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Exposure to Computer Disciplines

Notes
“We also wanted to allow staff in the office to connect remotely to kiosks around Australia.
With our existing data and telephony systems, this wasn’t going to happen.”
Solution

Abuzz investigated solutions from a number of vendors before deciding on a Cisco Unified
Communications solution that incorporated voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephony
and a secure data network. Cisco Partner Efficient Data Communications (EDC) acted
as the systems integrator for the project. “Abuzz was looking to upgrade its telephone
system and at the same time provide a new data and communications infrastructure for
the office,” explained Andrew Lowy, Director, Efficient Data Communications. “It wanted
a complete solution - telephony, data, a secure infrastructure and remote access. Abuzz’s
previous infrastructure was pretty rough and ready and not very well designed. It was clear
the company would reap enormous benefits by moving to an integrated network.” EDC
implemented Cisco Call Manager Express on a Cisco 2811 Integrated Services Router and
a Catalyst 3560 48-port switch. It implemented the Call Manger Express security feature
set, which provides a firewall built into the router. Abuzz also connected close to 50 Cisco
7940 IP Phones. The solution enables voice and data to run over the one network, halving
Abuzz’s cabling requirements. Abuzz also implemented Cisco 800 Series Routers at all kiosk
locations, allowing the company’s technical staff to remotely managed and update kiosks
over a secure virtual private network (VPN). The Cisco VPN also provides secure network
access for staff working remotely.
In addition, EDC installed a front-door station at Abuzz’s office and integrated this with the
phone system. The company’s hosted customer relationship management (CRM) system was
also integrated with the new telephony infrastructure. The implementation was completed
in January 2006.
Secure, Reliable Network

“Installing the Cisco VPN has ensured our network is very secure,” said Drew. “This has
made a big difference for us. Now, when staff are overseas, they can log in as if they were
part of the network here in Sydney. This has boosted productivity and our customer service
levels don’t drop if staff are out of the office.”A secure network has also made it easier for
Abuzz to remotely maintain kiosks at client sites around Australia.
“The secure, low-cost VPN connection between our office and remote sites means we
can measure statistics, monitor system health, provide 24x7 support and update content
remotely,” said Drew.

“We thought Cisco would be a safe bet as it’s a premium product that offers very high levels
of security. That’s what the brochures say, and this has certainly been our experience.”

Questions:
1. What are the main concerns for data transmission over a communication channel?
2. Why security is needed in data transmission?

6.6 Summary

• Digital communication is the physical transfer of data over a point to point or point to
multipoint communication channel.
• The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is a world wide telephone system and
usually this network system uses the digital technology.

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