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TNS Services

Enterprise Service Integrated Backbone Connection

What is an Enterprise Service?

Hub-and-Spoke Network Topology

Built-in Redundancy

Associated Costs

Requesting Service

Enterprise Service Connection to the Integrated Backbone

Enterprise Service Integrated Backbone Connection

The TNS Enterprise Service offers a method for connecting Enterprise-wide and Internet services to the most central point in the Integrated Backbone - the Border Router.

What is an Enterprise Service?

Enterprise Services are those network based services which are used by the Penn State community as a whole and/or serve a large population on the Internet. Some examples of an Enterprise Service are email (email.psu.edu), Network Time Protocol, GURU, ISIS, and the Penn State Portal. In addition to a service that meets this criteria the local network segment to which the servers that provide the service are attached must also meet certain criteria. That segment - to which the Enterprise Service servers attach - must be primarily used to support those servers, and primarily only those servers. Local segments that support desktop computers, wireless connections, or other non-Enterprise Service computers do not meet the criteria.

Hub-and-Spoke Network Topology

Because the Integrated Backbone, in its present form, is a "hub-and-spoke" topology with the Border Router at the center, access to Enterprise Service network computing services is, at least, one additional router transition away from the individuals that use the service. Additionally, local networks used to provide connectivity to the Enterprise Service hosting computers may also provide connectivity to many other computers and may be constructed from a complex mix of networking components. All of which could lead to a less than optimal pathway. See figure 1. In an effort to maximize performance, the Enterprise Service concept enables those that administer the local network to improve the efficiency of the network that connects their Enterprise Service to the Integrated Backbone. See figure 2. The local administrator will still have their servers located locally but the network segments will be physically connected to the Border Router. These connections may be at either Layer 2 or at Layer 3.

See technical schematic for more detailed information on the University's actual router connections

Built-in Redundancy

The Service involves the installation of a new 100Mb, Gigabit or 5Gbps fiber path to the Enterprise Service segment, which is connected directly to the Border Router. To ensure increased reliability, a separate 100 MB or Gigabit redundant connection is included as part of the Enterprise Service offering.

Associated Costs

100 MB Ethernet connection + 100 MB Redundant connection @
$1,000 one time rate / no monthly charges applicable.

Gigabit Ethernet connection + Gigabit Redundant connection@
$1,000 one time rate /no monthly charge.

5Gbps (10G Ethernet) connection + Gigabit Redundant connection@
$6,000 one time rate / $375.00 monthly charge.

As with any new Integrated Backbone connection, the availability of fiber optic cable may effect Service installation date.

Requesting Service:

All requests for the Enterprise Service connection to the Integrated Backbone must be processed by using the standard Telecommunications Service Requisition (TSR) form and corresponding Integrated Backbone Connection Design Request Form

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