34 | BROADBAND PROPERTIES | www.broadbandproperties.com | March 2009

It is no secret to anyone who has tried to design and deploy Internet services for an MDU that the mag-

nitude of optional technology is stag-gering. Given the vast number of per-mutations of equipment and the rate of increasing demands for innovative new Internet services, this situation is not likely to improve any time soon. We have simply reached the limit of what network equipment can accommodate in a dynamically changing environ-ment without a significant upgrade in machine/equipment intelligence. Static, product-centric network designs are not well suited for the rapidly changing de-mand for new Internet-based services that we are experiencing today.

However, there is a simple, inexpen-sive way to deploy solid, reliable, future-proof Internet services. It is called man-aged Internet services. Unlike typical integrators, who have an incentive to sell you equipment and/or bandwidth and then walk away, a managed Inter-net service provider has an incentive to keep your network operational and your residents happy for the duration of your service agreement.

The Technology evoluTIonNot too long ago, a few early adopters were using modems to connect comput-ers using the Plain Old Telephone Ser-vice (POTS) network. These were typi-

cally temporary connections between two computers using modems capable of passing thousands of bits per second. Then modem manufacturers began com-peting to determine who could achieve greater connection speeds. Today, using fiber, we can pass the entire Library of Congress from one computer to the next in a few seconds.

All kinds of computers and handheld devices are now permanently connected to the Internet. We have a quickly grow-ing array of intelligent computer-based devices that can make global connec-tions on an as-needed basis, capable of billions of point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections. The average consumer typically uses a wide range of Internet-based communication technol-ogies, each requiring a different Internet communication protocol.

As computer and communication technology has evolved, consumers have come to expect continual improvements in services. This requires the average time between network failures to de-

crease at the same time that demands on the network are increasing. Each failure requires the intervention of someone with detailed knowledge of the network equipment and the new demands placed on it by end users. The network must be reconfigured or in many cases com-pletely redesigned.

With end users’ demands for new services increasing, demands on com-munications infrastructure have begun to surpass IT budgets and the ability of even the most knowledgeable IT staff. This is not a matter of not knowing how to keep the infrastructure tuned to customer expectations. It is a matter of how quickly innovation is moving. IT professionals just can’t keep up with the rate of change.

To address this problem, network equipment vendors have had to train a new generation of network engineers. They formed institutions like Cisco University to capitalize on the increas-ing demand for new and improved IT professions to run the new and improved network equipment. Graduates of this school are in high demand by businesses because communications has become mission critical. Businesses in all sectors of the economy have been forced to staff in-house IT expertise to remain compet-itive – an expensive proposition.

Demystifying Network Design Managed Internet services offer a cost-effective way to deliver reliable, future-proof broadband to MDU residents. Part of the formula is simplifying and standardizing the network design.

Don’t miss David Daugherty speaking about managed Internet services at the Broadband Summit in Dallas,

April 27–29. you can register at www.bbpmag.com

By David Daugherty ■ Korcett Holdings

Demands on communications infrastructure are surpassing IT budgets and capabilities. Innovation is moving so quickly that IT pro-

fessionals can’t keep up with the rate of change.

March 2009 | www.broadbandproperties.com | BROADBAND PROPERTIES | 35

It turns out there is a more expedient and cost-effective way to manage this kind of environment. This is good news for customers and bad news for equip-ment manufacturers because it enables businesses to give up their equipment addiction and move to a service-based or “managed” network design philosophy.

Managed Internet services resolve complex network problems by simplify-ing network design and incorporating full-time, dedicated engineering sup-port. This approach to network design and support provides a powerful amal-gam of the best network technology and human problem solving. Ultimately this approach to network management al-lows support personnel to identify and resolve problems before they become visible to your residents.

The DATA neTworkThe typical network that Korcett Hold-ings Inc. (KHI) manages for its service provider customers such as Comcast, Cox, Suddenlink, Time Warner Cable, Bright House, Insight and others dis-tributes data via Ethernet within the MDU, using a combination of optical and Cat 5 cables. The ISP installs and tests the network and provides technical support during the cutover. KHI then provisions service for the residents and manages all of the service delivery, us-

ing a customized network management device called the “Korcett.”

“The Korcett is basically an on-site service tech that is managed by a Web-based management platform called the Korcett Management Console (KMC),” says KHI CTO Chris Bowman. “We have moved all of the intellegence from the edge of the network to the KMC. This has allowed us to greatly simplify network design and reduce the cost of network equipment. KMC management intellegence is derived from millions of hours of resident experience and related problem resolution. This allows us to proactively correct potential problems before they occur. The net result is, the larger the installed base, the more stable the network becomes.”

MDF-to-IDF architecture: As Fig-ure 1 shows, propertywide network in-frastructure typically consists of a single main distribution frame (MDF) con-nected optically to multiple intermediate distribution frames (IDFs). For campus environments the MDF is typically lo-cated in the clubhouse and a single IDF is located in each building. For single-build-ing construction the MDF is typically lo-cated on the ground floor and IDFs are located on each floor. The MDF-to-IDF optical connection can be deployed in ei-ther a star or ring topology. KHI always recommends the use of single-mode fiber deployed in a star topology.

Single-port logical design: In-building infrastructure typically consists of a single IDF per building or per floor connected directly to multiple units or apartments. A key feature of this infra-structure is the unit distribution frame (UDF), typically located in a unit closet. Infrastructure that includes the UDF is called “single-port” because it requires a single Cat 5/5e drop from the building IDF to each UDF.

The primary advantage of single-port design is the reduction of construction cost associated with multiple Cat 5/5e runs from the IDF to all unit RJ-45 wall plates. Nevertheless, KHI recommends a spare Cat 5/5e drop for each UDF in order to provide a second option in case the primary cable fails or is damaged. The primary disadvantage of single-port design is the cost of installation and sup-port for a greater number of active net-work elements.

Unit wireless: Another advantage of single-port infrastructure is the ability to

learn more about MDu net-works from top experts in the

field. They’ll be speaking in the Summit’s multifamily program .

Figure 1: A main distribution frame typically located in the basement connects to an intermediate distribution frame on each floor of the building. In a single-port design, the intermediate frame connects to a unit distribution frame in each unit.

David Daughertykorcett holdings

36 | BROADBAND PROPERTIES | www.broadbandproperties.com | March 2009

add wireless access points (also known as unit wireless). KHI has deployed a vari-ety of wireless infrastructures in MDUs over the years and has come to recom-mend “brute force wireless,” which in-volves putting an inexpensive wireless access point in the UDF. We stagger the broadcast channels based on physical location and typically set up VLAN-specific broadcast domains based on the size of the property.

Multiport logical design: Infra-structure that does not include a unit distribution frame is called “multiport” because it requires multiple Cat 5/5e drops from the building IDF to each unit or apartment. KHI typically rec-ommends multiport design when possi-ble because it has fewer points of failure and is inherently more stable over the long run.

Bandwidth: KHI recommends setting the property band-width cap (bandwidth actually deployed by the service provider) at twice the contractual cap (bandwidth con-tractually stipulated by the developer) if residents are allowed to purchase additional bandwidth. Developers will market Internet access as a key ame-nity and can differ-entiate their offerings by providing residents with the ability to up-grade. Also, the ability to upgrade allows the

Figure 2: In a multiport design, each intermediate distribution frame has multiple direct connections to each living unit.

Figure 3: Provisioning bandwidth above the contractual cap allows the ISP and property owners to sell premium levels of service.

developer to promote bandwidth above the contractual cap up to the property cap, so it is also valuable. If the property cap is 100 Mbps x 100 Mbps and the contractual cap is 50 x 50 Mbps, the de-veloper could advertise “up to 100 x 100 Mbps service” to attract residents.

KHI ISP solution partners are com-fortable providing bandwidth above the contractual cap because of KHI’s ability to collect upsales revenue from residents before it is actually used. In this man-ner residents can make an impulse buy-ing decision at any time, for any reason, such as a bandwidth upgrade for gaming or to watch an HD movie online.

PhySIcAl DeSIgnMDF configuration: The builder or ISP configures the main distribution frame with equipment mounting hard-

Figure 4: Configuration of the main distribution frame.

ware (rack) including the optical and Cat 5 patch panels. The optical patch panel will provide termination of optical cabling coming into the MDF. Optical connections include the service provider service hub downlink and all IDFs.

Network equipment in the MDF in-cludes the site optical distribution switch and the clubhouse electrical aggrega-

March 2009 | www.broadbandproperties.com | BROADBAND PROPERTIES | 37

tion switch. Site spares are installed in the MDF equipment rack. The master switch and terminal switch provide re-mote access for troubleshooting.

MDU developers are investing heav-ily in communications infrastructure for new construction and in many cases are retrofitting older MDU communities. Korcett MDF equipment is installed in the MDF Data Rack.

As illustrated in Figure 5, optical jumpers are used to connect the incom-ing fiber from the service provider to the

input port on the optical aggrega-tion switch (Cisco 3750 or Dell 6224F). Optical jumpers also con-nect the outgoing ports on the opti-cal aggregation

Figure 5: A detailed view of the main distribution frame. Many developers have begun stipulating Dell equipment because the cost tends to be about one-third the cost of equivalent Cisco equipment.

Figu

res 6

, 7 a

nd 8

are

repr

oduc

ed co

urte

sy o

f Aar

on R

ose,

RCD

D M

oye

Cons

ultin

g, w

ww

.moy

econ

sulti

ng.c

om.

Figure 6: Close-up of main distribution frame. Many developers have begun investing heavily in the design of property communications infrastructure. Air conditioning is required.

Figure 7: Closeup view of an intermediate distribution frame. In many cases it is possible to greatly reduce the size of the IDF for retrofit situations. No air conditioning is typically required.

switch to IDF ports on the optical patch panel.

An optical jumper or stacking cable can be used to connect the Cisco 3750 or Dell 6224F to the electrical ag-gregation switch (Cisco 3400 or Dell 3524/48). Cat 5 runs are connected from the punch-down blocks on the back of the Cat 5 patch panel to MDF

building RJ-45 wall plates. Cat 5 jump-ers are used to connect the patch panel to the output ports of the Cisco 3400 or Dell 3524/48.

Finally, the pri mary and back up Ko-rcetts are connected to the Dell 3524/48 or Cisco 3400 using Cat 5 jumpers.

IDF configuration: As illustrated in Figure 7, the IDFs are similar to the MDF but typically much smaller. KHI provides all of the equipment, optical and electrical jumpers in its installa-tions.

Apartment configuration: As shown in Figure 8, single-port design calls for a UDF, typically in the apart-

An increasing number of developers have begun stipulating resident-driven bandwidth-on-demand as part of their

service level agreements with ISPs.

38 | BROADBAND PROPERTIES | www.broadbandproperties.com | March 2009

ment. The UDF will include an unman-aged switch and, optionally, the unit wireless access point (AP). RJ-45 wall plates in each bedroom are connected to the punch-down block of a Cat 5 patch panel, also located in the UDF. The Cat 5 patch panel can be elimi-nated if there is not enough space in the UDF. In such cases, the actual data drops would be terminated and plugged directly into the UDF hub. Jumpers provided by KHI are used to connect

unit RF-45 wall plates and the wireless AP to unmanaged switch ports via the UDF Cat 5 patch panel. For multiport design, apartment RJ-45 wall plates are routed to the IDF and connected to the punch-down blocks on the back of the IDF Cat 5 patch panel.

The BoTToM lIneManaged service providers can help de-liver Ethernet to very densely populated multihousing environments like student

housing. They help the ISPs reduce op-erating costs while helping developers attract and retain residents.

“We are finding that an increasing number of developers have begun stipu-lating resident-driven bandwidth on-de-mand as part of their service level agree-ments (SLAs) with ISPs,” notes KHI Senior Vice President of Operations Eric Hansen. “This is one of the unexpected byproducts of our success. I think devel-opers are beginning to justify insistence on using managed Internet services as an occupancy insurance policy.” BBP

About the AuthorDavid Daugherty is the CEO and founder of Korcett Holdings. Korcett Holdings is dedicated to the development and market-ing of next-generation service solutions. For more information about Korcett Holdings or Korcett Integrated Solutions, see www.korcett.com. David also invites those with questions, comments and inquiries to con-tact him at david@korcett.com.

Suttle, the leader in high-quality voice and data connectivity products now brings you wow performance and quality with its new TWiN Lock™ connectors. The patented, revolutionary new TWiN Lock™ F-connector provides a technically superior twin 360° compression connection all while using less mate-rial, allowing it to be extremely cost effective.

To learn more, please contact Suttle at 1-800-852-8662 or visit us at www.suttleonline.com

• Solid one piece construction all brass connector

• Maximum pull out strength

• Complete radiation blockage

• Prevents water migration without the need for grease or boots.

Now Available

Figure 8: The unit distribution frame is typically located inside the apartment.