Network Environment

Interview your university network specialist. Ask how various parts of the system communicate with each other throughout the university. (Q) Given the chance to redesign the existing setup, enumerate and discuss your keypoints for an effective and efficient network environment ideal for the university.


We can never deny that technology is growing bigger and had made a big impact in every person’s daily life. On our case, a network is everywhere and a great area for the University to communicate within. In a network, different computer workstations are connected by cabling or wireless systems. This allows them to communicate with each other, including mass electronic mail capabilities. Workstations are sometimes attached to data handling hardware such as servers, which hold a large amount of data, and distribute it as needed to other parts of the network, all of these complex systems require staff to set up, maintain and troubleshoot the entire network to make sure that the business always has the capabilities that the network was intended to support.

Network specialist is the one who is in charge on maintaining and supervising a network. A network specialist is someone who deals with computer networks professionally. The general category of network specialist professionals includes individuals who do a lot of different work with various computer networking systems. They are skilled in various kinds of computer repair and computer maintenance. They are a vital addition to an information technology department, because they can respond quickly to various network issues. When part of a network malfunctions, it can create an extreme problem for a business very quickly.

In the University of Southeastern Philippines, our University Network Specialist is Engr. Ariel Roy L. Reyes, but due to the busy schedule of Engr. Reyes he decided to just cater the student as a class rather than a one on one interview. He was given a questionnaire made by the class and distributed it after. Thus, obviously almost all of us have the same thoughts.

We have asked him how the various parts of the system in the University interact with each other. Unfortunately, he is not the right person to answer this, instead MR. Jappeht M. Fortich and Dr. Tamar Cher R. Mercado, our University Programmers were the best person to share regarding the System Development.

Another question was “What are the components involved in the system(s) in the university? (hardware, software, technology, etc.)”

Engr. Reyes have responded that, “I am not in the right position to discuss the details of the software components used as there are other assigned personnel for such job. However, talking about hardware component and technology used, basically I, assigned as the network administrator, is entrusted to maintain our different servers to run 24/7. Currently, we have our Web Server hosted here in our University in our HP ProLiant ML350 Server. Its an old but stable server set-up here in our Networks Office and has been active since Engr. Val A. Quimno , not yet a dean, was appointed as the Network Administrator. The said server has the following specification:

• Intel Xeon 3.0 GHz, 3.2 GHz, or 3.4 GHz processors (dual processor capability) with 1MB level 2 cache standard. Processors include support for Hyper-Threading and Extended Memory 64 Technology (EM64T)
• Intel® E7520 chipset
• 800-MHz Front Side Bus
• Integrated Dual Channel Ultra320 SCSI Adapter
• Smart Array 641 Controller (standard in Array Models only)
• NC7761 PCI Gigabit NIC (embedded)
• Up to 1 GB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM with Advanced ECC capabilities (Expandable to 8 GB)
• Six expansion slots: one 64-bit/133-MHz PCI-X, two 64-bit/100-MHz PCI-X, one 64-bit/66-MHz PCI-X, one x4 PCI-Express, and one x8 PCI-Express
• New HP Power Regulator for ProLiant delivering server level, policy based power management with industry leading energy efficiency and savings on system power and cooling costs
• Three USB ports: 1 front, 1 internal, 1 rear
• Support for Ultra320 SCSI hard drives (six hot plug or four non-hot plug drives supported standard, model dependent)
• Internalstorage capacity of up to 1.8TB; 2.4TB with optional 2-bay hot plug SCSI drive
• 725W Hot-Plug Power Supply (standard, most models); optional 725W Hot-Pluggable Redundant Power Supply (1+1) available. Non hot plug SCSI models include a 460W non-hot plug power supply.
• Tool-free chassis entry and component access
• Support for ROM based setup utility (RBSU) and redundant ROM
• Systems Insight Manager, SmartStart, and Automatic Server Recovery 2 (ASR-2) included
• Protected by HP Services and a worldwide network of resellers and service providers.
Three-year Next Business Day, on-site limited global warranty. Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. Pre-Failure Notification on processors, memory, and SCSI hard drives.

Aside from it, our mail server running under Compaq Proliant ML330 Server, our oldest server, is also hosted here in our Networks Office. Together with other Servers, such as Proxy and Enrollment Servers, both proxy and our enrollment servers are running in microcomputer/personal computers but with higher specifications to act as servers.


Next question is about the network connectivity, “How do these communicate with one another? (topology, network connectivity, protocols, etc.) – may include data flow/ UML diagrams to better explain.”

According to him, “All Servers are connected in a shared medium grouped as one subnetwork. In general, our network follows the extended star topology which is connected to a DUAL WAN Router that serves as the load balancer between our two Internet Service Providers. All other workstations are grouped into different subnetworks as in star topology branching out from our servers subnetwork as in extended star topology. At present, we are making use of class C IP Address for private IP address assignments. Other workstations IP assignments are configured statically (example: laboratories) while others are Dynamic (example: offices). All workstations are connected via our proxy servers that do some basic filtering/firewall to control user’s access to the internet aside from router filtering/firewall management. So, whenever any workstation has to connect to the internet, it has to pass through software and hardware based firewall.”


He was asked on what are the processes involved in the communication (each system to other systems)?

Relative to what Engr. Reyes mentioned above, all workstations are connected via a proxy server. It means that whenever a workstation is turned on, it requests for an IP address from the proxy server (for dynamically configured IP address) and connect to the network after IP address is acquired. As connection is established, each system can now communicate and share resources within the same subnetwork and to server following the concepts discuss in your Computer Network Class.

About the maintenance of the system, they go along by always checking the network servers. He said “basically, our servers are expected to be in good condition since it is required to be up 24/7. Daily, during my vacant period, monitoring on the servers are observed that includes checking logs, checking hardware performance such as CPU health, etc. If problems are observed, remedies are then and then applied. Once in a week, regular overall checkup is observed as preventive maintenance to ensure not to experience longer downtime if possible.”

In the question if the system follow specific standard, he mentioned that different networking standards was already observed such as cabling standards TIA/EIA 568A-B, different IEEE standards which have been discussed in your Computer Networks Subject, etc. Since he was appointed as the Network Administrator, everything was already in place except for some minor changes.

In terms of the security of the system, the vulnerabilities and risk are being mitigated with some process. They have implemented both software and hardware based filtering/firewall which is a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications. It is a device or set of devices which is configured to permit or deny computer applications based upon a set of rules and other criteria. Essentially, they have considered different mitigation techniques for the risks and vulnerabilities to increase the security in the University network. Aside from these things, constant monitoring on networks activity also increases the security of the system.

With regards to some network interferences and how it affects the business cycle of the University, is somehow unexpected in any network.

Major Interferences are normally encountered as an effect of unforeseen and beyond our control events such as black outs, and the like. The said interference would of course affect University’s day-to-day businesses for obviously this will paralyze all our activities that rely on electricity and further this might cause damage on our network devices, etc. that may later be the reason for longer downtime. Problems encountered by our providers such as connection to the National/International Gateway also affect University’s business such as correlating to University’s Business Partners outside and within the country.

University networking is precisely apparent by most colleges and universities to be one of mainly significant issues they are facing at present. A university grounds network is far more than just a physical infrastructure and planning and building a university grounds network really means mounting an entirely new information setting that will have a profound impact on almost every aspect of campus life. In building networks, campuses are engaged in a change process that is strategically essential to their very nature and existence. For me, before you design your any network setup, you need to understand the physical and logical aspects of your current environment. From a physical standpoint, your design depends on the type and integrity of your network infrastructure.

However, your hardware and software environment affects the details of how users adopt the system. So it is important to understand that network planning really means planning a whole new environment that will encompass information, communication, and entertainment on the campus. The network will provide a powerful, dynamic, new channel of access to the world of information. It will also enhance and fundamentally alter the communication mechanisms on campus. And whether we want it or not, the network will provide a wide range of new entertainment opportunities. This new environment will encompass or touch all the information technology area which will challenge, compete with, and sometimes replace existing modes of campus communications, information access, administrative work, power hierarchies, and budgeting systems.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network

Assuming you were tapped by the university president to evaluate the new enrollment system implemented this semester, enumerate your observations/comments and suggest possible areas and ways where improvements can be made. Your observations/suggestions should be properly validated with facts and literatures...(you may start with the diagrams posted in the strategic locations of the

university)...

It is now on its second year of implementation of the new enrollment system spearheaded by our department Institute of Computing. However, I must say that there are still some lapses and failures in terms of the SRMIS especially now that sometimes I was able to use the system. It was last summer S.Y. 2008-2009 when the new enrollment system was implemented. By the use of tarpaulins posted outside each department, the students are thoroughly guided.

With the non-IC students, they will not really pay attention to what kind of diagram use in illustrating the enrollment system, all that matters to them is that it will serve as steer for the enrollment. But until now, I could say that I’m still confused if they used a data flow diagram or a use case.

The New Enrollment System

Enrollment Procedure for New students and Transferees

STEP 1 – UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE AND TESTING OFFICE

o Encoding of Student Information.

o Identification No. Assignment.

STEP 2 – OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES (Scholars Only)

o Scholarship Application.

o Releasing of Scholarship Card.

STEP 3 – ROTC/CWTS

o Registration and Sectioning of ROTC/CWTS.

o Releasing of ROTC/CWTS slip.

STEP 4 – COLLEGE

o Present enrollment requirements.

o Advising / Pre-Registration.

o Payment of other fees (Local Council fee, Obrero Campus Student Council fee, collegiate headlight fee and Insurance).

o Encoding.

o Assessment of fees.

o Temporary Certificate of Registration Printing.

STEP 5 – STUD ACCTS. (Scholars Only)

o Submit Temporary Certificate of Registration.

o Posting of Accounts.

STEP 5 – CASHIER (Paying Students)

o Submit Temporary Certificate of Registration.

o Payment of Matriculation.

o Official Receipt Printing.

STEP 6 – REGISTRAR

o Submit enrollment requirements.

Form 138 (High School Card).

Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate.

USEPAT Entrance Exam Result.

Admission Slip.

Medical Certificate.

Certificate of Good Moral (Original).

2 pcs. 2x2 recent ID picture.

Prospectus of the enrolled course.

1 pc. Long brown envelop.

Official receipt of tuition and other fees.

o Printing of Official Certificate of Registration.

Enrollment Procedure for Shiftees

STEP 1 – STUD ACCTS.

o Check students’ accounts.

o Check balance.

o Clearance signing.

STEP 2 – FORMER COLLEGE

o Request to shift.

o Recommendation to shift.

STEP 3 – NEW COLLEGE

o Acceptance of Shiftee

o Advising / Pre- Registration.

STEP 4 – UNIVERSITY GUIDANC

E AND TESTING OFFICE / OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES

o Student Profile Updating

STEP 5 – NEW COLLEGE

o Payment of other fees (Local Council fee , Obrero Campus Student Council fee, Collegiate headlight fee and Insurance).

o Encoding.

o Assessment of fees.

o Temporary Certificate of Registration Printing.

STEP 6 – STUD ACCTS. (Scholars Only)

o Submit Temporary Certificate of Registration.

o Posting of Accounts.

STEP 6 – CASHIER (Paying Students)

o Submit Temporary Certificate of Registration.

o Payment of Matriculation.

o Official Receipt Printing.

STEP 7 – REGISTRAR

o Present Clearance.

o Present Official Receipts (Tuition and other fees).

o Printing of Official Certificate of Registration.

Enrollment Procedure for old students

STEP 1 – STUD ACCTS.

o Check students’ accounts.

o Check balance.

o Clearance signing.

STEP 2 – COLLEGE

o Advising / Pre- Registration

o Payment of other fees (Local

Council fee , Obrero Campus Student Council fee, Collegiate headlight fee and Insurance).

o Encoding.

o Assessment of fees.

o Temporary Certificate of Registration Printing.

STEP 3 – STUD ACCTS. (Scholars Only)

o Submit Temporary Certificate of Registration.

o Posting of Accounts.

STEP 3 – CASHIER (Paying Students)

o Submit Temporary Certificate of Registration.

o Payment of Matriculation.

o Official Receipt Printing.

STEP 4 – REGISTRAR

o Present Clearance.

o Present Official Receipts (Tuition and other fees).

o Printing of Official Certificate of Registration.

It is very noticeable that the sizes of the arrows hold opposing views that much. There are arrows that looks big which I think not so as to essential to look that way. There is also an arrow from student accounts which are applicable for scholars only pointing to cashier when in fact after the scholars submitted their temporary COR to the bookkeeper and have been checked they will go directly to the registrar.

If I were to say, the kind of arrows shown in the pictures above was not carefully thought before being posted. Maybe it was prepared well but there is no consistency with the diagrams just by looking with these small details. There are also small and big arrows pointing on the same direction which I think are better when it is drawn with definite size.

If I may add, in consideration for the scholars, if you will see the illustration I discerned that the scholarship card validation which takes place at the office of the student’s services was not in it. For the scholars like me, could not have our Pre- Registration form (PRF) encoded unless we can have our scholarship cards (Blue cards) validated. Well in fact, almost half of the students of the university are scholars and with this small disregard may cause some problems during enrollment.

In observation, the processes portrayed by the new enrollment system do not greatly differ to that of the old enrollment system. It has the same initial steps and same manner of dealing out with the transactions.

It was not like that during the previous enrollment system, the previous enrollment system had the encoders give you four copies of the COR, one copy is yours; the others are to be handed to the university bookkeeper and registrar’s office. But before after paying to the cashier (for the non-scholar), they will give the student two copies of the COR, one for the registrar and one for the student. But now, they will only receive a receipt for what they have paid and then they will be waiting for a very long queue of line of students for registration. I thought is they don’t really need a lot of documents any more since the database is now computerized and will be found on the server somewhat on the steel cabinets.

I think it was not that easy because as I have said awhile ago this time, the student will have to wait at the university registrar longer than you needed to since it takes a lot of time to print new sets of CORs. For Old students like us, I think these kinds of diagrams may be not that important at all. Old students from the university already know how the enrollment system in the university flows. Although the system was new, as for students nothing is new, we still doing the same as what we have always do during enrollment last semester. The students will just say that though they are the customers but still they are not the one operating the system so I don’t think that the tarpaulin was really needed.

Taking the side for the new students or transferees, it is really a must to have an illustration but then again the illustration posted, I think was not that accurate enough at least for those transferees. Not all transferees have to take up ROTC/CWTS; they may have already taken it up on their previous school. Transferee’s needs to have their subjects taken from other school validated here if the course or subject description is the same so that he/she don’t have to take it all over again here.

Well, there is no big deal when it comes to the process because we all know as a student, we have to do all the procedures whether we like it or not. But for the convenience of the students, the University should hire or assign more personnel to accommodate a lot of students. The university should also provide electric fans around the cashier and registrar area. The area was too small; and should be relocated to a bigger area, more conducive for us students. These areas were too small for all the students from the seven colleges.

I suppose that there is still no major adjustment found in the system software that would affect to how the transactions are handled, the effectiveness of the system, and other factors. The speed to how the communications are processed still depends on the cooperation and how the people adopt the system.