Communications Protocol Brick

Communications protocols define the rules for sending blocks of data from one node in the network to another node and are normally defined in layers. A protocol specification defines the operation of the protocol and may also suggest how the protocol should be implemented.

Minimizing the number of protocols in use can benefit NIH by simplifying the environment and improving interoperability. Retirement of DecNet and use of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) as the primary protocol on NIHnet and subnets is recommended. Service Network Architecture (SNA) will be converted to IP. Data-link switching (DLSw) provides a means of transporting IBM SNA and network basic input/output system (NetBIOS) traffic over an IP network. DLSw can be used to reduce SNA traffic over the WAN. Video will use the H.32x standard. AppleTalk, IPX and SNA will be contained with no more implementations. Minimizing the number of network protocols will have a significant return on the total cost of ownership (TCO) for network management.

• SNA will be converted to IP.
• All video conferencing standards should be based on H.32x protocols.
• IP addresses will be assigned, administered and centrally managed by CIT. No new private address spaces should be deployed.
• Voice over IP (VoIP) is emerging within NIH. This network architecture anticipates the needs of VoIP, although any IC intending to implement VoIP should consult with CIT to ensure the infrastructure being implemented can be supported in a consistent manner.
• DLSw can be used to transport SNA over IP until SNA is retired.
• Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is required to support VoIP. And as VoIP services are implemented at NIH, NIH should consider making SIP a tactical and strategic standard.
• Tactical and strategic products were selected to leverage NIH's investment in products that are a proven fit for NIH's known future needs. Leveraging baseline products in the future will minimize the operations, maintenance, support and training costs of new products.
• Some baseline products have been designated retirement and containment. These products are either not as widely or successfully deployed at NIH, or they do not provide as much functionality, value, or Total Cost of Ownership as the selected tactical and strategic products.