1. NEPTUNE SYSTEM DESIGN PHILOSOPHY David H Rodgers August 20, 1999

2. NEPTUNE System Design Philosophy The system design is independent of the management or funding of network operations NEPTUNE is conceptually divided into two parts: –the core system, providing power, communications, navigation, archiving, data distribution, etc. (cf. report para??) –PI proposed and developed instrumentation, supported by the core system but independently developed consistent with well defined interfaces

3. NEPTUNE System Design Philosophy The useful life of the NEPTUNE core system is at least 25 years, with 24/7 availability, once operational Data return probability is better than 0.999. NEPTUNE provides high bandwidth and power as a matter of policy - 5Gbps//100kW All data will be archived at, and distributed from, a central point where CAL corrections are performed NEPTUNE will have auto reconfiguration capability

4. NEPTUNE System Design Philosophy The core system design will: –use hardware/software that is expected to be available in the 2003/04 timeframe –be upgraded as technology evolves, in a manner largely transparent to the users –use an internet based approach for data and commanding - basically a “point & click”, “PlugNPlay” approach –have uniform, well defined interface standards, guidelines for implementation and network simulation hardware/software.

5. NEPTUNE System Design Philosophy The core system design will: –Use COTS capabilities as much as practical to minimize costs and the cost/schedule risks associated with new developments –be single point failure tolerant –perform self reconfiguration as needed to prevent error/failure propagation –recognize predefined “events” and initiate action sets, including reconfiguration, on the occurrence of such events - e.g. a seafloor eruption

6. NEPTUNE System Design Philosophy Operations & Maintenance: –Routine operation & maintenance of the core facility will be transparent to the users except in emergency conditions –In Emergencies: users will be notified - internet/phone priority is for personnel and network safety - decisions will be made on this basis corrective action to restore network will not be transparent to users

7. NEPTUNE System Design Philosophy Operations & Maintenance (cont.): –Installation and removal of PI experiments will be scheduled in agreement between the network and the PI –Safety Protocol - No manned operation shall be planned in such a manner that a network failure can prejudice personnel safety