Implementing ADSL
Overview
Customers can link systems via RECOL DSL service to the Internet
via one of two techniuques
- Client software on a personal computer utilizing an Ethernet
Network Interface Card (Nic)
- Router appliance that provides various services including
dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) and network address
translation (NAT)
Although the router appliance approach is RECOL's standard
solution, this document discusses each implementation.
PPPoE
Point to point protocol over Ethernet, (PPPoE), is an emerging
standard developed by Redback Networks, UUNet and Routerware.
This protocol leverages many key management and support features
provided by dial-up concentrators from firms such as Nortel-Xylogics
and Lucent-Livingston. These capabilites facilitate the provisioning
and management of literaly millions of subscribers. With explosive
growth in both cable and DSL technologies where providers may
be managing thousands of customers, new approaches such as PPPoE
are a necessary replacement for legacy applications such as routing
via traditional routers as provided by Cisco, Nortel, Lucent
and others. A new buzzword for this space is "broadband"
technology.
RECOL is one of the first ISPs in the Northeast to implement
Subscriber Management Solutions (SMS) from Redback Networks.
Redback is considered the industry leader in subscriber management.
RECOL was also the first ISP other than the SNET ISP to be certified
to support PPPoE in the SBS/SNET territory.
The primary characteristic of PPPoE from the customer's point
of view is that the only configuration information required to
set up an ADSL application with RECOL is a username and password.
With that information, RECOL's servers download various information
such as DNS servers, IP addresses, routing gateways and subnet
masks. Thus an issue that has plagued both the Cable and DSL
industries, customer provisioning, is simplified.
Premis Equipment and Installation
RECOL will be providing a standard SNET/SBC DSL package for
each installation. This includes the following components:
- ADSL Modem
- Low Pass Filter
- Cables
- Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC)
A SNET technician will visit the customer site and first install
splitter components to separate voice signal from ADSL signal.
The electonic component used to tap off voice from the primary
wire is termed a "Low Pass Filter". This will be installed
in either the customer's phone closet or at a convenient location.
Once competed, two connections will be provided: one for phone
and the other for ADSL. The technicians will provide an RJ-11
jack for connection to the ADSL modem described below. Its important
that the customer and their integrator pepare the site provide
instructions on the location of equipment. In some instances,
customer staff were not prepared to advise the technician on
modem location and thus a loop extension was not done. Customers
should be aware that a loop extension from SNET's demarcation
point may incur a billing for additional work.
The main DSL line is plugged directly into the ADSL modem
via an RJ-11 connector. This line can be extended. For example
at RECOL, we patched the cable over about 75 feet so that the
modem could reside in an office. Its important, however, to use
lines that are well terminated. For example simply patching over
old and worn phone cable may result in intermittent service.
The modem provides an RJ45 Ethernet Jack for connecting to
another device. Although the device can work through a hub or
even a switch, we find it best to connect directly to a PC NIC
or an Internet Router/Appliance. The termination supports connection
via a standard patch cable to a PC or a Router/Applicance via
a standard Category 5 path cable. If connecting to a Hub or Switch
Port, a crossover cable will be required. Or a daisy chaning,
mid/x or crossover port can be used.
Our experience is that the SNET technicians are well equiped
and trained. They each carry spare parts, a Sunset DSL Tester
and a Notebook. The spare parts save time if a kit is incomplete
or hasn't arrived in time for the installation. The tester verifies
that the circuit is operational and provides an indication of
performance charactertics. Finally, the notebook can be used
to verify connectivity to RECOL in those cases where customer
PC or router device is not working properly.
PC Implementation
The majority of SNET/SBC home user installations will connect
DSL directly to a PC. Although RECOL will support such configurations,
most customers will be using RECOL services for business applications
connecting multiple LAN resident devices to the Internet. Thus
you may wish to skip directly to the Router/Applicance discussion
below.
PPPoE is variation on Dial-Up networking. In order to implement
this application, ISP's will provide a special client software
package to supplement a computer's native TCP/IP networking software.
The two most popular products at least for PC based Windows 95/98
NT and 200- are from NTS and Ivasion. At this time, RECOL and
the SNET ISP support the NTS client.
As mentioned above, an Ethernet board is required. We have
found that this board must be dedicated to DSL service. The DSL
Kit does provide an Ethernet NIC, so it can be added to support
the connection if the PC is already connected to a LAN. There
must be a spare PCI slot available to support the board. In the
vast majority of applications, systems resources such as DMA,
IRQ and I/O address will be available based on PCI standards,
however those customers utilizing special muti-I/O applications
such as terminal server boards could run into problems. The work
around is purchasing the appliance solution discussed below.
Once the board is installed it is connected into the DSL Modem
using a standard category 5 patch cable. After boot up, the DSL
client software must be loaded. During the install, the software
will search for a server and if the circuit is operational, the
software will indicate success or failure with an up or down
arrow.
From here, the user launches the NTS Enternet application
and then enters the RECOL supplied username and password and
then launches the login process. After about 5 seconds, the user
will be ready to browse the Internet.
Once the system is operational, various parameters are available
to tune operation. For example, the system can be set to disconnect
after a period of idle time stay up indefinitely. A feature of
PPPoE is the ability to monitor customers connect time thus some
ISPs may elect to offer multiple DSL packages based on connection
characterists. This is similar to dial-up services where unlimited
connection service is charged at a higher rate than say 120 hours
per month.
The following picture shows the connection of the DSL modem
to the data line and connection of the DSL modem to the PC via
a standard Category 5 patch cable. These cables are supplied
with the DSL kit.
Router/Appliance Implementation
Although server based solutions such as NT or Windows 2000
server configured with a DUN Client as decribed above can support
LAN access to the Internet, RECOL recommends utilizing a router
or Internet appliance. As of this writing, RECOL is working with
one of its business partners to develop its support of Cisco
equipment especially for larger LAN applications. This research
will provide solutions for advanced applications such as dedicated
firewalls and the routing of live IP addresses such as required
for Internet applications such as WEB services. Please note that
most applications including WEB serving can be supported via
Internet appliances such the Nexland ISB2LAN utilizing its firewall
features such as network address transalation, NAT. Its important,
however, for customers and integrators to realize that traditional
router/firewall solutions can drive installation and supports
cost up approaching more expensive leased line solutions. Thus,
these may be more cost justified on higher cost premium service
circuits.
For smaller applications up to 25 users, RECOL recommends
the ISB2LAN Router/Appliance from Nexland. This device supports
several features that simplify connecting one or more network
devices to the Internet. It is one of the first to support PPPoE
and was recommended to us by Redback Networks.
Connection to the ADSL modem is straightforward. Using supplied
cables, connect the ISB2LAN's LAN port to a Hub or directly to
a PC NIC, and plug the Modem port to the ADSL Modem. The Modem
connection is via a standard patch as is connection to a Hub
or Switch. Connection of the ISB2LAN directly to a PC will require
a crossover cable.
The device is shipped ready to "Plug and Net" using
Interland's catch phrase. The device is pre-configued as 192.168.0.1
and supplies DHCP services so that any device connecting via
Ethenet with DHCP support enabled will be able to connect. The
only configuration required to begin accessing the Internet will
be to enter the RECOL supplied username and password. This is
accomplished using a browser such as IE or Netscape and opening
http://192.168.0.1. Clicking the PPPoE link takes you to a screen
used to enter and then save the username/password. From there,
the ISB2LAN will connect and the customer is on the net.
If the ISB2LAN is to be connected to a LAN configured with
a different IP subnet, the browser based manager provides a page
for disabling DHCP and changing the device's IP number and subnet
mask For integrators that will be selling many of these units,
I suggest setting up an NT or Windows 2000 PC with a virtual
(Control Panel -> TCP/IP -> Advanced) IP address of 192.168.0.10.
This facilitates connection to each customer and preconfiguration
before shipment. Another approach suitable to using a notebook
is allowing DHCP to setup the notebooks address upon bootup.
The ISB2LAN provides many firewall features. Please visit
the RECOL Partner site for information and case studies on using
advanced featurs to build secure applications.
The following picture shows the connection the DSL modem to
an ISB2LAN. The modem connects to the ISB2LAN via a standard
patch cable. This then attaches to an Ethernet hub or switch
via a standard patch cable. These cables are supplied with the
DSL and the ISB2LAN kits.
Procurement and Provisioning Workflow
The following table list the typical work flow to procure,
provision and install a LAN based DSL Solution. This is based
on implementing connectivity with the Nexland ISB2LAN. Other
solutions such as using the Cisco 1417 DSL router may require
additional steps. Note that sales and support staff are available
to expedite and support various phases, but are not required
at the customer site. In the typical scenario, the Integration
partner implements the solution. An exception is when a larger
customer has trained and qualified IT staff.
To date, we are finding that a typical on site installation
is between one and two hours as determined by wiring considerations
and configuration issues. Most agree that the PPPoE implementation
and advanced training on the ISB2LAN substantially lower the
furstration and associated costs associated with other solutions.
|
Seq |
Task |
Responsible Party |
|
1 |
Customer or its integrator contacts RECOL about DSL Service |
RECOL Sales |
|
2. |
Customer requests that a DSL loop qualification be performed |
RECOL Sales |
|
3. |
If qualified, customer signs and submits service contract to
RECOL. |
Customer |
|
4. |
Service is ordered from the SNET ADSL product center |
RECOL Sales |
|
5. |
Customer User Name, Password and Static IP address are configured.
Network connection sheet with username and password is prepared
and sent to customer technical contact. |
RECOL Networking Staff |
|
6. |
Site is prepared. Integrator/Customer must determine location
of Modem and splitter and any loop extension required. |
Customer and Integrator |
|
7. |
Technician visits customer site, installs splitter, and then
tests circuit with Sunset Tester. |
SNET Technician |
|
8. |
Technician tests connectivity to Internet with notebook computer. |
SNET Technician and RECOL Networking Staff. (Note: RECOL staff
does not visit site) |
|
9. |
Integrator installs and configures router/appliance with username
and password. Attaches to DSL Modem and then to customer network. |
Integrator and RECOL Networking Staff. (Note: RECOL staff does
not visit the site.) |
|
10. |
Once system is tested, Lan configuration issues and advanced
features such mail serving are implemented. |
Customer and Integrator. |
Resources
Summary
DSL technologies support new and exiting services that provide
high speed and affordable connections to the Internet. When connecting
office systems on Local Area Networks (LANS), however, customers
require enhanced support to not only connect but also service
the link. RECOL, LLC and its growing base of business partners
stand uniquely positioned to provide affordable and dependable
links to new communications technologies.
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