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ITS

Network Infrastructure Upgrade Project

Network Infrastructure Initiative

A. Background

The Truman State University, campus infrastructure upgrade project has progressed to a point where the implementation stage of the project is imminent. Stage 1 physical plant improvements are requiring immediate attention, as not to allow for delay in the project. As these diverse efforts proceed, concerns exist that all reasonable measures be taken to assure smooth integration between the Stage 1 physical plant upgrades and the ensuing Stage 2 network equipment implementation project.

ITS campus technical personnel have developed baseline standards along with SBC to be applied to the campus equipment configurations. SBC engineers are ready to begin work with appropriate personnel to implement the network design and appropriate protocols.

The ITS staff has engaged with SBC and Cisco in developing the baseline network design standards is the network project. The version of those standards current as of this date is included herewith as Appendix A; however, it is important to note that the document is subject to possible changes if adjustments are acknowledged.

The standards do incorporate certain strongly definitive characteristics:

  • Gigabit Ethernet architecture
  • The inherent capability to move toward a fully converged voice/video/data network as the technology evolves
  • Robust technology featuring as much fault tolerance and redundancy
  • UPS environmental provisions at critical network points
  • Strong recognition of such requirements as equipment interoperability and quality of service (QOS)

The campus network design now suggests certain basic requirements that will be a part of the plan check process. The ITS and Facilities staff members have already recognized those requirements and taken steps to assure that they have been reflected in the attached documents. They are enumerated herein merely as potential check points.

B. Suggested Integration Concerns

The purpose of the following list is to suggest points of integration where items specified in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of the TSU build-out on campus might affect the other stage. Local facilities and ITS professionals should make every effort to coordinate their efforts to assure that such requirements are identified and accommodated. The intent is to minimize conflicts and change orders the project.

  1. Power

    It has been disclosed an important consideration in regard to the A/C power support required for larger Cisco switches. Due to NTA baseline power redundancy requirements for the Stage 2 network equipment, it is necessary to require that all Cisco Catalyst 65150 series switches be supplied by two 208VAC dedicated circuits, some capable of supporting a 30 ampere load. Further, other Cisco switches expected to be employed in key building telecommunications utility rooms may require two dedicated 20A circuits to meet similar redundancy requirements. Note Table 1 in Appendix A lists the physical design characteristics of most of the network equipment products currently expected to be employed in our campus design.

    The above information does not take into account the possible presence of UPS units in the configuration. The proper sockets to support the specific Catalyst power supplies should be planned appropriately. Note Appendix A.

    In consideration of the above, the following issues have been addressed:

    1. With regard to switches in high density locations:
      • Will switch/UPS provisions require either 20A or 30A 208VAC circuits?
    2. If not affected by the considerations in a. above, will MDF switches be served with the required minimum of two circuits, and what amperage rating (20A or 30A) is suitable for the projected equipment?
    3. If not affected by the considerations in a. above, will BDF/IDF switches still require two circuits, and what amperage rating (20A or 30A) is suitable for the projected equipment?
    4. Since it is probable that redundant MDF switches will require additional power (perhaps 4 circuits total), has that requirement been evaluated?
    5. Have sufficient circuits been provided to support network management servers, firewalls, etc.?
    6. Is sufficient power available to support video and future voice applications?

  2. HVAC

    Will current HVAC designs accommodate the additional heat loads associated with:

    • MDF/BDF/IDF UPS units and redundant power supplies, particularly in consideration of the Catalyst 6515 issue outlined in 1. above?
    • Redundant core switches?
    • Note Appendix B

  3. Room layouts

    1. Have sufficient quantities of rack space been designed into each MDF, BDF, and IDF?
    2. Have sufficient provisions for physical cable management and conveyance been included in Stage 1 designs?
    3. Note Appendix C

  4. Fiber Specifications

    1. Since redundant MDF switches will require additional fiber counts if BDF's are dual-homed (i.e. 4 strands per closet vs. 2), is sufficient fiber available?
    2. Since redundant MDF switches will require additional fiber counts to tie distributed switches together (i.e. LB campus), is sufficient fiber available?
    3. With regard to multimode specifications (50 micron vs. 62.5 micron):
      • Has the current design process assessed 62.5 micron fiber in terms of its problems with 10 Gps transmission?
      • Has the proposed MM/SM mix been evaluated for its relation to campus requirements?
    4. Have cable connector types (e.g., SC) been verified both for serviceability in the campus environment and performance in transmission?

  5. Fiber Discrepancy

    1. Is sufficient fiber available for fiber
    2. Is fiber in working order
    3. Has all fiber diagramed been confirmed
    4. Note Appendix D for Discrepancy Report and Resolution

  6. Patch cables

    SBC will provide patch cables as part of the implementation process, but ITS staff will need to make assurances that those cables are optimally suited to local requirements:

    1. Have sufficient quantities (fiber and copper) been defined to meet both station and closet requirements?
    2. Have the required lengths of patch cords been carefully determined?
    3. Has the campus ITS management assessed and decided on IDF connectivity (i.e., patch panel vs. 110 Block)

  7. Voice

    In view of TSU intentions to migrate toward converged networks as proven technology becomes available:

    • Has the proposed quantity of inter-building copper cabling been evaluated for consistency with those intentions?
    • Will the copper plant available at the conclusion the network implementation support migration to the planned converged network?

  8. Training

    Training has been established for ITS Network staff on Friday afternoons from1:30 to 3:30. The CCNA course curriculum is being implemented at this time. It is further recommended that additional training be made available to staff. Global Knowledge a Cisco certified training partner has been contacted to examine this option.

  9. Implementation Plan

    The following schedule is based on the information provided by SBC that the crew assigned to do the rack and stack part of the implementation project will be as follows: One lead engineer (possibly not on-site). One additional second level engineer, as needed. Two crew members on-site to perform the actual physical implementation. The following schedule is based on this provided information, with the recognition that it can be accelerated with additional crew members. It should be further noted that in discussion with SBC that our ITS staff's ability to assist in the installation process will be restricted due to possible warranty default of the equipment. This assistance will be to assist in the removal of the old equipment, placement of the new equipment for the SBC crew to install.

    Note Appendix E

Summary

In summary, the physical requirements must be addressed immediately. Also additional electrical sockets that had not been previously identified as part of the project are to be brought to physical plants attention immediately. Once SBC confirms the space necessary for storage of the equipment in preparation of installation, space needs to be established.