Communications Protocol Migration Made Easy

1. Communications Protocol Migration Made Easy Terry Swiatkiwsky Digital Presence

2. Agenda • What is “Protocol Migration”? • Basic methods • 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

3. 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

4. Basic Methods • Protocol Encapsulation (“Tunneling”) • Protocol Conversion

5. 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.

6. Protocol Encapsulation

7. Protocol Encapsulation • Advantages: • Network costs may be lower • Network may be more reliable (alternate routing) • No changes required to actual Device or Host • Disadvantages: • Additional hardware and/or software required at each Device and Host • Polling of legacy protocol may still be carried across new network (can be ~30% of network traffic) • Potential flow control issues (eg. different protocol timing and network latency issues – may cause timeouts, retransmissions) • Spending on additional hardware/software to preserve legacy environment when could be investing in new technology • Maintenance of legacy hardware continues.

8. 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”)

9. Protocol Conversion

10. 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

11. Comparison ofConversion vs Encapsulation Note: These comparisons are generalizations. Your specific environment, objectives & priorities must be taken into consideration.

12. Example: Migration to new network & devices The following slides will show migration progress comparing the Conversion and Encapsulation approaches…

13. Example: Migration to new network & devices (p2)

14. Example: Migration to new network & devices (p3)

15. Example: Migration to new network & devices (p4)

16. Another Example:Migration to new network & Application (p1/3)

17. Migration to new network & Application (p2/3)

18. Migration to new network & Application (p3/3)

19. Software vs Hardware Protocol Conversion

20. Comparison ofSoftware vs Hardware Protocol Conversion Note: These comparisons are generalizations. Your specific environment, objectives & priorities must be taken into consideration.

21. ComNetSoftware 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.

22. 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.

23. ComNet - Applications • Migration • Software protocol converter as described earlier • Protocol Services API • 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 • ComNet can augment an existing connection with multiple backup connections • Testing • 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 • Loopback connection between applications without any comm’s ports or hardware modem eliminator; even between different protocols! • Remote Device Connection • Connect a legacy device in your own test lab, across a VPN, to a legacy comm’s application on a remote NonStop (Itanium).

24. ComNet - Benefits • Low cost • 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 • High availability is offered by multiple backup connections for every session. • Utilizes existing highly reliable HP NonStop communications hardware. • Flexible • Dynamic configuration maximizes uptime. • Scalable across multiple processors. • Suitable for broad range of application

25. More Information • www.comnetnonstop.com • enquiries@comnetnonstop.com • Visit the Digital Presence display at the ITUGHP Partner Pavilion • Fill in our Questionnaire and be entered into our draw for a Nikon Digital Camera.