DNS Networking, a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Dimension Data Group, is 3Com`s leading networking partner for the 7th All Africa Games in September 1999.
The Games will take place in various venues around Johannesburg. It is believed to be the largest sporting event ever to be held in South Africa, with 52 countries and some 6 000 participants competing.
3Com`s customer services manager, Maurice Gaddin, explains that 3Com is providing all the networking equipment . "We are delighted to be working with our Platinum Partner, DNS on this important project. The are assisting us with the installation and operation of the network." he says.
For both partners, an important aspect of the Games is the opportunity they provide for skills transfer and social upliftment.
DNS Project manager, Riaan Nel, says DNS has been involved in training certified volunteers during installation. "It is a good opportunity for community enhancement, providing practical experience for those who previously struggled to get jobs."
DNS is responsible for the network configuration, installation and project management. It will work with 3Com on the design and architectural aspects of the network.
"One of the most important aspects of the network is uptime," stresses Nel.
"All the facilities - including desktop PCs - are essentially mission critical and must remain up and connected to enable the world to have up-to-date information and results.
"Through our remote management centre (RMC) and the use of our MPN (managed private network) facility, we will supply real-time network monitoring and fault escalation to ensure the full health of the network at all times," says Nel.
The Games network infrastructure consists of three different networks:
The first focuses on `results management`. At each different sporting location - of which there are about 25 scattered around Johannesburg - there are timing devices, the results from which will be captured locally and the data sent to a central file server in Joubert Park. From here the results of the competitions will be posted to the Internet site for the rest of the world to view.
The second network is the accreditation network: This network will store all the athletes` information, including their security and medical testing history. It will be a total athletes database with four remote locations connected to the central site. Thirdly, there is the general administration network. This allows staff to access the Internet and to send and receive mail. It is also the main press network. In addition, the third network will be used to set up an Internet cafe for the athletes, giving them connectivity with the rest of the world. The cafe will remain in the village after the Games and serve as a community technology centre.
Nel says the network is catering for 600 devices - including workstations and laptops - and over 40 servers distributed across several venues.
The deadline for network installation is the end of August and a full stress test will be run during the first week in September.
All participants agree that the time factor was a major challenge. Nel says: "We had a very limited time to have the sites cabled, equipment installed and the WAN up and running, however we are confident that with our skills combined with 3Com`s products, we will meet the deadline and supply a service second-to-none during the games."
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