Modem Pool Update - May 14, 1996

After a number of meetings, discussions and tests, an agreement has been reached on the design of the PPS modem pool. The next step is to place the order to obtain the equipment. The order will be placed by June 1. The goal is to have a 64 line modem pool, with authentication up and running by September 1, 1996.

Access

  • Landial Lines - There will be 8 lines which provide full time LAN access over voice grade phone lines using 28,800 baud modems.

  • Hostdial - 24 Hours - There will be 16 lines which provide full time dial-up, SLIP and PPP access.

  • Hostdial - Limited - There will be 40 lines which provide after hour (5:00 P.M. through 6:00 A.M.) dial-up, SLIP and PPP access.

    Users will have the capability of dialing up the modem pool, authenticating, and then choosing a text session, SLIP, or PPP. IP addresses will be assigned dynamically. DNS and authentication will be provided via a local server. At this point in time [cats.pps.pgh.pa.us] is the likely candidate for these services.

    Modem Pool Architecture

    The modem pool will be created from both existing and new lines. All lines will support 28,800 baud.
    Status of Phone Lines and Modems
    8 Lines existing with 28,800 baud modems (already purchased by CK:P)
    10 lines existing with 28,800 baud modems (already purchased by PPS)
    40 lines existing with 9600 baud modems (already purchased by PPS)

    Order 6 new lines - $900 (CK:P)
    Order 46 28,800 baud modems (CK:P) - $10,120
    Order 40 switches (to switch modems after hours from PPS use to Internet use - $1000

    Router
    The router was chosen based on a comparison of routers, the particular needs of the modem pool and a review of existing district hardware.

    Order a Telebit Netblazer 40 capable of handling 64 ports - $3899
    Order Telebit NB 3.1 software for the router - $499
    Order 2 Telebit MTA32 Interface cards - $748
    Order 10 Specialix MTA/M Bricks (modem interface) - $1810

    Support
    Order a Maintenance Contract with Telebit - $500 / year

    Authentication
    Radius software - Freeware
    Authentication Server - CATS (existing)

    Issues to be resolved include:

  • Authentication
    What password file to use
    Installing and debugging Radius
  • Switching of the 40 lines
    What switches to buy
    Installing and debugging switches