Since the observatories' summit routers and the MKOCN summit router are directly connected through ATM, Pui Hin did not think that this was a routing issue. As a first step towards solving the problem, fiber connector cleaning was performed at the Summit Communication Room and the MK observatories. On the whole, the fibers are in good shape; however, several fibers had dirty connectors, including one between HP and the summit. One of CSO's fibers had excessive loss of signal and was replaced with an alternate fiber. The input and CRC error rates were reduced by the cleaning exercise.
On May 10th, in prepartion of the wireless implementation of the HP common area, additional memory was installed in the HP router and IOS version was upgraded. Some bad ports were found on the 2924 Catalyst switch and that was also replaced.
Loss of connection has not reoccurred since the connector cleaning at the summit.
The increase in the salary portion is due to the Union negotiated pay raise and other salary adjustments.
The new budget item indicated as "utilities" represents charges for Tom Krieger's service by MKSS.
The budget total for this year is lower than for last year even though the amount per share charged to the observatories is slightly higher. The reason is due to a lower fund balance this year.
Pui Hin presented an example of how a connection might be made between Spencer Beach, the landing point of the Southern Cross 10 Gbps network on the Big Island, and the MK summit. The cost of connection is very high in Hawaii. The "last miles" to the summit depend on additional services and reduced pricing offered by Verizon that is discussed in agenda item number 4.
Henry Stilmack pointed out that we still need to post a sign at HP to remind everyone to turn off the wireless capability of their laptops before going up to the summit.
The big Eucalytus tree between HP and the visitor center is scheduled to be cut down on June 28th. Pui Hin believes the tree has been the source of the intermittent problems for the wireless connection between HP and the visitor center.
The DWDM option will only be cost effective at bandwidth requirement upwards of 20 Gbps, at 20 Gbps bandwidth level, a Gigabit Ethernet will cost ~$6k/month and additional bandwidth will essentially be free.
The VON is a point-to-point Ethernet-over-SONET solution. This service supports speeds of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps and 1-Gbps (see note 1). The VON is not a replacement for the current DS-3 service agreement, rather it is offered in addition. Unprotected and protected VON (at higher prices) are offered. However, Verizon is not able to provide protection on Mauna Kea, due to the single cable implementation from Hummula to the summit.
For pricing details, refer to the handouts distributed. Because of a tariff peculiarity, the saving for Hilo is much greater than for Waimea facilities. Waimea facilities will not see any saving below 1-Gbps bandwidth level. However, at 1-Gbps, saving is considerable even for Waimea facilities. The monthly recurring charge for a 1-Gbps service from Hilo to the summit is $7,000/month for a 5-year contract. This is a big improvement over the current $3,550/month for a DS3 (45Mbps).
Note:
At this time, for the 1-Gbps service, Verizon will be able to provide a partial rate of 600Mb only. True 1 Gbps service will be offered at the end of 2004. Verizon will not say at this time whether the current price will apply.
The pricing from Verizon is higher than we have expected partially because of over provisioning. Pui Hin will work with Verizon to obtain pricing for a more realistic implementation. Pui Hin will also obtain proposals from other vendors in order to make price comparisons.