay
SAP and MIS
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.999%
20 ms
57
1
Network Monitoring
Distributed-Computing
1kB upload
1kB download
99.999%
20 ms
9
1
Automation File Server (AFS)
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.99%
20 ms
–
2
Play Out Devices (PODs)
Client-Server
2kB upload
2kB download
99.99%
20 ms
–
2
Multiplexer and Multiplexer Computer
Peer-to-Peer
1kB upload
5kB download
99.99%
20 ms
–
2
Network Operations Centre (NOC)
Client-Server
5kB upload
5kB download
99.95%
20 ms
8
3
Architecture Products
Network Architecture
In the Network Architecture, we had made an analysis and shall present the disadvantages of using the current Token Ring Topology and the advantages of the proposed Tree Topology. In this implementation, we will be replacing the Token Ring Topology to the Tree Topology with the combination of Star Topology, to effectively enhance the whole network architecture. The proposed solution is stable and reliable to handle large volumes of data and users. The ability to scale in for future upgrades and changes also meets the core requirements for VIP TV Australia.
Disadvantages of Token Ring Topology
Every nodes connected together are in a circle or ring connection.
If one node is having problems or connection is lost, the entire network will be down
It is tough to analyze and identify the problem
Much effort will be required for problem identification
Cost for troubleshooting will be costly and unnecessary
Only the node with the token will be able to transmit data to another node
Entire network will be down when upgrading individual nodes
Advantages of Tree Topology
Every nodes connected together are using a point-to-point wiring to a centralized hub or switch.
If one node is having problems, other nodes will not be affected
It is easier to analyze and identify the problem
Transmission of data can be done together.
Entire network will not be down when upgrading individual nodes
The Tree Topology Diagram
The Network Design Implementation
Addressing and Routing
In Address and Routing, the main objective is to help VIP TV keep its costs low by reducing unnecessary operating costs and produce scalable solutions. In order to achieve the above, we will implement by using Variable-Length Sub-Netting (VLSM). This will minimize the use of address spaces and allow unused address spaces for other further expansion.
Addressing and Routing Architecture
Workgroup
Network Address
Subnet Mask
Broadcast Address
MIS – Operations Centre
198.62.240.0
255.255.255.192
198.62.240.63
MIS – Executive Officers
198.62.240.64
255.255.255.224
198.62.240.95
Digital Platform -Operations Centre
198.62.240.96
255.255.255.240
198.62.240.111
Current Network Requirements
Network Requirement Table
Centre / Office Name
Role of Staff
Number of staffs
MIS – Operations Centre
Schedule and Programming
10
Accounts and Finance
10
Human Resources
15
Operators and IT Techs
8
Total:
33
MIS – Executive Office
CEO
3
CIO
3
Strategy and Planning
10
Total:
16
Digital Platform – Operations Centre
Technical Operators
5
Schedule and Programming
2
IT Techs
1
Total:
8
Network Addressing Requirements
Work Group
No. of Host Required
Network Address
Subnet Mask
Mask
Max. No. of Hosts
Useable IP Address Range
Broadcast Address
MIS – Operations Centre
33
198.62.240.0
255.255.255.192
/26
62
198.62.240.1 – 198.62.240.62
198.62.240.63
MIS – Executive Officers
16
198.62.240.64
255.255.255.224
/27
30
198.62.240.65 -198.62.240.94
198.62.240.95
Digital Platform – Operations Centre
8
198.62.240.96
255.255.255.240
/28
14
198.62.240.97 – 198.62.240.110
198.62.240.111
Device Type
Manufacturer
Model Number
Number of devices required
Routers
Net Gear
Range Max NEXT
4
Firewalls
CISCO
ASA 5580
3
Port switches (4)
CISCO
MDS 9000
1
Port switches (24)
CISCO
MDS 9100
1
Port switches (34)
CISCO
MDS 9100
1
Port switches (40)
CISCO
MDS 9100
1
MuX
CISCO
6920 Rate Mux
1
Servers
IBM
iServer
2
Workstations
Apple
iMac
1Network Device Requirements
Network Management
Network Management refers to a broad range of functions associated with the management and control of a network. It can be viewed as a structure containing multiple layers such as Business Management, Service Management, Network Management, Element Management, and Network-Element Management. Network Management can be divided into two basic functions:
Transport of management information across the system
Management of network management information elements.
These functions consist of a variety of tasks consisting of Monitoring, Configuring, Troubleshooting and many others which are performed by users, administrators and network personnel. These tasks correspond to four categories of network management which we are implementing.
Event Notification Monitoring
Trend Analysis and Planning
Configuration of Network Parameters
Network Troubleshooting
Network Management Mechanism
Network management protocol is one of the popular network management mechanisms. The network management protocol provides functionality for the collection and configuration of parameters from the various network devices. The network management protocol which is adopted by VIP TV is the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).
SNMP collects and configures parameters through simple commands. There are also provisions for the unsolicited notification of events through traps. Traps are user-configurable thresholds for parameters which crossed, will send the values of parameters to a specific location. Parameters that are accessible via SNMP are grouped into Management Information Bases (MIBs).
One of the advantages of SNMP is that it makes it easier for an administrator to manage devices from different vendors by delivering management information in a common, non-proprietary manner. Another advantage of SNMP is that it can acquire data that normally could not be picked up by other network devices and it is easier to instrument network devices with SNMP.
HP OpenView and ITIL
The heart of VIP TV existing network monitoring system is a HP OpenView system using SNMP. There is a requirement from the upper management, for a more integrated of HP OpenView with critical business processes to be implemented. This is achieved by utilizing the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) that HP OpenView supports to develop service assurance monitoring of two critical value chains, namely the On-air Playback Systems and Revenue Generation.
ITIL is a set of guidelines and practices for the management of IT services. It provides a cohesive set of best practices as well as documentations on how to plan, deliver and support IT service features. HP OpenView was one of the early adopters of IT Service Management and has a rich implementation of features that support ITIL.
HP OpenView and ITIL Integration
The diagram below shows how HP OpenView corresponds to the ITIL processes. The upper portion of the diagram illustrates the ITIL functions that supports IT Service Delivery. While the lower portion of the diagram illustrates the ITIL functions that supports IT Service Support.
HP OpenView and ITIL Integration
OpenView Tools Architecture Components
The following table lists the OpenView tools that correlate to the functions of ITIL and the OpenView Architecture Components.
OpenView Architecture Components
ITIL Functions
OpenView Supporting Tools
Fault Management
Incident Management,
Problem Management
Network Monitoring Tools, Operations, ECS, TeMIP, Application SPIs
Performance
Management
Capacity Management,
Availability Management,
Change Management
Internet Services, Performance Insight, Performance Manager, Problem Diagnosis, Storage Optimizer, Transaction Analyzer
Service Management
Configuration Management
Operations, Service Reporter, Service Navigator, Service Desk
Customer Experience
Service Level Management
Internet Services, Web Transaction Observer, Service Information Portal
Service Delivery
Configuration Management
Service Activator, TeMIP Framework
Service Usage
Financial Management,
Capacity Management
Dynamic Net Value Analyzer, Enterprise Usage Manager, Storage Area Manager
Mechanism Monitoring
The monitoring process involves collecting of data about the desired characteristics, processing, displaying and archiving. The data is collected through SNMP and will need to be processed as they may not reflect the characteristics we desire to monitor.
Sets of raw and processed data will be displayed on the standard monitor in VIP TV, IT department. These data will only be available to the IT Technicians and Operators in graph forms and text logs.
These data will also be saved to a storage unit at the network management server where they would stay for a period of two years before they are moved to the tertiary storage and the archive storage. The reason for this is that yearly audits can be done at the tertiary storage before they are moved to the archives for permanent storage.
Event Notification Monitoring
An event is a situation that occurs in the network that is noteworthy. This includes problems or failures in the network devices across the network or when a characteristic crosses a certain threshold value. Events are essential to the IT operators and technicians as it helps them to identify problems early and troubleshoots them. Depending on the type of event, it may set off an alarm on the operator’s workstation when it occurs and the event will also be noted in a log file for further review. It is essential that we detects events early and therefore, real-time analysis will be implemented whereby thresholds or boundaries may be set on end-to-end , per-link, or per-element characteristics for short term or immediate notification of events.
Trend Analysis and Planning Monitoring
The same characteristics are used for event monitoring for trend analysis and planning. Trend analysis is the act of collecting information and attempting to derive a pattern or trend from the information. In the premise of a network environment, trend analysis is used to determine long-term network behaviours or trends to plan for future network growth.
With ITIL, HP OpenView could specifically function in support of ITIL functions which allow the HP OpenView system to monitor network traffic more efficiently. All configurations and incident information will be consolidated in one common database. This will increase efficiency and data transfer rate. This will also bring additional benefits such as automated root cause analysis, priority based service and trend analysis.
Mechanism Instrumentations
Instrumentation refers to a set of essential tools needed for monitoring and probing of network management data. These tools can be combined with monitoring, display, storage and processing to form a complete management system. Monitoring tools which would be used includes utilities such as ping, Traceroute and TCPdump. For direct-access mechanisms, telnet and FTP will be utilized.