Description and test of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for the network of the Deutschen Messe AG
Our customer
The Deutsche Messe AG (http://www.messe.de) operates one of the largest venues for trade fairs and exhibitions in the world. Their core activity involves the preparation and organisation of major international trade fairs and exhibitions for specialist interests and the general public.
Project aims
The project aims were
- To provide support with the formulation of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the Deutsche Messe AG in Hanover and the service provider for Internet and Campus IP services
- To draw up detailed test plans in respect of the SLAs
- To carry out the measurements on the basis of the test plan
- To draw up an extensive report with detailed results and a clear evaluation.
Description of the unique network
The formulation and the testing of the SLAs related to the data network connections provided by the Messe AG for the trade fair exhibitors at their stands. An example of this would be the CeBIT.
The data network was then connected via redundant routers to the IP backbone of the provider. On the campus, powerful ATM switches were used to form the backbone. This backbone, used in connection with a telephone exchange, ensured that customers would be provided with a range of options from ISDN S0 through SDSL/ADSL and Ethernet to Fast Ethernet Ports.
In addition to 'simple' connections - that is non-redundant connections - in each category, a connection was offered with an automatic backup route in the backbone.
Description of test scenarios and EANTC's mission
The tasks of EANTC were as follows:
- Definition of the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) EANTC recommended SLAs and supported the Deutsche Messe AG and the provider of the IP services (Internet and campus) in harmonising the various parameters.
- Tests of the Service Level Agreements
Subsequent testing of the Service Level Agreements Firstly, EANTC, Deutsche Messe AG and the provider developed and agreed a detailed test plan with measuring points and procedures for verification of the SLAs.
Following this, individual tests were devised and were separated into the sectors of Internet connections and campus networks of the Messe AG. All measurements were carried out in advance of the CeBIT 2001 and they enabled us to evaluate the available bandwidths and packet running times. Various ATM / Ethernet / IP / ISP Performance Test suites were used and individual network components and the overall network was analysed in conjunction with the components.
Finally, an extensive test report was produced confirming the measurement results. This included a detailed interpretation and evaluation.
