1. Lecture Note No.5 TRAINING SEMINAR ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR THE GTS (((( Improved RMTN/RMDCN for RAII The IMTN (Improved MTN) The present MTN and the GTS, in general, suffers from the following deficiencies: a) The GTS is not really in a network formation and, infact, it is more of a bi-lateral links joined in a loose network formation; b) The links belong to the old concept of telecommunication and so are not in many cases, cost ffective; c) Various protocols are followed by various links depending on the availability and, thus, no uniformity is available throughout the network; d) Latest telecommunication techniques and protocols are missing is most of the cases resulting in inefficiency of the data exchange procedures; e) There is no mechanism to exchange information between non-adjacent MTN/RMTN Centres, without involving neighbouring centres. This is one of the most serious deficiencies of the GTS and the MTN which attracted the attention of the whole GTS community. T.K.Ray, RTH, New Delhi,Email:tkray@imd.ernet.in

2. The CBS in its extra-ordinary session XII RAII(1998) emphasized that the GTS in general and the MTN in particular will have to cope-up with the dual challenge of the changing requirements and the emerging technologies. CBS, therefore, requested a team of experts (ET-IMTN) to develop a project for an improved MTN including technical and administrative aspects for submission to CBS-XII (2000). ET-IMTN developed and submitted a draft project for the improved MTN. The Implementation Coordination Meeting on the MTN (Geneva, October, 1999) reviewed the ET-IMTN proposals. The experts team (ET-IMTN) recommended an improved MTN plan based upon “Approach 2” described below: The improved MTN shall be implemented through network services provided by a small number of providers (“Clouds”). Some MTN Centres would provide gateway functions between the “Clouds”. The first implementation phase (Phase 2A) would be a mix of clouds and point-to-point circuits. A second phase (Phase 2B) would provide the full MTN connectivity through the “Clouds”. The shorthand word “Cloud” used above has the definition: “three or more centers used a common provider of network services even a contractual frame-work to implement the required connectivity among the centers concerned”.

3. The cloud technology has several benefits for the implementation of the GTS and the MTN which is given below: A. Cost effectiveness: i) Generally more cost effective than dedicated leased circuits; ii) Economy of scale for larger centers; iii) Capacity can be selected incrementally B. Flexibility: ii) Virtual circuit capacity [Committed Information Rate (CRI) in Frame Relay* Network] including asymmetric traffic can be easily adopted. Virtual circuits can be added or removed easily; i) Virtual circuits can be added or removed easily; C. Technological support and revision from the network providers facilitates operation and management. D. Opportunity for acceleration on TCP-IP implementation and related benefits. The probable implementation phases (2A and 2B) are given schematically in Fig.1 & 2 respectively.

4. Improved RMTN (IRMTN) XII – RAII (Seol, 19-27 September, 2000) endorsed the concept of Improved RMTN using modern cost- effective data communication network services. In view of the geographical extent of RAII, it agreed that the design of the IRMTN could be based on the implementation of several networks grouping RTHs and NMCs as appropriate. Considering that cost-effective data network services such a Frame Relay and IP-VPN services were available in parts of the Region and that the administrative mechanisms for implementation would not be developed shortly. A report prepared by Mr. Ichijo of RTH, Japan and a Member of ET-IMTN is presented herein. A mixed approach using Frame Relay, Internet and commercial satellite broadcast as described below may also prove useful and cost-effective for some Regions specially eastern and southern part of RAII. *rame Relay (F.R) is a wide-area networking solution that provides connectivity and communication amongst multiple locations supporting a variety of applications. F.R can refer to an internet standard protocol, a switching technology and a set of public services. F.R has the following advantages:  Improves application and/or Network performance  Improves network availability and reliability  Increase network flexibility to help reconfigure the network quickly  Improves network efficiency and use  Simplify network architecture  Relegate maintenance & management of the network to a service provider that has in-depth networking expertise.  Save on transport, access & equipment costs  Reduce cost of operations and overall ownership  Provides a migration path to other services viz.ATM, IP-based and VPN services.

7. Status of the Improved RMTN project in RA II Contents 1. Background 2. Progress status 2.1 Migration to TCP/IP 2.2 Seeking cost-effective connections 2.3 Complementary systems 3. Prospect on foundations of the Improved RMTN 3.1 IMTN Network D (a core of the Improved RMTN) 3.2 Asian market of network service providers 4. Considering in further improving Submitted By Hiroyuki Ichijo (Japan) Doc. 3.3 (1) Presentation version RA II/ICM-GTS 2002 (New Delhi, 7 to 10 January 2002)

8. 1. Background RA II endorsed the Improved RMTN concept using cost-effective network services, and agreed the practical design, considering geographical characteristics. Moscow Bangkok Khabarovsk Novosibirsk Tashkent Tehran Improved MTN Network D Zone of responsibility of RTH Tokyo Zone of responsibility of RTH New Delhi Zone of responsibility of RTH Tashkent Zone of responsibility of RTH Beijing Zone of responsibility of RTH Bangkok Zone of responsibility of RTH Novosibirsk Zone of responsibility of RTH Khabarovsk Zone of responsibility of RTH Jeddah Zone of responsibility of RTH Tehran Improved RMTN Group IIA Network Improved RMTN Group IIB Network Improved RMTN Group IIC Network Improved RMTN Group IID Network Offenbach Jeddah New Delhi Beijing Tokyo

9. Outcome of feasibility study Cost-effective network services are currently available in not a whole but some parts of the Region. Collaborative use of such services requires new mechanisms in administrative aspect. Such mechanisms will not be developed shortly. RA II agreed a practical step by step approach for the implementation. We have just stepped into the first stage. At this stage, the most important strategy is migration to TCP/IP. In addition, we should try to use cost-effective network services even if it is on bilateral basis.

10. Reason why do we need new mechanisms in administrative aspect Traditional method : bilateral contract/billing Frame Relay Network X Frame Relay Network Y NNI

11. New method : one-stop concept (a) one-stop contract/billing

12. (b) one-stop contract & multi-end billing

13. 2. Progress status 2.1 Migration to TCP/IP Benefits in introducing TCP/IP : Cost-saving, availability of standard protocols/applications, network flexibility It allows us a lot of latitude in selecting a network service. Achievement rate in RA II : about 20% ( as of August 2001) The latest estimation : about 40% by the end of 2003. Remarkable activity for last two years in RA II : Eastern part (Group IIA) - upgrading TCP/IP with NNI Frame Relay Northern part (Group IID) – a two triangle configuration with consolidated status monitoring (SNMP) and dynamic routing (RIP)

14. RMTN configuration (as of December 2001)

15. 2.2 Seeking cost-effective connections Frame Relay solution : In most cases, Frame Relay is a reasonable and easy solution. In the 4 examples experienced by Tokyo, 25 to 40 % cost-saving could be realised. However, Frame Relay is not always available with reasonable cost in a whole Region. Internet solution : There is no guarantee in speed, delay time and security. There is no responsible body for accidents and unexpected phenomena. Hidden cost for attack protection & recovery and technique updating. However, there are various opportunity for cost-saving, gigantic capacity, flexible connectivity and introducing modern & useful technologies. With appropriate security management like VPN, plans to establish Internet connections instead of dedicated circuits will arise in places.

16. 2.3 Complementary systems Satellite broadcast/multicast systems : Being used for a complement of GTS point-to-point links and a backup source. PCVSAT (2-way) by China, TV-inform-Meteo by Russia, MDD by EUMETSAT, WAFS (ISCS, SADIS) and UKSF/WWW Internet data servers : One of the most promising complement systems A number of RTHs/NMCs operate their own servers and provide WWW data. Internet connectivity of Members is improving.

17. 3 Prospect on foundations of the Improved RMTN IMTN is a good model for administrative aspect : Early Implementation of the IMTN project may accelerate the collaborative implementation of the Improved RMTN. It is important to hasten to establish the Network D of the IMTN. Outcome of CBS Expert Team in IMTN (related part) : To extend connectivity of the existing RA VI RMTN (RMDCN) to the Asian part (Network D) and the African part (Network C); Based on the existing contractual arrangement of the RMDCN between the primary customer (ECMWF) and the provider (EQUANT). An ad-hoc group comprising the experts from RTHs Offenbach, Toulouse, Moscow, Nairobi, Beijing and ECMWF will carry out the preparatory activities in coordination with the other RTHs concerned. 3.1 IMTN Network D (a core of the Improved RMTN)

18. Improved MTN Network D Moscow Bangkok Khabarovsk Novosibirsk Tashkent Tehran Zone of responsibility of RTH Tokyo Zone of responsibility of RTH New Delhi Zone of responsibility of RTH Tashkent Zone of responsibility of RTH Beijing Zone of responsibility of RTH Bangkok Zone of responsibility of RTH Novosibirsk Zone of responsibility of RTH Khabarovsk Zone of responsibility of RTH Jeddah Zone of responsibility of RTH Tehran Improved RMTN Group IIA Network Improved RMTN Group IIB Network Improved RMTN Group IIC Network Improved RMTN Group IID Network Offenbach Jeddah New Delhi Beijing Tokyo Relation between Improved RMTN and IMTN

19. Moscow joins Network B Outcome of ET-IMTN 2001 Extension of RAVI RMDCN to Networks C & D Consolidation of Networks A & B

20. 3.2 Asian market of network service providers Service coverage : In 2000 and 2001, global service providers inclined their investment to one-side of the eastern Asia such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. Their service coverage has not been expanded since 1999. Especially most parts of Central Asia and Middle East are still out of the coverage. On the other hand, some major providers such as MCI/WorldCom and C&W are preparing to rush the potential big markets in China and India. Generally, providers have PoPs in international big cities. However over 70% of NMCs are not in such big cities. Service trend : Frame Relay is a steady and major service. In global business use, the trend Is gradually moving from Frame Relay to VPN services. It is expected that coverage of VPN services would expand on the worldwide level.

21. Typical examples of VPN services

22. 4. Consideration in further improving Activity of each RTHs : A practical implementation approach in a group is not always the same as others. Each RTH should survey technical circumstances of NMCs and available network services in its responsibility zone. Each RTH should develop a draft plan including a target year. The plan should include the migration to TCP/IP with a first priority and technical support to NMCs. Cooperation with WMO Secretariat : Financial support (e.g. through VCP) is necessary. Updating the on-line DCST resources is necessary. Collaboration mechanisms in administrative aspect: Higher level than each group should develop the mechanisms. Experiences from IMTN project should be shared by each group. Questionnaire to all RA II Members could be effective to survey administrative conditions of each NMCs.

23. Alternative mixed approach for improvement of South-Asian segment of the GTS South Asian segment of GTS in RA II traditionally uses a three tier architecture – (i) MTN to Main Regional Circuits/inter-regional circuits (ii) Bi-lateral circuits (iii) National Circuits. Additionally, HF broadcasts of RTT and facsimile are also done. 1. Use of Frame-Relay A possible configuration of MTN/Regional/bilateral links connected to RTH, New Delhi and adjacent RTHs Tokyo, Moscow, Beijing and Bangkok using a common Frame Relay Service provider e.g. Equant who is also the service provider for RMDCN in RA-VI. The FR service from Equant not only enables RTH New Delhi to implement ICMMTN2001 Recommendations to form cloud D either as an extension of RMDCN of RA-VI or as a bi-lateral implementation amongst RTHs New Delhi, Tokyo, Moscow, Beijing and Bangkok replacing the existing analogue circuits. The cost-effectiveness of the Frame Relay service, however, have to be worked out for the whole region.

24. 2. Use of Internet Internet can be used for MTN/Regional/Bi-lateral/National links in the following manner: (a)Secondary/back-up in case of failure of FR/leased line access (b)Primary link as replacement of low speed regional/inter-regional/bi-lateral links In both the above cases implementation needs fire-world router/ hosts which involve one time cost but provides the advantage of using existing internet connection without additional recurring cost. Usual internet utilities viz. FTP and email can be used for full duplex communication. 3. Use of commercial Satellite broadcast RTT and Facsimile broadcast through HF media are being replaced world-wide by commercial digital radio for entertainment and data casting. Commercial data-casting services from providers such as M/s World Space can be used as a cost-effective and reliable replacement of the HF broadcast system. Uploading of the data (Alpha- numeric, binary and graphics) can be done using Internet. For the end user, requirement is only a commercial radio-receiver with a small L-band antenna and a PC-card adopter, the total cost of which does not exceed US$ 200. The downlink speed of data is 128 kbps. The whole arrangement works automatically without any human intervention. Since the L-band antenna is near-omni-directional, even moving platforms such as, ships/trawlers and even motor cars can receive the broadcast. A detailed description of the system was presented in Lecture Note No.4.