JTO Phase – I : INTERNET, Module – 8, Chapter 5.

2 NIB

CHAPTER 5.2
NATIONAL INTERNET BACKBONE
INTRODUCTION
Internet is a network of computer networks. A network consists of nodes
and links. Node services are provided by ISP's and link services are provided by
carriers through backbone network. DOT (now DTS) provides both the services
and both of them for part and parcel for discussion.

Networking is a key component of any Internet Service Provider (ISP)

operations. The networking equipments like access servers, routers and modems
are critical to the successful functioning of the ISP. The choice of the networking
solution and the equipment will determine how well the ISP operations run on a
day-to-day basis. Any problem and malfunctioning of the network will mean down
time and directly result in loss of revenue for the ISP.

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Fig.
ISP Node Configuration
ISP's and Backbone
A. An user to an ISP node shall mean (a) individual user dialing in to a
telephone network or getting connected through leased line (b)
Private internet service provider, and (c) another note of DTS
network.
B. An ISP where subscribers enter Internet, consist of a set of
equipments as below –
(i) Access server (or access server cum router).
(ii) Router
(iii) Modem bank
(iv) LAN (Local Area Network) components.
(v) Security Server.
(vi) Rack, Console and Power Supply.
(vii) Network Management Agent.
(viii) Help Desk.

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C. Link, i.e. transmission network for point to point connection,

interconnection between ISP's in a city and satellite towns to form
an area and long distance connections between cities to form
network backbone.
D. DOT has divided the network for internet service nodes based on
the internet node capacity of the cities, adjoining towns and areas.
Thus, Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore and Pune has
been classified as type AI city. 8 cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad,
Patna, etc. has been designated as type AII city. 31 major cities
has been declared as type 'B' city including Nagpur, Jabalpur, etc.
504 locations has been declared as type 'C' with varying capacity
as CI, CII and CIII types.

In general, routers in a state will form an area and state capitals will be
regarded as area border routers. The area border routers will be connected to
one of the type AI or AII node. All AI nodes will be interconnected through high
speed link called National Internet Backbone (NIB).

Fig.
Illustrative Interconnection Between Different Type of Locations

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Access Server
The mostly critical component of an ISP network is the Access Server.
This is the device where all the calls from subscribers are terminated and
provides the direct connectivity to subscriber calls. The subscribers to the various
ISP services like web access, E-mail, FTP etc. have various options to connect
to the ISP. Briefly, they are explained below.
Modem Bank
Analog modems are required for every dial-up port to process the
subscriber traffic. Calls from subscribers are routed by the telephone exchange
to ISP modem rack. 2511 series access router connects to a modem bank. The
bank houses 36 modems of which 32 is useful. Multi-tech, the manufacturer,
provides capability of handling almost every permissible speed upto 33 kbps in
dial up mode along with MNP protocols support. Also, the manufacturer provides
small management software for overall health and performance monitoring of the
equipment.
Multiple Access Server
Cisco Access Server 5800 houses a dial shelf consisting of 14 slots. The
slots houses dial shelf controller card (upto 2 numbers for redundancy) for
management of dial in circuits and providing connection to router shelf. E1 cards
terminates 12 E1-trunks to process 360 simultaneous calls. Each modem carrier
card terminates 72 modem calls. A mixture of E1 trunk card and modem carrier
card is housed on the shelf depending upon location requirements.
Router
Clients and servers in Internet have fixed IP addresses (at least during a
communication session) and exchange information in form of data packets. While
the access server provides the connectivity to the subscribers, a router is
required to route the internet data and other packet traffic data between the ISP
and the outside world. The router sits at the periphery of the ISP network linking
to the Internet gateway. Also, in a multiple POP (point of presence) ISP network,
the backbone router interconnects the various branch nodes. It may be a
separate device or could also be an integral unit built into the access server.

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Small Router
Cisco Series 2511 routers are usually provided at type-C locations. This
router is capable of providing one Ethernet connection, 2 WAN ports for point to
point serial link connecting to a type-B location and type-A location. 2 Async.
serial ports to connect 32 rack modems and 2 ports for connecting of console
locally or remotedly through dial in.
Big Router
For bigger locations like type-B or type-A, Cisco router series 7507 and
7513 respectively will be deployed. Functionally both the routers are same with
different sizes to fit the location. The router consists of 2 Route Switch
Processors (RSP) used for the purpose of redundancy and 2 to 5 versatile
interface processors (VIP 2-40) cards. The VIP cards has interface for Ethernet
connection, multi-channel code adapter, E1 ISDN BRI, E3 etc.
LAN Components
A local area network is required in each ISP location to manage the traffic
and provide interconnectivity between the access servers, routers, PC
workstations and the servers. While Type 'C' locations can interconnect different
equipments through cheaper 10/1000 mbps Ethernet hub, Cisco catalyst switch
5500 is being deployed in NIB for fast Ethernet switching. The switch can be
configured for back bone applications with scalable 100/1000 ethernet, ATM and
FDDI. It will provide switching capacity within router(s), Access servers and help
desk(s).
Administration & Management Functions :
Type CI and ISP locations has only help desk. For Type 'B' and 'A', special
software package called AR system is deployed to implement these
functionalities. The package runs in a client-server environment with
Windows/UNIX/Web as client (user PC) and WINNT/Sun
Solaris/HP_UX/IBM_AIX as server. The package communicates with standard
database servers like oracle/sybase/DB2 etc. The total software is based on
Windows. Help desk operators will administer the system functions through its
client PC.

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Customer Information and Management :

These functions in AR package has been achieved through five modules.
RADIUS (Remote area dial in user service) configuration, on line subscriber
registration, defining product types and its corresponding fees (one time charge,
recurring charge, holiday usage charge, etc.) are part of user function related
modules. Other service provisions like web hosting, advertising, etc. has also
been included in the module. Billing, collection and accounting aspects is also
available in the module. Various reports are also generated by the package.

Customer Care :
Help desk operation is planned through automatic answering system
followed by manual intervention at a later stage, if required. Queries from
subscribers shall be received in form of dialed digits stored and data base will be
scanned for the answer. All intermediate stages will be covered by music.
'Prologix call center' developed by TATA Telecom and Lucent Technologies Ltd.,
implements these functions for NIB. It also provides text as well graphical display
for call waiting, oldest call, average speed for answer, calls abandoned, average
task time, etc. as a part of management information system.

Security Servers :
Since the ISP network is easily accessible by the outside world, it is prone
to attacks by hackers and integrity of the network can be threatened. There are
two kinds of attacks possible (i) Unauthorized users trying to access the internet
and other ISP services, and (ii) Unauthorized users gaining access and control of
the internet server and other network resources may tamper with them. The
former results to loss of revenue of the ISP, but is rarely destructive, by the later
can result in serious consequences including the breakdown of the entire system.
Hence, a rigid security system must be part of the ISP network.

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To protect against unauthorized access to the ISP services, the access

server and other hardware must be equipped with an authentication methodology
which will scrutinize every incoming call and disconnect unwanted callers,
allowing only valid customers to proceed further. The access server must have
password and security systems to allow this. Remote Authentication Dial in User
(RADIUS) is the most widely implemented authentication system implemented in
AS5800. Other systems include TACACS+, Kerberos, CHAP/PAP etc. To protect
against hackers trying to access the critical resources like the billing server, web
server, etc. a firewall is available in AR system.

Other Functional and Service Provider Servers :

Besides the networking equipment, the ISP setup will consist of the
different servers and related software. They are briefly described as below.

DNS Server : The domain name server maintains the addresses of the
worldwide web (WWW) addresses to allow fast connectivity. One DNS server in
each A type node will be implemented. Each server will offer DNS services to all
requests arising out of type-B and type-C locations.

Mail Server : Electronic mail service is a key value added service for the
ISP. The email server application must be complaint with POP3 as well as
IMAP4 protocols. The customers should be able to access using common
browsers and mail clients.

FTP Server : To offer File Transfer Protocol (FTP) services to

subscribers.

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The NIB Connectivity Architecture

Department of Telecommunication has decided to open Internet Access
nodes at all Metro Distict/District Headquarters/Charging areas. All these nodes
are to be connected on the National Internet Backbone (NIB). Considering the
projected demand of telephones for the year 2000 and expected utilization of
capacity, the Internet nodes are categorized into five types, viz. Type A (A-I, A-II,
Type B, Type C-I, C-II and C-III).

In the NIB, it is proposed to have 549 locations connected in three-tier

architecture. The first tier consists of Type A stations (14 Nos), the second tier
consists of Type B locations (31 Nos.) and the third tier consists of Type C-I, C-II
and C-III locations (504 Nos.).

The procurement of equipment for C-I C-II and C-III type of nodes will be
done by the respective Telecom Circles. The equipment procured for these
nodes should be compatible with type A and B nodes of the National Internet
Backbone as regards NMS and other features etc.

Telecom Engineering Centre, DOT, New Delhi, has come out with the
equipment requirements for C-I, C-II and C-III nodes. The equipment
requirements for upgradation in the A and B nodes to meet the traffic
requirements du to addition of C-I, C-II and C-III nodes have also been included
in the amendment.

The NIB connectivity architecture shall be three-tier architecture

throughout its connectivity, such that all the nodes are able to connect to the
nearest Gateway within two router hops.

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The details of this connectivity is based on the following principles :

• Gateway connectivity is planned with 32 Mb/s at six A-I locations in

NIB 1st phase.

• The core connectivity shall consist of A-I nodes (6 stations with

International Gateway) which shall be connected through a near
mesh connectivity through E3 connections.

• All the other A-II and B locations shall be connected to two A-I
nodes through E3 connections.

• Each C-I and C-II location shall be connected to the parent node
through two E1s (connected through preferably different
transmission media to take care of link failure as well as traffic
congestion).

• All C-I, C-II and C-III locations shall be parented to either A-I or A-II
or B locations depending upon the transmission media
availability/geographical proximity.

• Each C-III location shall be connected to its parent node through

two nx 64 Kb/s or two E1s (connected through preferably different
transmission media) to take care of link failure as well as traffic
congestion.

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At present, type AII nodes are connected to two type AI through 4 x E1 link. All
type B nodes are connected to two AII/AI node through 1 x E1 links. ATM back
bone is proposed within the six AI locations to operate at 155 Mbps.
Fig.
Connectivity Diagram Illustration for NIB

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NIB Components
NIB components as explained in previous paras are best explained in the
following diagram

Fig.
NIB Components

Conclusion
Although there are several players like power sector, Railways etc. having
some spare capacity in optical fibre long distance network, they do not seem to
play significant role in transportation of public information system. Some
business houses may take some bandwidth from them on lease which may be
regarded as one type of private arrangement. DTS will continue to play its role as
effective public information service provider during the present millennium also.

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Classification of Nodes :
* Type I : 1000 to 5000 subscribers
* Type II : 100 to 1000 subscribers
* Type III : Upto 100 subscribers

Classification of Cities :
Type A1 : Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore,
Pune Ernakulam

A2 : Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Jaipur,

Lucknow, Patna, Jullunder.
B : 41 Locations (including Jabalpur).
C : 52 Locations.

Classification of Routers :
Category I : Leased Lines - 10 to 50
X.25 Ports - 2 to 10

ISDN PRJ Port - 1 No.

2 MB Ports - 10 to 50
LAN Port - 1, 10 Base T

Category II : (Connected to Gateway Nodes)

34 MB Port - One

2 MB Port - 50 (terminate other

Type I ISP)
LAN Port - One E-net 802.3/10
Base T

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SERVER
The Server should be able to meet the following functions :
(a) Authentication of all the subs. connected to itself as well as Type III
connected to it.
(b) Domain name service
(c) It shall have a firewall software to ensure obstruction of any
unauthorized entry into the systems.

(d) System Administration Function.

(e) Billing and Accounting of all subscribers connected to its node as
well as all subs of Type III connected to it.
(f) It shall be able to give following functions to shell account.

- EMAILO Client - FTP Client

- TELNET Client - Z Modem/Kermit
Protocol, – Web browser, - Internet
Relay chat, - News Reader, - System
Prompt facility.
(g) It shall give all the above facilities to TCP/IP users also.

(h) It shall be able to give roaming facility.

(i) It shall have an E-mail server and Web hosting facility.
(j) It shall have News Server and Internet Relay Chat Server facility.
(k) Shall be able to perform NMS function.

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Node shall consist of :

SERVER with software, Remote Access Server, Routers, PSTN Modems
and Line drivers.

SERVER - Clock 260 MHz, 2 GB HDD, 256 MB RAM,

(2 No's in Load 32GB External disk on RAID56, 2GB DAT, VT
Balancing mode). 220 Terminals, 12 x CD ROM

Intra Connectivity

Type A1 location :
• City will be divided into ¾ zones.
• Each zone will have Type-I ISP nodes interconnected by 2 MBPS
links.
• One of the zones will be called as 'main' and will remain connected
to VSNL through 34 MBPS link.
• Type A2 and B cities will be connected to 'main' node.
• Chat and news group support will be from 'main' node.
• A number of Type-III nodes may be used as concentrator and
connect to main or sub through 2 MB.
Type A2 Location :/ Type B Location
• One Type I and several type III as concentrator connected to Type I
through 2 MBPS link is envisaged.
LINK (Transmission Network)
- point to point connection.
- interconnection between ISP's in a city and satellite towns to form an
area.
- long distance connections between cities to form network backbone.

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All City Node

Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore and Pune Ernakulam.

All city
8 cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Patna, etc.

B city
31 major cities including Nagpur, Jabalpur, etc.

Type C
504 locations CI, CII and CIII types.

The NIB connectivity architecture

• Gateway connectivity with 34 Mb/s at six A-I locations in NIB 1st
Phase.

• Core connectivity – A-I nodes near mesh connectivity through E3.

• A-II and B locations – Two A-I nodes through E3 connections.

• C-I and C-II – to the parent node through two E1s.

• C-I, C-II and C-III parented to either A-I or A-II or B.

• C-III to parent node through two n x 64 kb/s.

At present, type AII nodes are connected to two type AI through 4 x E1

link. All type B nodes are connected to two AII/AI node through 1 x E1 links. ATM
backbone is proposed within the six AI locations to operate at 155 Mbps.

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International connectivity

Fig.
International Connectivity Diagram for NIB (AI) Core Stations
with International Gateway

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Fig

Illustration of Connectivity Diagram for Internet Locations NIB

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