Yeti-GBR1's On-Line
Cisco Laboratories utilise the Astricom
Simline 2, to simulate ISDN lines.
Background
Yeti-GBR1's Emporium Limited was formed
in September 2001 and provide cost effective
access to an advanced network via the
Internet. Much of the hardware is manufactured
by Cisco Systems Inc and in the near future,
Yeti-GBR1's Cisco Labs aim to offer full
CCIE and CCNP on-line laboratories.
This network environment
allows users to increase their LAN/WAN
skills and knowledge, and to fully familiarise
themselves with network scenarios they
may potentially need to test/manage in
the work place.
Via the Yeti-GBR1's website,
customers can connect to the network and
remotely configure equipment as required
for training and test purposes. On-line
time is usually available in four hour
or eight hour blocks with optional technical
support charged at an hourly rate.
The
Challenge
ISDN basic rate lines allow students to
test and verify many router configurations
which is an important part of laboratory
practical sessions for qualifications
such as CCIE. Yeti-GBR1's Emporium approached
Astricom with a desire to fully simulate
this connectivity.
Solution
Our solution was to use the reliable and
versatile Simline 2 dual port ISDN basic
rate network simulator. For Yeti-GBR1's
Cisco Labs, the Simline 2 is pre-programmed
with numbers which may be dialled to access
the routers connected to each port. Once
connected, the calls are maintained perfectly
with full 64kbit/S or 128kbit/S bandwidth
for as long as they are required. They
may then be cleared by either party in
accordance with the ISDN protocol. This
simulated solution is ideal for this application
since it allows for the provision of unlimited
access to clear and reliable ISDN lines
for the duration of the training session,
without the associated call charges or
initial expense of ISDN installation.
The protocol trace feature
(supplied as standard with the Simline
2), can also be used by Yeti-GBR1's Emporium
in order to analyse the ISDN protocol
activity between the 2 routers connected
to the Simline 2.
Note: Simline 2 has now
been superseded by the new B-LinkU.
