Sugarmill Casino, a Durban-based gaming establishment in the Sun International stable, achieved complete redundancy of its extensive mission-critical gaming networks when it chose a Category 5 ModTap cabling installation from national network and cabling specialist, CCI Technology Holdings, in a R400 000 deal.
CEO of CCI, Steve Pinkney, says it was imperative that the casino`s 800 slot machines and 26 tables were kept on two separate networks, leading to two network rooms, for complete failover.
"With a site such as this, you have to prepare for the worst possible contingency," he says. "We can basically switch off one whole network room and still have the casino floor run safely."
IT facilities manager for Sugar Mill, Cronj'e Stadler, explains that between eight and 20 slot machines are "housed" on each casino slot base. Each base is connected to both the primary and secondary network room with colour-coded ModTap cabling running at 100Mbps, the current desktop standard.
To illustrate the importance of redundant network infrastructure, Stadler uses the example of a network switch going down in one network room. "This could bring several slot bases down at a time, a contingency that we have prepared for with two network rooms and two cabling feeds," he says.
Gaming information from slot machines is hosted on the central system, consisting of numerous servers, for gaming and taxation purposes. This vital administrative function serves to further underline the importance of redundancy, in order to keep the casino`s affairs running smoothly.
ModTap cabling adheres to international standards of interoperability and safety, and the installation satisfied stringent requirements. With CCI a certified ModTap installer, every cabling point is tested separately and certified for use.
Stadler says CCI was "an absolute pleasure" to work with. "They could be called upon virtually any time for assistance.
"I will recommend their service any time. CCI technicians and management were always willing to go out of their way to cater for extra requirements, and they finished installation on specification and on time."
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CCI is one of the largest independent convergence companies in Southern Africa, supplying structured connectivity solutions to support business information and network infrastructures. Established in 1985, the group has over 50 years` management experience in the design, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of voice, data and fiber optic networks. The company`s client list includes many of Southern Africa`s foremost organisations. CCI`s products and services are grouped into the following divisions: networking, data, voice, power and business automation and management. The company`s headquarters are in Cape Town with regional offices in Johannesburg
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