Convergence: More than the sum of its packets

Convergence is closely related to the concept of synergy. Simply put, synergy refers to a system or process where the output equates to more than the sum of its parts. In terms of technology, convergence takes many forms that impact both business and individuals - often without users noticing owing to the seamless integration.

Convergence occurs continuously, from the integration of critical devices like the cellphone, personal digital assistant (PDA) and the MP3 player - to the full integration of disparate networks. The drivers for convergence are increased functionality and productivity, where existing resources are scaled through the latest developments in technology, to yield compounded outputs.

In terms of networking, convergence has come to serve as more than a simple opportunity for cost reduction. Corporate networks have grown to support multiple departments, connect remote branches and securely equip mobile users for ubiquitous productivity. Over and above the convergence of voice traffic onto the corporate network, the enterprises market is rapidly migrating all business systems, processes and applications to a converged IP backbone.

However, many businesses are just beginning to realise the potential of convergence - and they can be caught off guard. Smaller business networks face the same challenges as their larger counterparts when deploying voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and mobility solutions, albeit on a smaller scale.

Before CIOs and IT managers tackle convergence, they need to assess the capability of their current IT infrastructure to deliver on the promise of convergence.

In addition to attractive savings offered by IP telephony by bypassing traditional PSTN networks, converged networks also offer the advantage of being easier to manage. However, the underlying cabling infrastructure must be evaluated to ensure existing services will not suffer, which could create additional cost to the business rather than enabling savings.

There are three particular areas that one should be aware of when gauging network readiness:

Known as 802.3af or more commonly as Power over Ethernet (PoE), this cabling standard governs the distribution of low voltage electricity over the Ethernet cabling network to power devices such as IP telephones, wireless access points and security cameras.

Convergence has the potential to touch every aspect and process in the business.

Graham Vorster, CTO, Westcon AME.

By delivering power over an existing cable infrastructure, costs can be reduced through the elimination of wall transformers. This also cuts down on kilometres of messy power extension leads that pose a fire hazard. However, planning is critical as provisioning for PoE is often a `hidden cost` that many do not factor into their planning stages and budget.

As with most businesses, telephone communication and connectivity are critical applications and downtime is priceless. With PoE, telephones no longer go offline in the event of a power outage or surge, as they are supported by the UPS. Two methods of configuring a PoE infrastructure are prescribed as best practice, in terms of supplying power to VOIP handsets.

Firstly, the power is supplied from a PoE-enabled switch at the source, and secondly, a `mid-span` device can be fitted in between the switch and the network connections. The first option is more attractive as it is cheaper to run PoE from the core and service the end points, as opposed to having massive rooms that are purpose-built for power backups.

For IP telephony to be successfully implemented, structured cabling systems must offer `Zero Bit Error Rate` compatibility, ensuring there is no jitter or delay on the call. To maintain a reasonable conversation, IP voice packets have to arrive at their destination immediately and in the correct order.

Bit errors cause IP voice and data packets to be discarded, which in turn reduces the quality of the call. Bit errors are a result of faulty equipment, incorrectly installed structured cabling systems, mismatched cabling components and external noise.

After installation, faulty equipment causing bit errors is easily substituted or repaired, but cabling infrastructure cannot be easily replaced. Therefore, cabling selection is important. In order to ensure your system will be configured optimally, a network audit is recommended to gauge the impact of carrying voice on the existing infrastructure.

When conducting the network audit, a key focus is quantification of readiness for the introduction of new applications. An audit will establish if the existing network is ready to handle the different types of information that will be carried by the network. For example, quality of service mechanisms must ensure voice packets are prioritised. Also, the network must distinguish between various applications and assign appropriate priority depending on their importance to the business.

Security is essential, particularly with more business applications dependent on the network. Is existing network security sufficient to handle the various protocols travelling over it when new applications such as voice and video conferencing are introduced?

One concern is the threat of voice interception by using what is commonly referred to as a `man in the middle` attack, where critical information can be leaked to an outsider, posing as a credible point on the network. Even worse, networks running voice can be subjected to denial of service attacks, which have the potential to bring down the whole network.

An important point is that security needs to be consistent across the network, from the core to the edge, paying particular attention to the endpoint security on devices like notebooks and PDAs. The key is to build survivability into the network so that when the core network is down, communications on a branch level are uninterrupted.

In embracing convergence, the role of the CIO is changing to become more influential in the organisation. Management is realising that IT has the potential to streamline business processes and dramatically affect the way a company goes to market, driving its competitive advantage.

Convergence has the potential to touch every aspect and process in the business. For example, in a bank, the converged network can play many roles, over and above carrying the traditional financial data. From managing physical security at a branch level, to intelligently adapting the customer relationship experience by recognising certain types of behaviours or user profiles, the converged network enables business to rapidly introduce new services and offerings.

By definition, the synergistic nature of convergence offers business endless potential. However, there will be sleepless nights ahead for CIOs who have not adequately gauged their network readiness and secured buy-in from management for their convergence blueprint.