Muster top-ranking protection for mission-critical networks - Technology Information

Communications News, May, 2001

A high-tech reconnaissance gains ground for military college.

In a move calculated to triple the size of the Virginia Military Institute's (VMIs) network, administrators decided to give every cadet who owns a personal

computer full access to the Internet. VMI, located in Lexington, VA, is the oldest state-supported military college in the country, with academic departments spanning the full spectrum of disciplines--from engineering and science to liberal arts, psychology, philosophy and military/naval sciences.

Making modifications to the VMI Barracks, a four-story quadrangle that houses the entire corps of approximately 1,300 cadets--which required that minimum architectural changes be integrated into the structure itself--made the project even more difficult. The barracks are registered as a National Historic Building; VMI was founded in 1839. Administrators decided to see if the job could be done with what would qualify as "temporary" modifications.

The mainstay of the school's solution to this challenge is Liebert Corp.'s Little Glass House (LGH), an integrated solution to computer network support and systems availability problems. The product furnishes computer-grade environmental control for cooling--even in the event of a power failure. In addition, the LGH utilizes advanced uninterruptible power supply (UPS) design technology to protect from power surges and outages. These systems can also be accessed and monitored using state-of-the-art software and control protocols that utilize simple network management protocol (SNMP) communications.

The project architect, John McNemar of Dewberry & Davis Inc., Fairfax, VA, recommended running fiber cables up the four faces of the barracks courtyard, then distributing the network on copper to a series of 20 environmentally controlled LGH cabinets. Cables would then be run to the rooms via trays mounted on the exterior walls. The cabinets would be housed in custom-built, mini-electronics closets that are insulated and weatherproof. A regiment of LGHs was installed at the barracks. "They're functioning just like a collective computer-equipment war room on wheels," says Jim Bollinger, assistant director of information services for VMI.

According to Bollinger, the LGH is a luxury in that it offers maximum cooling efficiency and top-of-the-line UPS power protection, while simultaneously monitoring environmental conditions 24x7x365. Mission-critical high-tech gear is protected in a lockable enclosure.

All 20 of the systems, modified to allow cable entry at the top, were equipped with Liebert's 1500 VA UPStation GXT online UPS with SNMP capability and a SiteNet Integrator. Temperature and humidity in the LGHs and the weatherproof mini-closets are monitored full-time via the SiteNet Integrator. Rising summer temperatures in the mini-closet trigger the heat rejection kit mounted near the top. Rising temperature and humidity levels in the LGH initiate the precision air conditioner, while heat from the electronics keep the interior of the enclosure warm and dry during the winter.

"The network was up and running when the corps of cadets reported in for the current academic year," Bollinger says, "and has performed to all expectations since then."

With the new system installed, VMI's comprehensive cadet computing support services help students understand and maximize their use of their computer systems. Students are offered a variety of assists, including LAN configuration, troubleshooting, tutorials and documentation--along with personal support by a troop of trained technicians.

For the VMI installation, the LGH self-contained system enhances the reliability and flexibility of network equipment, and helps keep mission-critical networks and related equipment free from power losses, overheating, dirt, dust and other environmental contaminants.

"Now, we can easily maintain the environment for electronic equipment year-round," says Bollinger, "without disturbing the historic features of the VMI Barracks."

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