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A Measured Approach to Network MonitoringUsing network measurement devices, Merit Network detects network problems and improves transmission quality for its MembersBy Brian Warkoczeski, August 2009
Merit Network has long used measurement devices to detect stability and packet loss
on its backbone network. For many years, the cost of computers and equipment needed to effectively measure network data was very expensive, usually several thousands of dollars per device. Recently, Merit Network engineers have begun using a more economical device, the Asus EEE mini-desktop computer, which costs approximately $300 per machine.
While the cost is significantly less, the power and effectiveness of the narrow rectangular devices have been very impressive. Merit
has successfully used them for end-to-end measurement and video quality monitoring at the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) Conference, Wayne State University (WSU), and Madonna University.
For the MACUL Conference, Merit engineers worked with MapleNet Wireless, WSU and University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) three weeks prior to the event to create three wireless hops that would provide commodity Internet and Internet2 connectivity for the conference at Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center in Detroit.
"This was a two-stage process to certify the link from our point-of-presence (POP) at Wayne State University and at University of Detroit Mercy,"
according to Jim Moran, services manager for Merit Network. "The first stage was to certify the link between Wayne State University and University of Detroit Mercy, and the second stage was to certify the link between MapleNet and UDM Law Center."
As part of the setup, Merit used the Asus EEE computers to measure the stability of the network, detecting jitter and latency of
the videoconference feed from Cobo Center. "Because it was a shared wireless connection between our POP at Wayne State and U.D. Mercy at their law
school, we deployed the test boxes to determine what bandwidth was available," said David Gilbertson, network engineer at Merit Network.
"The data from the measurement boxes allowed us to tune the network for videoconferencing," said Moran.
The initial setup showed significant packet loss on one directional feed, and the engineers were able to detect a problem with the duplex switch settings and fix the situation prior to the start of the conference.
During the MACUL Conference, the wireless connection was used for Internet2 videoconferences by Two Way Interactive Connections in Education (TWICE), connecting viewers at Cobo Center to the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, Mote Marine Aquarium in Florida, and a location in Wales, England. The videoconferences were coordinated by Wayne Regional Education Service Agency (RESA).
"(TWICE) was extremely pleased with the network connection," according to Laurence Kirchmeier, video services manager at Merit. "It worked
flawlessly."
Assisting Madonna University
Since 1998, Madonna University
has made a college education accessible to low-income women through its
Southwest Detroit Women's Educational Empowerment Program (SWEEP). The SWEEP Center, located at 2051 Rosa Parks Blvd., has a wireless connection to Merit's backbone network at Wayne State University.
Earlier this year, they setup a high-definition polycom unit for videoconferencing at the SWEEP Center. Unfortunately, users were experiencing very poor quality video during videoconferences. Merit Network engineers used a measurement testing box to quickly identify a faulty duplex switch as the cause of the problem.
"After we identified the problem and fixed the issue with the duplex switch, they were able to have the clearest
video conferencing experience they ever had at the location," said Kirchmeier.
Merit Network uses Zenoss to monitor the network connection, which can be configured to generate an alert whenever there is a disruption to the quality of service and
notify Merit's network operations center (NOC). The NOC then notifies Merit's network operations and engineering staff, who fix the network service issue.
Multiple UsesA nice feature of the Asus EEE computer is that its very portable and extremely compact.
"We've been using the devices for the Michigan State University videoconferencing pilot program," Kirchmeier said, and "have been
able to keep an eye on the network, which they found very useful. If a Member is interested in housing a measurement device, Merit can set up a box on a Member's network, provide access for members to view the online
measurements, and have the NOC monitor the alerts for disruptions."
The measurement computers have been very effective for testing video connections for videoconferences, and they can be used for other
network applications. Some ideal uses for the devices include testing network connectivity between data centers, checking the quality
of Voice over IP communications, and investigating problems with packet loss.
"The measurement boxes can be used for network testing where an organization has concerns with latency and packet loss," Gilbertson said.
"Merit is in the process of putting devices at strategic points across our network to monitor for any disruptions."
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Need more information about the MeritVideo service?
A Merit Member Relations representative is available to assist with any questions, email
or call 734-527-5700.
If you're a current Merit Member,
please contact your
Member Services Support Team.
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