Campus connections

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: with dynamic quality-of-service (QoS) capabilities and configuration flexibility.

Malik pointed out, “The Cisco switch was installed in the computer centre as a core switch. This switch had a redundant supervisor engine, which would be active when the primary supervisor engine fails.”

Further, the Cisco Catalyst 3560 was employed as the access layer switch combining 10/100/1000 and PoE configurations putting in place a foundation for the deployment of applications such as IP telephony, wireless access, video surveillance, management systems, and remote video kiosks.

“The Cisco WS-C3560G-48TS-S switches were installed at the computer center, library, boys’ and girls’ hostels and in the departments of MBA, life sciences, physics, chemistry, ecology, and administration department, among others,” added Malik.

All these switches were connected using fibre optic cable to the core switches located at computer centre.

RIP has been used as routing protocol for internal traffic (if a virtual LAN is created). Finally, as security concerns were high at the university, Cisco ASA 5500 Series adaptive security appliances were implemented for perimeter security. These combine security with VPN services.

The project has benefited Assam University immensely as it can now offer its faculty and students unin-terrupted connectivity to enrich their teaching/learning experience.

Commenting on the benefits achieved, Sen, explains, “The campus network has supported us well. With the features that were implemented in both hardware and software, we have been able to maximise network availability, helping to ensure workforce productivity, profitability, and ultimately our success as a university.”

The LAN offers secure, uninterrupted connectivity and security to members of the institution from their respective departments. The deployment has ensured better communication between departments, as well as facilitated fast data transfers.

This initial success has paved the way for a second phase that will include egovernance (wherein all the colleges under Assam University will be connected to the main campus) and advanced technologies like Digital Media System.

“With this, the university can have distance learning programme where the teachers can deliver a lecture from the main campus. Similarly, they can record these lectures and put them on a video portal where the students who have missed a lecture can view the same on their desktop or laptop,” concludes Malik.

The distance learning programme will be of immense advantage for students, particularly in the North-eastern region of the country.