Voice over IP in a Deployable Headquarters
SSgt W Quinn & Sgt D Gunn
ICT Faculty, Royal School of Signals, Defence College of CIS, Blandford Camp, BLANDFORD FORUM, Dorset DT11 8RH
Introduction
In support of ARRC (Allied Rapid Reaction Corps), 1 (UK) Signal Brigade has developed Project Richelieu, a plan to replace ATICS (ARRC Tactical Integrated Communications System), with a commercial solution based on an IP infrastructure, for Voice and Video Teleconferencing over IP (VTCoIP), as well as data, across ten deployed locations.
Modelling
OPNET Modeller is based on a series of hierarchical editors thatdirectly parallel the structure of real networks, equipment and protocols. Modelling the network consists of:
• Project Editor - represents the topology of a communications network
• Process Editor – detailed specification of protocols, resources and applications.
• Node Editor – the architecture of a network device or system. Depicts the flow of data between functional elements. Shown below is the development from a plan to a node model.
Conclusions
The planned network is able to support all the required services. Once setup using the syndicate’s results the network will be resilient and continually available with the option of further improving the network by utilising alternate VoIP codec rates.
As the interaction between the VoIP and VTCoIP conferences have been investigated thoroughly, using different testing scenarios, information can be provided on many eventualities.
Recommendations
Modelling has proven the concept of the 5.3 kbit/s codec, however a VoIP quality assessment should be made on a live network prior to implementation.
Aim
To investigate and develop a configuration plan for the optimisation of VoIP and VTCoIP focusing on 1 (UK) Signal Brigade’s deployed Richelieu network.
Objectives
• To ensure that the VoIP network is resilient and continually available. This has been looked into in detail with a document containing information for optimum configuration.
• These tasks are to be carried out whilst giving due consideration to the bandwidth requirements of the VoIP proprietary management system.
Mission Secret
NATO Secret
Z
Promina
DCSA Trunk
Key
VX900 – VoIP SwitchAvaya – VoIP Conference UnitZ – IP Cryptographic Equipment
VTC
Avaya
VX900
Z
Data
VTC
Avaya
VX900
Data
VX900
E1Main R4( )E1 SCP R
A
VX900SWITCHSWITCH
SWITCHSWITCH
B
SWITCHSWITCHVX900
R5
IP
Results
Experimentation has proven that conferences can be hosted in the alternative locations.
Simulation
A series of stresses and strains were applied to test the network under realistic operational conditions. Examples of these were:
• The effects of routing caused by a series of failures.
A simulated network has been developed, as can be seen to the left, utilising OPNET to mirror the Richelieu network so that traffic models of the voice, data and VTC services can be applied to assess the effect of failures and changes in network configuration.
• The effect of two minor and one major node failure, as requested by the sponsor.
• The effect of hosting the VoIP conference at alternate locations.
• The effects of increasing the conference load.
• The effects of hosting Ptarmigan.
Key
Optimisation of the voice codecs improved the throughputfor the most saturated links.
• 24 kbit/s - 100 %• 16 kbit/s - 87 %• 5.3 kbit/s - 80 %
Germany
Plan
Unclassified Domain
NATO Secret
Mission Secret
Model
Investigating the ‘Hairpinning’ functionality of the VX900 and it’s subsequent integration into military trunk communication systems. It is felt this could enhance the network significantly.
Hairpinning