The CIP solution has enabled Liberty to phase out separate gateways in the local and wide area networks and channel all network to mainframe traffic via two Cisco processors connected in a fault tolerant configuration. The major benefit, according to Liberty Life network manager, Duncan Whitcher, has greatly improved service levels to network users, particularly in terms of response times and availability.
Whitcher says with networks converging towards the TCIP protocol, the company recognised the need for a robust high performance gateway into its mainframe.
"The project was driven by the need for a reliable, fast access method to incorporate the organisation`s IP traffic into the mainframe. There was also a requirement to simplify and streamline the network architecture through a process of consolidation and elimination of multiple discrete gateways and different protocols.
"We had been running TCIP through a single gateway, and SNA applications through front-end processor gateways into the mainframe. By migrating to a TCIP standard, we were able to consolidate our gateways onto two Cisco 7513s with CIP technology," he says.
The Cisco 7513 router platform with CIP provides a high speed direct connection between the mainframe and the router internetwork - without the need for additional mainframe software.
It facilitates the integration of Liberty Life`s mainframe centre with its campus and WAN internetwork, while supporting a broad range of interfaces (ATM, HSSI, FDDI, Fast Ethernet and Token Ring).
Says Whitcher: "The legacy system made use of a significant number of 3270 gateway devices, which were working through a front end processor. By using the TN3270 feature on the CIPs - effectively allowing them to perform a TN3270 gateway function - we were able to consolidate all SNA traffic through the CIP structure.
"We were able to strip out the gateways, take a layer of complexity out the network, and establish a TCIP session for 3270 access.
"This has allowed us to phase out around 90 different gateway servers distributed throughout head office - together with legacy front-end processor technology, maintenance and hardware.
"Now all applications traffic that accesses the mainframe is routed through the twin CIP processors.
"This consolidation - and the elimination of certain parallel SNA wide area network links - has realised considerable savings in Telkom leased line and maintenance costs.
"With this infrastructure, Liberty Life will be able to exploit thin client technology - including Internet browser-based, host-on-demand products for its future wide area 3270 requirements."
Turning to the implementation, Whitcher says a pilot project was initiated in October last year, with the view that if successful, it would grow into a full production test. A well-defined acceptance test was established, in conjunction with DiData Networking and Consulting.
This was followed by the formation of a project management team - combining technical specialists from both DiData and Liberty Life who supervised the acceptance test phase - which lasted from October through to end April this year.
"All of Liberty Life`s objectives were met," says Whitcher. "In the process, DiData Networking demonstrated their high levels of skills in this complex technology arena, and the depth of technical and manpower resources upon which they are able to call.
"Because of the mission-critical nature of both the applications and traffic associated with this implementation, we required not only a high level of confidence in the technology but outstanding reliability. The Cisco CIP technology represents a true enterprise class solution where performance and trouble-free operation have to be guaranteed.
"On-going maintenance and service contracts with DiData Networking will ensure this," he adds.
Currently, Liberty Life is in the process of adding more clients onto the infrastructure, and conducting tests around host-on-demand technologies.
The environment has also been exceptionally stable, with no service call-outs being logged since the project was completed.
Share
Editorial contacts