4.1. Networks

A description of Network program areas can be found at http://www-networks.its.unimelb.edu.au/netprogs.html

4.1.1. The Internet, AARNet and Costs

The Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet) is an Australia wide telecommunications network which links most Universities, CSIRO, some other research organizations and various agencies such as VTAC to each other and the Internet. It is operated by AARNet Pty. Ltd. (APL), a company owned by the Universities and CSIRO. The network allows the exchange of data (and some voice calls) between the connected members and is the gateway for them into the Internet and to other international research networks such as Internet2 in the USA.

AARNet is unique amongst international academic and research network in that it is almost entirely self-funding. It achieves this by passing on the costs of providing services to its customers (most of whom are also its owners) using a 'user-pays-principle'. The charging mechanism is based on the amount of data received by a customer. The rate at which it is charged depends on where the data originates.

The income generated in this way is used to pay international carriers for the traffic imported into Australia, mainly through cables across the Pacific Ocean, the cost of distributing the data in Australia, the support required to manage a very complex network on which all Universities rely, and for new developments.

When a person sits down at a terminal and receives email, browses the Web, downloads video clips, listens to the radio over the Internet or brings in files electronically, the activity will incur a cost. The cost will depend on where the data originates. Thus, if one is receiving data in the University of Melbourne from another Victorian University, from CSIRO or an agency such as VTAC, there is no traffic related charge (this may change in future). If the data originates from another AARNet member anywhere in Australia it is considered to be on-net and will cost less than if it came from somewhere else in Australia (off-net) or from overseas.

To help reduce the overall costs, AARN have set up a large mirror site in Canberra. This stores many large objects (files) such as specific software releases which many persons in Universities may want to download. The mirror allows these large objects to be downloaded once from overseas and then distributed at the much lower domestic cost within Australia.

AARNet has also recently negotiated links which will allow data to be received from sites connected to Internet2 in the USA (i.e. most major universities and research organizations in the USA) at much lower cost than the commodity Internet traffic. This will have a noticeable effect in helping to contain some of our cost increases.

The 'bundled' cost (i.e. the average cost per Gigabyte of all traffic received in the University) is lower than comparable services from reliable commercial providers. The bundled cost for the University of Melbourne will vary but was about $68 per Gigabyte in 2001. If more use is made of the mirror and the new links to Internet2, the bundled cost may reduce significantly.

Within the University, traffic costs are charged back to cost centres which originate the request for data coming from outside of the University. These costs are charged back at the AARNet rate. There are some traffic costs which cannot be readily ascribed to any one cost center (e.g. hacking attacks, network management overheads, and some student access). These costs are met centrally through the Information Technology Strategic Planning Fund which is administered by Information Services. Overall, this represents about 10-15% of the total traffic coming into the University.

The growth in Internet traffic coming into the University has been over 50% per annum for the last four years. Although the unit rates have decreased substantially the overall costs to the University are still increasing at an alarming rate.

Information Services continues to actively explore and implement ways of helping to reduce traffic costs in a way which has minimal impact on the University population. We would also be pleased to work with cost centre managers, who are responsible for the management of their IT, to help reduce their Internet traffic costs.

For further information about AARNet, please refer to their excellent Web site at http://www.aarnet.edu.au or contact the Acting Director, Systems and IT Infrastructure on extension 47888 or by email gmc@unimelb.edu.au. If you wish to discuss strategies for accessing the Internet or reviewing the operation of your data traffic management, please contact the Networks Manager, Information Services on extension 47888.

4.1.2. Faults

Suspected faults with computer networks should be reported to Information Services Computer Supply and Support (ext 40888). A contact in the department(s) suffering the fault must be given so a fault can be investigated and advice given about progress.

Information Services will rectify faults in computer networks installed within the University that conform to Information Services specified standards (see Section 28-1.5). Information Services has a core responsibility for developing and maintaining network infrastructure by which department local area networks (LANs) are interconnected to each other, to central Information Services services and to the Internet.

Information Services will also investigate, at no charge, faults in department LANs provided those LANs are installed to Information Services standards. Failures of minor cabling systems, repeaters and transceivers will be corrected at no charge. Information Services will not pay for the replacement of servers or workstation interface cards. Nor will it pay for the rectification of faults caused deliberately or by third parties. It may be noted Information Services standards require the provision to Information Services of a diagram describing each department's LAN.

4.1.3. Queries

Reports of faults or queries about the network including sluggishness, should be directed in the first instance to Information Services Computer Supply and Support (ext 40888). In cases where Computer Supply and Support staff are unable to address the issue, they will redirect it to the most appropriate person within Information Services.

4.1.4. New Installations

The installation of network cabling for new or redeveloped buildings is the responsibility of the Project Coordinator for the development. This includes liaising with Networks regarding the connection of the building to the University Network and all network infrastructure within the building.

Funding for all network infrastructure, for example, connectors, routers and cables should be costed into the project.

Networks must be consulted on all new installations. All new installations must comply with infrastructure standards for cabling as specified in

http://www-networks.its.unimelb.edu.au/Standards/WiringStandards.html

The Project Coordinator shall notify and consult with Networks by phoning 46841, 47888 or 46424 in the preliminary planning phase of the development.

Networks will provide advice appointment and connect the building to the University Network by arrangement. These are centrally funded core services to University departments and some affiliated institutions.

4.1.5. Standards

Systems & IT Infrastructure (SITI) sets minimum cabling standards for all network installations within the University. All new installations, upgrades or redevelopments must conform to these standards.

Current standards are specified in the document 'Standards for the Installation of Voice & Data Networks'. This document details standards for the installation of cabling and outlets for voice and data networks in the University. The latest copy is available from:

http://www-networks.its.unimelb.edu.au/Standards/WiringStandards.html

4.1.6. Rewire/Upgrade Building

SITI is responsible for the maintenance of the University's IT Infrastructure including control switches and routers, inter-building cabling and WAN connections.

SITI maintains network infrastructure on a centrally funded basis. This includes connectors, routers and hubs. SITI will not centrally fund LAN installations or upgrades.

SITI will provide advice on network structure and upgrades as a centrally funded core business.

4.2. Dial-In Services

The provision of dial-in facilities using University equipment and networks requires the prior approval of the Director, SITI. Without such approval, no one may affix to the University Network a device (including a workstation) that is used to provide connectivity to Telstra's PSTN, or any other carrier service or such, other than by prior approved facilities.

Faults with dial-in should be directed to the Computer Supply and Support on ext. 40888. To log a Help Desk support online go to: http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/itpl/support/onlinerequests.html

4.2.1. Overview of the Central Dial-In Facility

The University provides dial-in service infrastructure to staff and postgraduate students of the University. Access to the dial-in service requires a dial-in account be created. An order for computing services, which incorporates an application for dial-in accounts is available from the IT Operations on Level 2, Thomas Cherry Building, or from the web at http://www.its.unimelb.edu.au/forms/id1.pdf

The dial-in facility has 240 lines, with a maximum speed of 56.6 Kbps, and a maximum connection time of 4 hours. The four hour limit is set at a balance between providing a meaningful length of access time and ensuring fair and equitable access to all members of the University community who wish to use this service.

The service is charged at the rate of 60 cents per hour (broken down using a minute-by-minute basis) which is charged from Information Services to the department that has authorized the account.

Departments and Faculties may allocate the costs to their departmental or Faculty Themis accounts as deemed appropriate by the Authorising Officer who authorises the dial-in access.

The dial-in service provides access directly to the University Network for Netscape, Eudora, FTP clients, and telnet clients. To browse the web outside the University, the proxy system must be used. Access is also provided for telnet access to some library sites.

The dial-in number is 99349777.

Other information and links to InfoSheets are available from http://www.its.unimelb.edu.au/dialin.html

4.2.2. Access via Commercial Internet Service Providers

The major TCP/IP-based services (including WWW, and staff and student email servers) are available from anywhere on the Internet, including computers connected via commercial ISPs. Such connections may be less expensive than long-distance calls to Information Services dial-in facility, but do not allow access to 'University only' WWW pages unless the browser has been configured to use the inbound proxy and the ISP service works with the inbound proxy. A list of ISP which are known to work with the inbound proxy can be found at

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/isp.html

4.2.3. Student Dial-In Access

To use a dial-in network connection, the requirements are - a computer, a modem, a phone line and an dialin account. The University does not provide dialin accounts for undergraduates.

There are many companies, known as Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, which provide dialin accounts to the general public. They do vary considerably in price, quality of service, and the area covered by local-call access. Many ISPs offer a variety of pricing plans, and many offer extra services such as an email account and a facility for publishing web pages. Many ISPs require a credit card for billing, some offer prepayment or other options.

Information Services recommends that an ISP be selected whose service works with the inbound proxy service ( see Section 4.4.4). Information Services keeps a list of ISP's whose service is known to work with the inbound proxy service, at: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/isp.html

Provided the ISP's service does work with the inbound proxy, Information Services recommends that one be choosen which offers a pricing plan to suit one's needs, and which offers local-call access from one's usual (term-time) address as well as a student's home (permanent) address.

4.2.4. The Inbound Proxy Service

As noted above (see Section 4.2.2), there are some web pages in the University to which access is not allowed to the general public. The inbound proxy service overcomes this barrier. The way this works is that your request for a web page from the University is sent to a special server, the 'inbound proxy' server. If the page is a 'university-only' page, it will ask for your email username and password, so that you can be recognised as a member of the University community. It will then obtain the page on your behalf, and send it to you.

The inbound proxy service won't work unless either:

• Your ISP allows you to use any proxy-cache server you want (some ISPs require you to use their own proxy server), and you set your Web-browser to use automatic proxy configuration, using http://www.unimelb.edu.au/cgi-bin/ibproxy.pac OR

• Your ISP configures their proxy server so that, for requests for web-pages at the University of Melbourne, the request is sent to the inbound proxy. Documentation for ISPs is provided at: http://www.its.unimelb.edu.au/ibproxy/

• Information on selecting an ISP and getting connected can be found at: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/isp.html

4.3. IP Registration

The TCP/IP protocol provides internet services, including telnet for remote login, ftp for file transfer, http for the World Wide Web and SMTP and POP for electronic mail. Most, if not all, computers in the University should have TCP/IP software. In order to use TCP/IP, a computer must have an IP number.

IP numbers in the University Network are managed through an IP registration process and are set up on each computer when it is turned on. Requests for registration of IP numbers should be made by selecting Support then Single IP Registration or Multiple IP Registrations as required via the online forms at

http://idwww.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/itsc

IP registration applications are restricted to LITEs and LANADs due to the technical nature of the information required. Alternatively, Information Services Computer Supply and Support can register your computer for you.

4.4. Telephones

More information http://frank.its.unimelb.edu.au/telephones/

4.4.1. Staff Changes

Notify the switchboard supervisor of all new staff or amendments to existing extension numbers so that internal and switchboard directories can be updated. The switchboard supervisor can be contacted on extension 44999 or by email to switchboard-info@unimelb.edu.au

4.4.2. STD/IDD Calls

Please ensure when booking STD/IDD calls via the switchboard that you have the telephone number and account code or salary number ready beforehand. Also, please advise the telephonist whether your call is private or official: if the call is private you must charge it to your salary number.

PINs are available to enable long distance calls to be made without operator assistance. Contact 47111 or 47000 for the relevant form.

4.4.3. VoiceMail

The University's main PABX system provides a VoiceMail service. Details and an application form are available at http://frank.its.unimelb.edu.au/telephones/voicemain.html or by phoning 49739 or 47111.

4.4.4. General Telephone Systems Problems

For problems or queries regarding telephone systems, contact the telephone service coordinator on ext 47000, or by email to phones-info@unimelb.edu.au

In each case you will need to provide the following contact information:

• your name

• department

• contact phone number

• email address

You will need to provide additional information depending on your problem or query.

Refer to the front of the Internal Telephone Directory for general operational information concerning telephone services.

 Table 2: Telephone Services

Faults  * phone number of the faulty phone  * location of the faulty phone  * problem description  New Line  * details of the new connection including location and 'owner' of the new line  Change Number  * reason for change  * current number  * preferred new number if any  * location of phone  Rewire  * reason for rewiring  * description of desired changes

All telephone handsets must be purchased through Telephones, Information Services.

All cabling work on the University telephone network must be carried out by AUSTEL licensed personnel only. If cabling installations are not being managed by Telephones, Information Services then the approval of Telephones, Information Services must be gained before the work commences.

All equipment intended to be attached to the University telephone system must be AUSTEL approved and labelled with the relevant AUSTEL permit number.

Data modems must not be connected to the University telephone system unless by specific arrangement with the Telephone Systems Manager ext 47111 or 47000.

4.5. IT Security

Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability are the fundamentals for the security of information, computers and networks. These principles ensure the privacy of data, protects data and ensures that resources are available when they are needed. The IT security support webpages detailing information security aims, awareness, incident reporting, the University Information Security Management Committee, policy and procedures can be found at http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/it-security/

4.5.1. Policy Documentation

The IT Security Policy is the primary document providing University policy on matters of responsibility for staff members, acceptable use of University information, integrity of information, risk assessment, continuity management, information processing areas, The IT Security Policy can be found at http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/it-security/docs/ITSecPol.pdf

Other documents relating to University Regulation, University Intellectual Property and Personnel Policies and Procedures relating to IT matters can be found at http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/it-security/regsandpols.html

4.5.2. Guide for the computer

Information security can be improved at staff and student computers using practices such as virus protection, good email handling, web page browsing procedures, strong password rules, use of a screen saver and the backing-up of files. Specific details can be found at http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/it-security/simsteps.html

4.5.3. Guide for the Servers and Systems

A server is a computer system running any service that may be accessed by another system over a network. More information on procedures concerning securing systems is available at http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/it-security/linksforadmins.html

4.5.4. Incident Reporting

Suspected incidents with mischievous intent are to be reported as soon as possible to the IT Security Support Services using the Web reporting interface http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/it-security/increport.html

Guidelines for incident reporting have been provided to define an IT security incident, the detail required in a report, incident reporting lines. The following URL provides more detail http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/it-security/incguide.html

Created: November 1996
Last Modified: 30 March 2007
Authorised by: Vice and Deputy Principal(Information), Information Division.