This page, normally home to the interactive module "The Open System Network",  is currently being renovated.....in the module's temporary stead is a "quick look" at some of the major components that comprise the Open RPG and its communication network.  The interactive module  is in the process of being updated and will soon return to this spot (check back on 09/17/99). Caveat:  as mentioned above, these are major components within the open RPG - those of which a basic knowledge is necessary at the operator level to understand how data processing/transmission and system control will change between  the open and current RPGs.  Other components, primarily relevant at the technician level, are not depicted. Additionally, this page is only representative of a non-redundant NWS configuration.  For more comprehensive information regarding the entire engineering concept of the open RPG click here.
 
    		• 1. Data Communications Server - converts between current (HDLC/X.25) and open system (TCP/IP) data formats (sometimes referred to as a data gateway).

    2.  LAN switch - directs the flow of data (base data, status/maintenance information, products and command issuances) between various open RPG components as well as sending base data to external user communication ports.

    3.  RPG processor - processes base data into products and controls/coordinates distribution of said products to users as well as formats and distributes status/maintnenance information. The RPG processor also implements and/or directs command issuance from the MSCF (9).

    4.  Archive III

    5.  Base Data Distribution Server (BDDS) - receives base data from the LAN switch then routes data to external users via said switch.

    6.  Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) switch - allows keyboard, monitor, and mouse usage to be shared (switched) between the RPG processor and BDDS.

    7.  RPG processor/BDDS monitor, keyboard and mouse.

    8.  Narrowband Modems - the RPG processor (3) sends products to the LAN Switch (2) which in turn sends those products to the Data Communications Server (1).  The Data Communications Server then converts the products' data format from TCP/IP to HDLC/X.25 and sends the products to the appropriate narrowband modem(s)  for transmission to the resquesting user(s).

    9. Master System Control Function (MSCF) -  to a degree,  is to the open RPG what the UCP is to the current system.  One of the major differences is the MSCF scope of control, which will eventually encompass not only thos control aspects currently residing at the UCP, but also those of the RDA's MMI. 

    10. Power Administrator - allows for remote user control (via network issued/routed commands) of power output to connected devices (1, 2, 3, 5 ).  For example the user can issue a command from the MSCF to the power administrator to turn off the power  output to the BDDS. 

    11. Uninterruptible Power Supply  (UPS) -  maintains (battery) power in the event of a power outage. Typically used to keep a computer running for several minutes after a power outage to enable a graceful shut down,  the open RPG UPS utilizes a software component that automatically implements shut down procedures in case of a power failure.
     

     

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