GITAM University's Converged IP Network: Project Analysis

This project report details the implementation of a converged IP network at GITAM University, focusing on the advantages of a single IP network for cost savings and efficient management of services like video, on-demand learning, and cloud computing. The project scope includes the challenges faced, such as the initial investment costs for enhanced security and handling application loads, as well as the need to prioritize high-priority traffic. The report outlines the hardware requirements, including CISCO routers, firewalls, switches, wireless access points, and servers. It also covers the network design in Netsim, the benefits of the converged network, such as multimedia support and improved communication, and the overall conclusion that the converged IP network is more efficient and cost-effective than older designs. The report also acknowledges the limitations of the hardware devices and the need for expertise in configuring and troubleshooting the network. The references include various sources on networking and IP convergence.

GITAM Converged IP Network
Abstract- Use of a Single IP Network has been lately adopted by many companies and institutions since
it is efficient in significant cost savings compared to the older Network designs [1]. Use of a single
converged IP Network incorporates new services like video, on-demand learning, signage, virtualization,
cloud computing among others which make operations of the business or learning easily manageable
and cost efficient. All these services can be rolled out seamlessly using the same converged Network
which saves a significant cost when setting up the institution and departments that may be not in the
same building [2]. The managers and other staff may not need to be physically present in the meetings
held at a given place in the institution premises.
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Project Scope
GITAM, a University in India has benefited with the advantage to be among the first Smart and Digital
Universities in India. This is by the deployment of the single IP Network across their entire campus. This
has led to the realization of the significance of internetworking as detailed in the report.
Challenges experienced during the study.
The first challenge experienced is the cost of the establishment of the network. A single converged IP
Network was found to require more investment to enhance the security of all the devices in the network
and design a network capable of handling all the loads generated by the applications such as voice and
video. Keeping the network running all time with all the devices connected is must expensive than the
old non-converged networks.
Before the converged IP Networks, any problem occurring on the network was majorly affecting the
internet usage and the nodes connected to the hitched side. These IP networks a network problem
tends to affect all the devices connected to it [3]. The main challenge here was setting up the network in
a way that a connected user, e.g. a student at the library will not have any errors or issues if a server in
the head office fails.

The network being converged data and storage traffic gets combined and thus there are no
considerations for high priority traffic and thus the desired performance may not be achieved it was a
big challenge designing the network in a way that would give priority to higher priority traffic to allow all
users access desired data on the minimum time possible by allocating a unique bandwidth to some given
traffic [4].
Project hardware requirements.
The following are the hardware requirements for the network.
CISCO 7200 series routers to provide WAN integrations. The router has VPN access and other multiple
modules, two 10/100 RJ45 ports, two WAN slots, one network module slot and one AIM slot.
Firewall Internet Gateways V4.1 100 to block access of information from the network by undesignated
users
EtherFast II 24-Port 10/100 Switches with 10/100 auto-sensing ports, Internal store-and-forward
intelligent switching segment, built-in data collision and frame re-timing. These will be required at the
Main distribution center and at all other places where students and staff will be working from [5]. A user
will decide wherther to connect via the access point or the switch if their device supports both.
Lutron - Caseta Wireless Smart Bridge Kits Model: P-BDG-PKG1W with remote access via selected
smartphones, tablets and smart watches and geofencing-enabled. They support up to 50 devices and
can work with a variety of dimmers and thermostats.
CISCO AIR-OEAP1810-A-K9 wireless Access Points with 802.11ac support. They belong to the Cisco
Aironet Series providing highly secure and reliable wireless connections. These will be used by students
and staff members in their places of residence and some designated places inside the campuses. All
libraries will be fitted with them for devices such as the smartphones and laptops.
Dell PowerEdge T20 servers. They have intel Pentium G3220 processors with Intel Higher Definition
graphic cards, 32GB RAM, 1TB HDD and support Gigabit Ethernet. They are manufactured by DELL.
UL1569 26 AWG stranded copper pvc flexible wire and cable Model Number:UL 1569 26 awg 7/0.16 by
Winpower, China to interconnect the workstations to the switches and the main distribution switches to
other switches.

GYTS/GYTA/GYFTY/ 2 4 6 8 12 24 36 48 72 96 144 288 Core G652D Single Mode Stranded Loose Tube
Armored Fiber Optic Cable manufactured by Ningbo Chenfei Network Technology Co., Ltd. This will be
used to connect the routers to the Fibre Optic terminal close to the campuses.
Wireless RS232/RS485/Ttl RF Data Modem for Wireless Smart Home Hr-1025 With full support Network
for Serial Port Data Communication and Certified by CE, ISO and RoHS to connect the routers to the
internet and enhance communication between the three campuses and departments of each campus
that are far from the Campus’ main router.
Limitations of the hardware devices
Cost: Devices such as routers and servers are expensive and basic. They must be bought for the success
of the project
Experience: Configuration and setting up of the devices need expertise in the field. It might be hard too
for anybody with no experience to troubleshoot any occurring hitches.
When using static routing, the network administrator will need to keep updating the routing table
manually.

Network design in Netsim
Figure 1: General overview of campus network structure.
The CISCO 7602 routers will be connected to the two servers, one for students and one for staff traffic.
Another router from the bridge will be connected to the main distribution switches which will be
connected to Access Points and other switches which will be connected to end users [5].
The campus will be interconnected by the internet

Figure 2a: The campuses interconnection structure
Figure 2b: The campuses interconnection structure (Router interconnection)

Figure 3: Main campus network structure
The main campus will have a more complicated structure form other campuses sice it will host the E-
learning center and the libraries. The students from the libraries will access internet from both the
access points and the switches.
Outcomes and benefits of the network
The converged IP Network system designed has a great support for multimedia applications which
means that connected devices can easily share multimedia files and information will ease and at faster
speeds which was one of the needs for the network [6].
The communication patterns of GITAM university will be changed since there are networked means such
as video conferencing available in the system which can aid in times of meetings when a member of staff
may not be able to physically avail themselves for the meeting [7].