English abstract
Networks are the backbones of the Information Technology, accordingly, when we set the National Information Infrastructure (NII) strategies, we must include the network strategy. These strategies must be able to support the development and advancement of Oman by supporting the continuous demands of Information Technology. In this thesis we are proposing the launching of nation wide converged backbone that will be able to support the wide spread of business, private sectors, government agencies, education industry and health industry. Business demands of network requirements vary from one business to another and accordingly, the type and nature of traffic that is required to be carried on the network varies. Currently the culture of multi network infrastructure is changing and migrating to the single multiservice integrated networks, and based on the current culture of networking in the world. We need to examine this culture when we set our national network strategies. The main scope of this thesis is to arrive with recommendations and conclusions derived from current and future business demand of Oman, to set national backbone strategies that will serve the entire nation current and future demands of linking requirements. Service Providers can utilize the information provided by this thesis as base line when setting Oman converged backbone strategies as well in setting other related network strategies. Through this thesis we will arrive with an answer for three basic questions "Shall we move to converged networks or not? How can we set the converged strategies? What are the proposed technologies?
The method that is followed in this thesis is to examine communication and network technologies including, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Ethernets, Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)/ Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH), X25 and Frame Relay. The thesis will also review Local Area Networks, and Wide Area Networks. In the process of evaluation, the thesis will compare between ATM, Internet Protocol and Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) as the connecting technologies for the converged backbone:
The thesis illustrates the concept of network convergence benefits, drawbacks, and the example utilizations. In addition, it will examine Internet Protocol (IP) Convergence as example of Converged Networking.
The thesis includes results of a network survey conducted to determine the network situation in Oman, organizations future plans of network expansion, awareness of converged network concept, and the willingness' of the organizations to move to the converged networks. Also we illustrated the network end user comments and recommendation concerning communication related issue such as network cost of operation.
Based on the mix of traffic demands, future plans, and expectations of the end network users of both the government and private business sectors, the thesis is proposing the future converged backbone requirements for entire nation.
