Need advise: Building core network for telecom and ISP

[kdn]

We are building country-wide fiber-optical network and I am seeking for advise regarding building core network for telecom and ISP network providing Internet access via Dialup, PPPoE, xDSL over IP, VoIP, VPN and other services with respect of SLAs/QoS. What type of technology, equipment and design to use for core net in order to achieve best network redundancy, resiliency and convergence.

We have already some equipment such as Cisco Catalyst 6509, Extreme BlackDiamond 6808, Cisco 7204, 7206VXR, 3640 routers, EdgeGear Fiber PON switch and other equipment. How can we maximize investment made already in these or where would we go ideally in long term?

Thank you very much in advance!

[johansens]

I don't mean any disrespect, but if your company don't have the know-how and experience to make this design, you should really contact your local Cisco-office for assistance.

The customer, Cisco and your company are best off coming up with a flawless (or as close as possible) design which can be used as a showcase. The customer will also feel more at ease if the vendor itself has been a part of the design-process. Cisco has SE's exactly for this type of pre-sales duties.

I do understand you may be interested in other peoples opinions to see if there are any angles you haven't thought about, or if there are any new tech in the scope which some other people may have heard of.

You really should take a look at the CCO under the Service Provider section:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns341/networking_solutions_service_provider_home.html

[kdn]

Thanks for input. However there no any company around which can provide service rather than just selling boxes here in Rwanda (middle of Africa).

I think we are here to share the knowledge and experience, it is only in this context was a question to give an advise how would any of you build your ideal core network (preferred) or make the most from the list of existing equipment.

I thought of making 6509 and 6808 core switches with redundant paths on Layer 2 using STP (or LACP/803.3ad?), thus start building core on these while 7204/7206 become edge routers and/or for PPPoE termination. But which technology to use over fiber media, Gigabit Ethernet, ATM or MetroEthernet? Is is worth making more investment in ATM rather into different tech for enabling MPLS? What would people use for distribution and access layer, and which equipment would be ideal for that?

Thanks!

[andrew.butterworth]

I must reiterate the original reply. You should contact Cisco directly for assistance. Your comments regarding Layer-2 and STP don't inspire me and don't make for a showcase network of the size you describe.

There are lots of Service Provider networks out there, some of which are likely to be predominantly Layer-2 but the chances are these were installed a while ago. Any new installations are likely to follow the Cisco guidelines and be based on a routed Layer-3 network.

Seriously get in touch with your Cisco Account Manager to get Cisco directly involved in any design of this size unless you have the skills within your company.

Andy

[kumarapalani]

Hi,

It is a best choice to contact the vendor to provide a first hand solution but I wouldn’t dismiss the fact that one should do his self research around and see what suits them the best, because it is your company who wants to get ROI ( return of investment). Having Layer 2 or layer 3 networks will be heavily influenced on what kind of performance you commit to provide for your services, the maintenance cost and also on the prevailing SLA there. I was personally involved with few engineers in west coast of Africa and I see working in Africa is quite different and requires to understand what we want to provide to the customer without which even the best technology wont get enough money to maintain it, so be aware of ROI because end of the day its $$$ that keeps us in job. Should you need more information you are always welcome to post mails in regards to this but narrowing your questions to the exact technicalities this could help out every one to answer the questions.