Multi-site Connectivity Advisory Service
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About MCAS
The Multi-site Connectivity Advisory Service (MCAS) provides advice and guidance to institutions on inter-site connectivity issues beyond their main JANET links. The service provides independent technical support to institutions wishing to connect or upgrade data links between campuses and to remote centres. Advice can be provided on technologies available and suitability for a particular situation.
A wide range of information is published on this web site, including:
- inter-site and last mile technology guides and links to technical information
- detailed 'non-glossy' case studies detailing the technical aspects and the experiences of real implementations of a large range of technologies
- communications provider and implementer data
Follow the menu links at the top of this page for further reading.
Purpose
The purpose of the service is to provide a means for the JISC community, particularly FE colleges, to obtain free expert advice on multi-site inter-connectivity issues. The Regional Support Centres will continue to provide networking advice directly to colleges, but will be able to seek information and advice through MCAS when required. Other members of the JISC community not presently served by the RSCs, including FE colleges, specialist colleges and ACL providers can access the MCAS help desk and information service directly.
Aims
The service aims to answer questions on a wide range of subjects, including the following:
- Availability and capability of telecommunication providers in local Regional Network Operator areas.
- Indicative costs and help in procurement of Wide Area Network services.
- Connections from main campus to outreach centres or small remote locations.
- Advice on availability and suitability of connection technologies - wireless, private fibre and leased line, and Internet services.
- Selection and suitability of interconnection equipment (routers and switches).
- Broadband and satellite network access technologies.
- JANET/JANET(UK) policy regarding additional/multiple connections to JANET.
- Operational aspects of running a multi-site network.
Resources
The following tools are available to help in answering enquiries:
- Rapid Costing Tool for BT Circuits.
- Post code location mapping software.
- UK Education Sites locations map.
- Access to JANET connections data.
- Inter-site distance measurement.
- BT Exchange Details Finder.
- Telco own-cabled areas data.
- Industry contacts to help with terrain contour mapping.
Any problems, comments or suggestions regarding this page, please e-mail the MCAS service manager.