June 2008 Archives

Virtual Private LAN Service - service for Virtual Private Networks By Thomas B. Cross - TECHtionary.com

The animated presentation can be found at: http://www.techtionary.com/podcasts/vpls/

Here is the translation of those acronyms into "no-tech" English. Virtual Private LAN Service allows customers to create VLANs-Virtual Local Area Networks in a metro network or global network using IP-Internet Protocol MPLS-Multi-Protocol Label Switching or VPNS-Virtual Private Network Service. In CEO talk, this means you can connect all the branches in the same city without costing a lot and cities elsewhere "almost" as easily. In the animated presentation, you will see the differences between VPLS and VPNS. There are many others including training, availability, diversity, DR-Disaster recovery, application such as hub-spoke versus mesh networking and others. Check with your provider as YMMV-your mileage may vary.

To begin with, let's see the basic concept behind LAN switching. LAN switching is a Layer 2 (Datalink) concept of switching rather than routing which takes place at Layer 3 (Network). In LAN switching all packets are "flooded" to all locations until they find their destination. Nice idea if you have only a few sites. Originally known as TLS-Transparent LAN-local Area Network Service, Metro-Ethernet, Ethernet Private Line and now often called VPLS-Virtual Private LAN Service, here are some reasons why you should consider this service.
First, it is easy-to-implement with plug-and-play installation.
Next, LAN Switches are cheap.
Third, VPLS provides very flexible BOD-bandwidth on demand options.
Fourth, it is a great solution for same-city customers with many locations.
Here are some reasons against: First, it doesn't grow or scale well to tens of sites and hundreds of users. Second, faster bandwidth doesn't provide QoS or solve flooding of packets due to large applications.

In Layer 3 routing, only the packets that are destined for the other location are sent. That is, packets are routed based on the destination IP address.
Here are some reasons for routing: First, it scales or grows essentially infinitely for customers with domestic and global locations.
Second, routing supports all kinds of IT systems new or legacy.
Third routing provides higher security.
Reasons against routing: First, there is a high cost with routing and routing will always be more expensive than switching.
Second, routing is complex to manage.
Third, routing requires very knowledgeable and technical staff.

I didn't forget VPLS, just needed a minute to get through the basics. VPLS uses MPLS to provide the "seamless" connections for VPLS. Shown in the presentation is the IP-Internet Protocol packet before and with the MPLS "label" attached or "tagged" on as it was originally called. MPLS consists of four elements, label bits, experimental bits, a stack bit and TTL-Time-To-Live bits which indicate the number of Label Switch Routers passed. Shown here is the "multi-protocol" part of MPLS and how it works with the other major networking protocols such as ATM, Frame Relay, Ethernet and others.

As shown in the presentation MPLS is used to connect locations and VLANS together.
In the next slide are the three key access topologies - ethernet-line for two sites, ethernet-LAN for three or more sites and ethernet-access for VPN/internet. This makes implementation and configuration of VLANS really simple.

WHY VPLS - Summary Here are a few business reasons: - Extends LAN infrastructure easily - Expands metro-net to global-net - Migrates Frame Relay to MPLS - Utilizes "pseudowire" approach - Needs "mesh" connections - Connect call centers via SIP - Provide DR-Disaster Recovery for data centers - Seeks greater customer (less carrier) control - Has multi- and broadcast traffic - Building a CDN-Content Delivery Net - Building an overlay multi-carrier network.

VPLS-Virtual Private LAN Service is going to be a great solution for any customer with more than location.

This presentation is also included in TMC University special course on Microsoft OCS-Office Communications Server at ITexpo.com. For more go here: http://www.tmcnet.com/voip/conference/west-08/tmc-university-microsoft-ocs.htm

This presentation is also included in online/onsite courses SIP 2.0c and for OCS-101 Office Communications Server per person (volume and site license discounts available). Discounts are also available to members of the SIP Forum and MS Partners. For customizing, special discounts, website animations, technical/sales training, technical writing and other services, go to http://www.techtionary.com or please call Tom Cross at 303-594-1694 or cross@gocross.com.

Here comes the next-generation of CENTREX or what we as old telephone folks called it CENTRal office EXchange service. Oh, the memories. Now the game gets serious with the full power of Microsoft entering the telephony business. Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration (HMC) 4.5, a fully hosted unified communications solution with Nortel, and new hosted email offerings from Concentric. Here are key highlights of the announcement:

- Microsoft HMC-Hosted Messaging Collaboration Version 4.5 offers service providers a robust platform to deliver integrated, streamlined communications services to SMBs. A number of partners are working to enhance the HMC 4.5 platform, including BroadSoft Inc., Ensim Corp., ExtendASP, implement.com, Nortel, Parallels, Planet Technologies and Sylantro Systems. These partners have built solutions which range from delivering advanced voice capabilities to empowering end customers with hosting automation tools, as well as developing consulting practices for solution deployments, upgrades and further innovation/customization.

- Nortel is delivering HMC 4.5 resulting in a fully hosted carrier solution that delivers a unified communications experience to SMBs.

- Concentric, a large-scale e-mail service provider is deploying Microsoft Hosted Exchange to combine the productivity benefits of Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 and Microsoft Office Outlook with its enterprise-class applications hosting platform. Concentric will offer new hosted e-mail service offerings for small and medium-sized enterprises.

If you are looking for an end-game for traditional telephony, then here you go.
Maybe it's time for the game to change anyway! I still miss my "crossbar" switch. If you are interested in CENTREX and telephony, you can still see all that at http://www.techtionary.com including images of traditional and next-generation crossbar switches.

osi-blog.swf

To understand the OSI-Open Systems Interconnection model one needs to understand that models and standards are used in all industries to create the means to work together called interoperability or in this case, communicate together whether for voice, video, data or any other media. The OSI model touches IT, VoIP/SIP, Security, jacks, cables and every other aspect of our lives, so understanding it in the information technology world is as important as breathing.

Starting with the Physical Layer 1, shown here are the tracks that railroads use to support the trains and boxcars. In the telecom world the tracks are DSL-digital subscriber lines, business lines and trunks, T-1-Transmission Layer One circuits and optical fiber circuits that support streams of digital bits.

Moving up to Layer 2, the Data link layer is where trains, boxcars or in the telecom world, packets are formed. There are literally hundreds of types of data packets such as Ethernet, Frame Relay, ATM, and SCADA as there are types of railroad boxcars. Each data packet format was created for a unique function. In this analogy, we want to show that the train or box car carries the data from one destination to another.

Before we move ahead, let's review two key concepts - routing versus switching
In switching all packets are "flooded" to all locations until they find their destination device. Originally known as TLS-Transparent LAN-local Area Network Service and now often called VPLS-Virtual Private LAN Service, here are some reasons why you should consider this service for your customers: First, it is easy-to-implement with plug-and-play installation. Next, LAN Switches are cheap. Third, VPLS provides very flexible BOD-bandwidth on demand options. Fourth, it is a great solution for same-city customers with many locations. Here are some reasons against: First, it doesn't grow or scale well to tens of sites and hundreds of users Second, faster bandwidth doesn't solve flooding of packets due to large applications.

In routing, only the packets that are destined for the other location are sent. That is, packets are routed based on the destination IP address.
Here are some reasons for routing: First, it scales or grows essentially infinitely for customers with domestic and global locations. Second, routing supports all kinds of IT systems new or legacy
Third routing provides higher security. Reasons against routing: First, there is a high cost with routing and routing will always be more expensive than switching. Second, routing is complex to manage. Third, routing requires very knowledgeable and technical staff.

Now back to the OSI Model, using train metaphor, one key but subtle point is that the packet carries the data without knowledge of the location of its ultimate destination. The knowledge about what routes to take comes from Layer 3 or the Network Layer where routing occurs. Simply, a router supports different protocols or train cars, different routes and different speeds or bandwidth. Importantly, the Network Layer 3 provides routing functions that determine how, when and if a data packet will be sent at all. Again, without going into all the details about firewalls, firewalls operate primarily at Layer 3 controlling incoming and outgoing IP-Internet Protocol packet transmission.

Transport Layer 4 is used to provide reliable confirmation of the packet. Much like when you sign for a FedEx or UPS package, you are confirming receipt of the package. This type of confirmation or protocol is the function of TCP-Transmission Control Protocol which you will see in detail in a few minutes. However, like normal first class mail, UDP or User Datagram Protocol guides the IP-Internet Protocol packet to its destination without confirming receipt.

At Layer 5, the Session Layer additional functions provide for maintaining the connection, in simple terms, logging in and logging off functions.

At Layer 6, the Presentation layer, data is being organized and processed for "presentation" to the user.

At Layer 7, the Applications layer, the user interface and data input such as typing your email or submitting figures in a spreadsheet or database is controlled. As you can see each layer has unique and distinct functions. And for the record, error checking is done at every layer. That is, quality control checks are needed to make sure that the cables are plugged in corrected at Physical Layer 1 all the way up to the Applications Layer 7 where you see and touch the data.

In summary, the OSI model is more than an architecture or framework for IT and communications but a way of life in organizing systems and services efficiently and effectively.

This and more than 3,000 other tutorials can be found at: http://www.techtionary.com.
This presentation is also included in TMC University special course on Microsoft OCS-Office Communications Server at ITexpo.com. For more go here: http://www.tmcnet.com/voip/conference/west-08/tmc-university-microsoft-ocs.htm

This presentation is also included in online/onsite courses SIP 2.0c and for OCS-101 Office Communications Server per person (volume and site license discounts available). Discounts are also available to members of the SIP Forum and MS Partners. For customizing, special discounts, website animations, technical/sales training, technical writing and other services, go to http://www.techtionary.com or please call Tom Cross at 303-594-1694 or cross@gocross.com.

Security Planning Guide for VoIP-SIP-ITP Networks
This is a special CTA-Colorado Telecommunications Association Convention Seminar by Tom Cross entitled "SIP: Threat or Opportunity."
The seminar will be presented Monday, July 28, 2008 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Estes Park Holiday Inn and Convention Center. The price is $99 per student, payable in addition to your CTA convention registration. Go to http://www.colotelecom.com

Security Checklist provides the means for customers planning, implementing and expanding to "get security smart" with guidance, ideas and tools. With fifty concepts for review, the SIP Security Checklist is vital to anyone doing VoIP/SIP for network solutions and premise-based implementations.

"SIP Security Checklist is vital to every organization as VoIP/SIP is new and new approaches to security are important to understand how and where attacks will come from. Coupled with the Troubleshooting Guide and QoS primer, the SIP/OCS courses are without peer from any source." noted Paul C. Daubitz - President - ATI-TeleManagement (a professional management consultancy).

"Frankly providers of SIP network solutions and those with premise equipment such as Avaya, Cisco, Microsoft, Nortel and others have largely left SIP security planning to the customer to figure out. VoIP/SIP attacks are also increasing but product vulnerabilities are also on the rise with a report this week by Cisco that 'Cisco Unified IP Phone models contain multiple overflow and denial of service (DoS) vulnerabilities.' The SIP Security Checklist is not just a do-it-once review but a planning guide for ongoing daily security protection," noted Matt Jolly CTO.

This special executive seminar will provide a business and technical guide to Session Initiation Protocol, the signaling technology that is revolutionizing the way communications services are provided. For details, and a course outline visit http://www.techtionary.com/techu/cta.

NOTE: Registration is separate but can be billed with your CTA Event billing.
For further information contact Tom Cross at 303 594 1694 or cross@gocross.com.

TECHtionary.com today announced an executive briefing "road show" on SIP: "Thread or Critical Business Tool" in Denver next week. Some of the key seminar highlights are:
- Top-10 Critical Technologies to SIP, Steps to Successful SIP Implementation,
- Diagnosing & Tools for Troubleshooting SIP Networks with more than 30 Common Problems and Solutions,
- SIP Technology - Indepth,
- SIP Security - "Best Practices,"
- Reality Check 50-Point Comprehensive SIP Security Checklist,
- SIP Security Architectures, - SIP Class of Service & Quality of Service,
- SIP Applications and Future Outlook,
- Microsoft's OCS-Office Communications Server "Game Plan" with IM-Instant Messaging, Web conferencing, desktop video conferencing, media gateways and telephony, and other topics.

For complete details, course outline, go to: http://www.techtionary.com/sip/roadshow/ "This intensive executive briefing is vital to all organizations evaluating SIP/VOIP solutions and a must-attend for an organization using Microsoft platforms," noted Tom Cross - CEO TECHtionary.com.
The next date for the course is: June 26-27 - Denver - Westin Westminster

For complete details, course outline, pricing and other options, go to: http://www.techtionary.com/sip/roadshow/ Course is $495 per person. $395 per person for SIP Forum-Full members and MS Channel Partners. Group discounts and other options are available. Course is free for registered channel partners - terms and conditions apply - go here for details http://www.techtionary.com/techu/. This course is available for onsite delivery anywhere onsite, online or via webseminar.

New Public Seminar Course Schedule for New CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) Certification Prep
Get Prepared Now for New Security+ Exam Coming in October

TECHtionary.com today announced public classroom "exam cram" sessions for the new CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) Certification Prep Course. "CompTIA will be using the 2008 Security+ version starting in October, this class will get you ready for the new version," noted Tom Cross. "Other Security+ course providers are developed by and taught by instructors who do not have Security+ certification," Cross added and course developer who holds Comptia Security+ certification and Pearson Vue Certified Test Administrator and other certifications. Here is the current schedule of public courses:

- July 14-16 - Denver - Westin Westminster

- August 11-13 - Denver - Westin Westminster

- September 21-24 - Denver - Westin Westminster

- October 13-15 - Denver - Westin Westminster

- November 3-5- Denver - Westin Westminster

- Denver 8-10 - Denver - Westin Westminster

Fees are $1495 per person. Military, DoD, federal, state, local and educational discounts are available. Group discounts are available. Compare to other courses which are twice the price. In addition, students will have access to the online version for six month afterward and access to private tutoring at no additional charge. Private classes are also available for five or students. To register email cross@gocross.com or call 303-594-1694.
For complete course outline, go to: http://www.techtionary.com/press/security/

New CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) Certification Prep Course

Critical Course for DoD 8570 Program - Onsite & Online Available Now

BOULDER - June 13 - TECHtionary.com today announced a new CompTIA Security+ (2008 Edition) Certification Prep Course. Available onsite starting July 1 and online shortly afterward, this course covers the key critical areas for security planning, risk, management and implementation. Some of the course major topic areas include: systems security, network infrastructure, access control, assessments & audits, cryptography, organizational security and other topics. In addition, "we have added a number of practical tutorials to help students really understand the practical areas of network, IT, VoIP/SIP, business security and resiliency," noted Tom Cross TECHtionary CEO and course developer who also holds Comptia Security+ certification. "In addition, this course is critical to any DoD 8570 program which includes any full- or part-time military service member, contractor, or local nationals with privileged access to a DoD information system performing information assurance (security) functions -- regardless of job or occupational series," Cross added.

Professionals can prepare for testing through the use of the many iPod/iPhone format tutorials to learn on the go and anytime they want to whether waiting at the airport or a customer's office, driving down the street or riding on the bus/train/plane," Cross added. As a leading security expert Matt Jolly said, "The TECHtionary Security+ course takes training to a new higher level. For example, there is nothing like the animated security tutorials available anywhere or from anyone. For the channel partner or customer, this course provides critical insights for successful implementation and management. For the security administrator, the tutorials and easy to use interface speeds learning allowing viewers to grasp complex concepts faster than ever before. With this course, security providers can rapidly accelerate the learning process for their channel partners which in turn accelerate revenues. Now is the time for users and providers alike to make this security course an integral part of their business operations."

For a complete course outline, go to: http://www.techtionary.com/press/security/

For more information and booking, call Tom Cross at 303-594-1694 or cross@gocross.com. Tom Cross also writes a blog for TMCnet available at: http://blog.tmcnet.com/cross-talk.