Peace Corps - Customer Network Observer (CNO)
Globecomm Systems engineers designed a custom telecommunications solution around a low-cost shared iDirect network. This solution limited the amount of hardware necessary at each endpoint location, significantly reducing upfront capital expenditures. A standardized package was used allowing for a relatively simple deployment configuration, while reducing the amount of hardware necessary for sparing. Each site received shared time based on a predetermined contention ratio in the TDMA network. Sites used approximate bandwidths of about 128kbs for reporting data and placing telephone calls using Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony. The end result was an extremely scalable solution that has grown into a dedicated network.
Phase I of the Peace Corps network installation included five remote sites. These sites were highly successful and provided critical infrastructure that enabled Peace Corps volunteers the connectivity required to accomplish their core mission tasks. Additional sites were implemented using a phased approach as the Peace Corps connectivity needs and budget expanded. Phase II increased the network by nine sites and was quickly followed by Phase III which added nine additional sites.
As the network continued to grow, the Globecomm engineering team provided training to the customer’s technical staff and assisted them in implementing a Customer Network Observer (CNO) platform. The platform provided Network Management and Monitoring functionality and gave the organization more control over their network and greatly enhanced understanding of each site’s performance. With this advantage and insight, the Peace Corps technical staff now has much greater capability in directing changes in bandwidth allocation based on usage.
Globecomm provides logistics support to the Peace Corps and maintains ready spare kits that can be shipped to any Peace Corps site in the event that a hardware issue should arise. A centralized storage of spares ensures accurate inventory and serviceability of customer equipment.
