The Problem
The migration of large
legacy networks to secure IP-based
networks typically requires a massive
change-out of equipment and a huge
expense devoted to training and installation.
The challenge for many large enterprises
is to find a low cost and less disruptive
way to update the configurations
and software of routers at every
location, which is necessary for
the conversion of legacy data for
transport across IP.
For example, the online
legacy gaming network used by the
Massachusetts State Lottery Commission
was subject to numerous limitations
and left little room for expansion.
They needed to move their circuits
from 9.6K DDS multi-drop network
to a more robust and reliable IP
network with a redundant IP backbone.
The new network would provide them
with increased bandwidth and the
ability to utilize new IP-based lottery
terminals in the future. This is
necessary for the introduction of
new lottery games and the promotions
needed for increased revenue.
The Lottery's online
gaming network consisted of 8,300
lottery terminals run out of two
data centers. The migration process
required the replacement of a CSU
with a router at each of their 8,300
retail locations. This is a fairly
straight forward process, but the
time required for training technicians
on new IP technologies, configuring
each router, and ensuring the configuration
is correct is costly and labor intensive.
The lottery required a plug-and-play,
single box solution that included
X.42 to IP conversion, encryption,
network management, IP routing support,
and an automatic software configuration
feature. It was important that the
entire process be completely transparent
to the retailer, minimizing downtime
during the circuit conversion and
allowing for easier maintenance in
the future. |
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The
Encore Solution
Encore Networks addresses
today’s large network deployments
with a customized Auto Configure
and Download feature contained in
their BANDIT™ family of environmentally
hardened (rugged) routers.
At the beginning of
the Massachusetts State Lottery project
Encore Networks, the Lottery and
its Carrier developed a cut-sheet
for all network parameters including
IP addresses, Frame Relay DLCI’s,
and Lottery terminal information
at all 8,300 locations. Once completed,
Encore built the configuration files
and stored them on a server residing
at the Lottery’s data center. After
the carrier built out the network
and the host site routers were configured,
the Lottery was able to deploy the
BANDIT™ to the retailers.
When the BANDIT™ was
plugged in at the remote retail location
and the Frame Relay connection was
made, Encore’s customized software
connected to the server, downloaded
the configuration file and then reset.
When it came back up, the BANDIT™
was fully configured for that particular
retail location. This entire process
is accomplished in minutes and once
completed, the Lottery terminal is
communicating with the network and
the technician can leave for the
next install. The BANDIT™ verifies
its software version with the server
to ensure it has the latest version,
if it doesn’t the latest software
will download automatically.
The Auto Configuration
feature of the BANDIT™ greatly simplified
the rollout of all 8,300 routers
by providing the Lottery with a true
plug-and-play solution. The Download
feature provides the ability to automatically
upgrade all future software which
may be required to introduce new
games. Together, these two features
saved the Lottery thousands in labor
costs. |
