Global Research NOC Frequently
Asked Questions
Q. What networks does the Global Research Network Operations Center
support?
A. The NOC supports the Abilene Internet2 network in the United States.
The Global NOC also supports the following Internet2 networks and initiatives:
TransPAC (to Asia), STAR TAP (I2 network access point), and Euro-Link
(to Europe and Israel). In the near future the NOC will be supporting
MIRnet (to Russia), and AMPATH (South American and Caribbean networks).
Q. Is the Global Research NOC and the Abilene NOC the same thing?
A. Not exactly. While both are housed at Indiana University in Indianapolis,
they have separate points of contact and different contractual arrangements.
However, the resources of both operations are leveraged with each other
to provide excellent service to the Internet2 community as a whole.
Q. How do I contact the Abilene Network Operations Center?
A. The phone number is 317-278-6622, and the email address is noc@abilene.iu.edu.
Q. How do I contact the Global Research Network Operations Center?
A. The phone number is 317-278-6630, and the email address is globalnoc@iu.edu.
Q. Where can I access the web pages for the Global Research NOC?
A. At globalnoc.iu.edu. From there
you can access individual web pages for Abilene, TransPAC, STAR TAP, Euro-Link,
MIRnet, and AMPATH.
Q. Is there a web form that I can use to report a problem to the IU
NOC?
A. Yes. For Abilene, go to www.abilene.iu.edu/index.cgi?page=contact.
For the other global networks, go to globalnoc.iu.edu,
select the network you need, and go to the "Problem Reporting"
link.
Q. What are the main responsibilities of the Network Operations Center?
A. The NOC offers oversight of problem, configuration and change management,
network security, performance and policy monitoring, reporting, quality
assurance, scheduling, and documentation. The NOC provides a structured
environment that effectively coordinates operational activities with all
customers and vendors related to the function of the network.
Q. What is the relationship between the NOC's 24x7 Technicians and
it's Network Engineers?
A. The 24x7 support technicians are physically housed in the NOC, which
is located on the IUPUI campus. There are fourteen full time technicians
who work there, and six network engineers who work either on the IUPUI
or Bloomington campuses. The NOC technicians provide Tier One support,
while the Engineers provide Tier Two.
Q. How did Indiana University get involved with Internet2?
A. Indiana University was awarded the contract for the Abilene network
in August 1998. Just prior to that, IU also took on the role of supporting
the TransPAC network. After providing excellent service and support to
these networks, other opportunities became available, and the NOC added
agreements with STAR TAP and Euro-Link, along with MIRnet and AMPATH to
come in the near future. It is a significant goal of Indiana University
to provide leadership in the world of advanced networking.
Q. Where can I find more information about Internet2?
A. There is an extensive web site put out by the folks with Internet2
at www.internet2.edu.
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