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- [ netinfo/nsc-hadmin-duties.txt ] [ 12/87, SS ]
-
- DDN NODE SITE COORDINATOR (NSC) AND HOST ADMINISTRATOR DUTIES
-
-
- DDN NODE SITE COORDINATOR (NSC)
- -------------------------------
-
- 1. Overview.
- --------
- a. A DDN node site is the physical place where the DDN backbone
- equipment is located. Normally, this will consist of a PSN, TAC and
- other associated equipment; however, a node site may also only consist
- of a remote TAC or mini TAC (NAC). The Node Site Coordinator (NSC) is
- the person designated to ensure continuous operation of the node site.
- While the NSC may delegate some tasks to other personnel, the NSC is
- responsible to DISA DNSO for all node site matters.
-
- b. The NSC's primary responsibility is to provide local, on-site
- technical assistance in case of node hardware or circuit degradation or
- outage. The NSC also has several administrative responsibilities.
- Local, on-site technical assistance and administrative responsibilities
- are detailed below.
-
- 2. Local, On-Site Technical Assistance Responsibilities.
- ----------------------------------------------------
- a. The NSC must personally provide or arrange for provision of
- local, on-site assistance to Monitoring Center controllers on a 24-hour,
- 7-day-a-week basis. If the node site is located in a facility that
- is not manned on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis, the NSC must ensure
- that local, on-site assistance is provided within 2 hours of a request
- for assistance by the Monitoring Center.
-
- b. Local, on-site technical assistance is normally requested by
- Monitoring Center controllers via telephone. DCA Circular 310-P70-76
- provides an introduction to and description of the node site that assists
- the NSCs in providing the Monitoring Center with more effective local,
- on-site technical assistance.
-
- 3. General Administrative Responsibilities.
- ---------------------------------------
- a. Overview. The NSC will be responsible for general
- administration of the node site in four other areas. These areas and
- NSC functions within them are given below. For a more detailed discussion
- of site administration procedures, refer to site-specific documentation
- available at each site.
-
- b. Hardware and Software Accountability.
-
- (1) The NSC provides for care and safekeeping of all
- installed node site equipment, and equipment shipped to the node site
- for future installation (i.e. normally modems, cables and other
- small items).
-
- (2) The NSC provides for accountability and safekeeping
- of the PSN and TAC cassette tapes. The NSC should ensure that PSN
- master and backup tapes are properly marked, stored and maintained
- in the PSN area. (Note: Further instructions will be provided on
- this.)
-
- c. Site Access Control and Security.
-
- (1) The NSC coordinates personnel access to the node
- site. The NSC acquires a current site access roster of DISA
- DNSO contractor maintenance personnel from site security
- personnel and uses it to coordinate node site access.
-
- (2) The NSC ensures that installed node site equipment is
- not altered, tampered with, or moved without proper authorization.
-
- d. Maintenance and Installation Coordination.
-
- (1) The NSC coordinates, monitors, and verifies the
- installation and implementation of node hardware, software, and
- circuits. In the European and Pacific areas, the DISA DNSO Area,
- Region and Field Offices perform these functions.
-
- (2) The NSC coordinates and monitors scheduled and
- unscheduled corrective maintenance, and scheduled preventive
- maintenance, as directed by DISA DNSO or the network Monitoring Center.
-
- e. General Administration and Coordination.
-
- (1) The NSC maintains operating instructions issued
- by DISA DNSO and the DDN Network Information Center (NIC), such as these
- instructions. For reference purposes the NSC should maintain
- a file of current Telecommunications Service Orders (TSOs) for
- host access lines, directly connected TAC access lines, and
- interswitch trunks.
-
- (2) The NSC maintains liaison with representatives of
- organizations with whom coordination is necessary for efficient
- operation of the node site. (For example, the NSC is responsible
- for maintaining contact with his node's Host Administrators
- and directly connected TAC users, informing them of any planned or
- unplanned node site outages.)
-
- (3) To support both liaison and local, on-site
- technical assistance functions, the NSC maintins a list of telephone
- numbers for the network Monitoring Center, the Host Administrator for
- each host connected to the DDN PSN's at the node site, and other
- telephone numbers such as those of the servicing telephone company
- or local Defense Communications System (DCS) technical control.
-
- 4. Electronic Mail Capability.
- --------------------------
- a. The NSC should possess an electronic mail capability to
- efficiently perform the functions of the NSC. Each NSC should obtain
- an electronic mail account (mailbox) on a mail server belonging or
- available to the NSC's command.
-
- b. In the event the NSC's command cannot provide terminal equipment
- support, the node maintenance terminal may be used by the NSC for
- electronic mail, providing it does not interfere with the Field Service
- Technician's requirements.
-
- c. Upon request, DCA B652 will provide further guidance on the
- establishment of an electronic mail account.
-
-
- HOST ADMINISTRATOR
- ------------------
-
- 1. Definitions.
- ------------
- a. Host - A computer attached to a port on a DDN Packet
- Switch Node.
-
- Note: For the purpose of this definition, Terminal Access
- Controllers (TACs) are not considered hosts; all TACs are part of
- the DDN node site (backbone) equipment and are under the control
- of the Monitoring Center. Therefore, no Host Administrator is
- assigned for a TAC. The local point of contact for all node site
- matters is the NSC.
-
- b. Host Administrator (HA) - That person who has administrative
- responsibility for the policies, practices, and concerns of a host(s)
- connected to the DDN, including responsibility for that host's
- DDN users.
-
- 2. Responsibilities.
- -----------------
- a. Assists DISA DNSO, by ensuring that network policies and procedures
- are observed by their host users. The Host Administrator is
- responsible for administering the TAC Access Control System (TACACS),
- ensuring that all of the host users, who are using the network or
- the TACs, have been authorized for DDN and TAC access, and are
- registered in the NIC User Registration Database (WHOIS/NICNAM).
-
- b. Manages their host's network access control procedures and
- password system, and is responsible for reporting network-related
- host break-ins and assisting with investigative effort as needed.
-
- c. Coordinates with DISA DNSO on installation and removal of hosts
- on the DDN. Also, coordinates installation of, or changes to,
- host software that has direct or indirect impact on the DDN. The
- Host Administrator provides the DCS Data Systems Directorate and the
- NIC with required descriptive information for each new host
- addition or host change, and coordinates the host certification
- procedure with the DCS Data Systems Directorate prior to passing
- traffic or testing on the network. The Host Administrator is
- responsible for the proper implementation and maintenance of DDN
- protocols at the host level.
-
- d. Serves as local point of contact for the respective hosts
- and local users and coordinates suspected network related
- problems directly with the appropriate network Monitoring Center.
- Host Administrators must report problems to the MC for correction.
- When reporting trouble, obtain a trouble ticket number, which
- will be used for reference purposes during any follow-up inquiries.
-
- e. Provides network information to the NIC, and assists
- local users and other interested personnel with network related
- matters.
-
- Source: DDN MGT Bulletin 37, 16 Dec 87
-