Transcript Communications Protocol Migration Made Easy

Communications Protocol
Migration Made Easy
Terry Swiatkiwsky
Digital Presence
Agenda
What is “Protocol Migration”?
Basic methods
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Encapsulation
Conversion
Comparison
Example: New devices and a new network
Example: New network and a new application
Software vs Hardware protocol conversion
ComNet Software Protocol Converter
What is “Protocol Migration”?
Broadly speaking:
 Adopting a network protocol different to the
one currently being used
 Involving one or more of:
Replacing the network backbone
Using a new protocol at the Host
Using a new protocol at the Device
Basic Methods
Protocol Encapsulation (“Tunneling”)
Protocol Conversion
Protocol Encapsulation (Tunneling)
The legacy protocol at the end points (Device and Host)
remain unchanged
Only the underlying network backbone is replaced
Not suitable for incorporating new protocol devices (or
hosts) into a legacy environment
The legacy protocol is sent over the new protocol by
encapsulating it with the new protocol’s header (a
“wrapper”)
The new protocol’s header is removed when received at
the other end.
Protocol Encapsulation
Protocol Encapsulation
Advantages:
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Network costs may be lower
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Network may be more reliable (alternate routing)
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No changes required to actual Device or Host
Disadvantages:
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Additional hardware and/or software required at each Device and Host
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Polling of legacy protocol may still be carried across new network (can
be ~30% of network traffic)
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Potential flow control issues (eg. different protocol timing and network
latency issues – may cause timeouts, retransmissions)
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Spending on additional hardware/software to preserve legacy
environment when could be investing in new technology
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Maintenance of legacy hardware continues.
Protocol Conversion
The legacy protocol is actually terminated at
some point
Legacy protocol is converted and data carried
forward using only the new protocol (no
additional “wrapper”)
Protocol Conversion
Protocol Conversion
Advantages:
 Lower network costs
 Network may be more reliable (alternate routing)
 Migration strategy to replace legacy environment
 Costs incurred are directed toward real migration to new protocol
Disadvantages:
Additional hardware and/or software required at each end
Comparison of
Conversion vs Encapsulation
Conversion
Allows network backbone replacement
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Positions you closer to true migration from
legacy to new protocols
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Less legacy hardware (than encapsulation)
Less legacy maintenance
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Less network traffic (vs 2 protocol headers)
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Retains legacy polling across network
Additional legacy-oriented hardware
Potential protocol conflict issues
Encapsulation
√
X
X
X
X
Note: These comparisons are generalizations. Your specific environment, objectives & priorities
must be taken into consideration.
Example: Migration to new network & devices
The following slides will show migration progress comparing the
Conversion and Encapsulation approaches…
Example: Migration to new network & devices (p2)
Example: Migration to new network & devices (p3)
Example: Migration to new network & devices (p4)
Another Example:
Migration to new network & Application
(p1/3)
Migration to new network & Application
(p2/3)
Migration to new network & Application
(p3/3)
Software vs Hardware Protocol Conversion
Comparison of
Software vs Hardware Protocol Conversion
Software
Hardware
More efficient legacy comm’s handling on NonStop
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X
No significant additional hardware
Backout possible using software only
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X
X
X
X
No changes in the NonStop configuration
X
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Less legacy maintenance
Lower cost (hardware, deployment, operations)
Note: These comparisons are generalizations. Your specific environment, objectives & priorities
must be taken into consideration.
ComNet
Software Protocol Converter for NonStop
Provide a transparent connection between legacy devices and
modern hosts, or modern devices and legacy hosts.
ComNet handles the protocol conversion so that both the device and
host believe they are using the same protocol.
The ComNet solution offers a broad range of application and is ideal
for a phased migration from legacy protocols to TCP/IP.
ComNet - Features
Converts any-to-any (supported) protocol
Multiple backup connections per session
Dynamic configuration
Loopback capabilities
Customizable with your own user-written routines
Powerful operator interface provides seamless global view and
control over all ComNet sessions
Scalable architecture to support thousands of sessions
Quick and easy to install.
ComNet - Applications
Migration
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Software protocol converter as described earlier
Protocol Services API
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Write applications using simple OS calls (open, write, read) and
ComNet will provide all protocol handling and manage backup
connections
Enable Applications with Backup Connections
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ComNet can augment an existing connection with multiple backup
connections
Testing
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ComNet connects NonStop legacy comm’s to your LAN so now you can
use PC-based test tools to test your application on the NonStop
Software Modem Eliminator
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Loopback connection between applications without any comm’s ports or
hardware modem eliminator; even between different protocols!
Remote Device Connection
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Connect a legacy device in your own test lab, across a VPN, to a legacy
comm’s application on a remote NonStop (Itanium).
ComNet - Benefits
Low cost
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Maximizes your investment in existing software and hardware.
Avoids the expense of new protocol conversion hardware and its
deployment, maintenance and operational costs.
ComNet is a software solution which is easy to install, maintain and
operate.
Flexible short term and long term licensing options.
Reliable
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High availability is offered by multiple backup connections for every
session.
Utilizes existing highly reliable HP NonStop communications hardware.
Flexible
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Dynamic configuration maximizes uptime.
Scalable across multiple processors.
Suitable for broad range of application
More Information
www.comnetnonstop.com
[email protected]
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