LEA
Implementation of first Cisco Content Delivery Networking (CDN) project in the UK education sector
Background
The recent implementation of a Content Delivery Networking (CDN) project by Logicalis, not only represents the first implementation of Cisco CDN technology in the UK education sector, but also forms an important part of the Wirral Learning Grid. This is a £5 million investment in information technology that will be used to create an infrastructure and provide computer stations at 130 sites across the region (e.g. schools, libraries, businesses and training centres) in order to make learning at any age easily accessible and enjoyable.
The Challenge
The client, a Local Education Authority (LEA), based in the North West of England, recognised that effective delivery of media rich content across the region would rapidly become unmanageable in the absence of a centrally managed content delivery networking solution. Clearly there was a requirement for an architecture that would allow the Council to deliver e-learning content from chosen providers, and scale as demand increased and additional budgets became available from Central Government-funded initiatives. In addition, the final solution needed to comply with specifications laid down by "BECTA" the Government's lead agency for IT in education, to ensure full compliance with the UK Government's ‘National Grid for Learning' initiatives.
The Solution
After a thorough review of these requirements, Logicalis recommended implementation of a solution based on Cisco Systems Content Delivery Networking architecture. The client took great confidence from the fact that Logicalis was Cisco's first partner in the UK to achieve the Content Networking Accreditation, and viewed Logicalis as a ‘safe pair of hands' following the successful delivery of several previous projects.
The Logicalis solution comprised a Cisco Content Networking Engine 560, managed by a Cisco Content Distribution Manager (CDM). The CDM provides central management and provisioning of the Cisco Content Delivery Network (CDN), including content channels, Content Engine edge delivery devices, and bandwidth utilisation.
The CDM provides the intelligence required to efficiently manage and distribute content to the network edge, allowing it to make intelligent decisions on the health of the network and the best Content Engine to fulfill content requests. By localising content at the edge, the CDM optimises LAN and WAN bandwidth usage, improves the quality of service and increases productivity. Network administrators manage the CDN using the CDM's feature-rich web browser-based user interface, which allows them to configure and monitor the CDN, as well as grant rights to school administrators to subscribe to the content of their choice.
Using the CDN ‘manifest list' feature, Logicalis configured the CDM to automatically populate its channels with the required educational content, downloaded from the Internet and content providers. To ensure that the CDN delivered all the proposed benefits, Logicalis ensured that it integrated seamlessly with the existing Wirral perimeter security, content filters, and DNS architecture.
The Bottom Line
The initial project was implemented successfully and the benefits of the Cisco architecture rapidly became apparent. Logicalis' solution has provided the client with the high performance, scalable and reliable content delivery networking solution it required providing the basis for full implementation of its e-learning initiatives.