Internet Info 1997 December/Internet_Info_CD-ROM_Walnut_Creek_December_1997.iso/isoc/pub/isoc_news/1-1/n-1-1-016.10.1.Z/n-1-1-016.10.1

Text File | 1994-03-26 | 22KB | 331 lines

016.11 Low cost global electronic communications networks for Africa by Mike
Jensen and Geoff Sears
1) Introduction
Electronic mailbox and messaging services offer an ideal tool for enhancing
communications in Africa.  Electronic mail can be less expensive and more
convenient than facsimile or telex wherever a computer and phone line are
available. However, the communications infrastructure in the African
countries varies from very good to very marginal. As a result, the
appropriate communications solution may vary from one location to the next. This
paper outlines the two basic means of connecting mailboxes to the global
network and discusses which method may be the most appropriate under
various circumstances.
2) Packet Switching Services in Africa
Many African countries are now installing packet switched data line
service, also called IPSS (International Packet Switched Service) which uses
the internationally standardized X.25 protocol. The PTT - national post
office or telephone company is almost always the operator of such a
service and usually installs connection points to IPSS in the major
cities. This service allows modem users in these cities to make a local
phone call, and get online to any country with an electronic mail or
database service connected to the X.25 network. As long as the local phone
service is reasonably good, a reliable connection to the host computer can be
achieved and it is relatively simple to access a wide range of networks with
this method.  To overcome the frequent problems in local phone
service, some IPSS providers are installing error-correcting modems; if the
user also has a modem supporting the MNP error-correction protocol,
virtually all problems of phone noise can be overcome.
To access such a service, the user orders a NUI (Network User ID) from
the local PTT. A registration fee, a monthly or quarterly rental, and
usage charges to connect to the remote host comprise the costs incurred for
this service.
For regular computer network users, NUI rental usually provides a
significantly cheaper option than making a direct dial international phone call to
the electronic host. If the host is accessed infrequently, then the cost of
an NUI may not be justified. As with a normal telephone call, there is
usually a substantially higher usage charge for connecting to a host
outside the country than with a host computer inside the country.
However, since there are  still very few mailbox host computers connected to an
IPSS anywhere in Africa, there is really no option but to connect
outside the country for mailbox service and pay the high rates, until one of
the developing systems becomes connected to packet services . The host
service charges separately for  the use of its services but for sending
messages, up to 90% of the cost of the international connection can be in the
charges made by the local PTT for use of the NUI.
Rate structures for IPSS are complex and vary enormously from one to
country to another. Rental charges for a NUI can vary from 20 to 200 a
quarter. Some PTT's require the user to rent PTT-owned modems at inflated
rates. Even usage charges (which are based on time spent online and the
volume of date passed down the network) can vary by a factor of two
between different PTTs.  Typically, the most significant portion for the
charge is for the amount of data transferred.  Users are charged both to
send and to receive data, and this is frequently what makes the service
prohibitively expensive.
IPSS service exists in a number of sub-saharan Africa countries,
including: Cote D'Ivoire, Gabon, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, South
Africa, Togo and Zimbabwe.  Electronic mail users in neighboring
countries may be able to make use of these packet-switching services if their
phones support such calls.
In these countries with packet switching services, people in the
capital cities, and occasionally other major cities, can reliably connect
directly to a centrally located host in Europe or North America with
relative ease. But as can be seen from the list above, most African
countries do not have an IPSS service. Where it is available in these
regions it is usually considerably more expensive than in the West.
3) Direct International Dialing
Because of the limited availability of IPSS services, and their high cost,
international direct dialing is often the only realistic option. Previous
experience with conventional terminal software and the bad telephone lines
endemic throughout Africa,  was that this method of connection was
expensive, unreliable and stressful for the user. However, recent
developments in personal computer based communications software have improved the
situation. It is now possible to send messages and files over poor quality
telephone lines at minimal cost using automated computer controlled
connections with file compression and error checking.
These programs typically reduce the length of the long distance call by
80-95% compared to the time taken for a standard interactive manually
controlled session with the host. Even over a poor quality telephone line, they
permit completely error free transmissions, without the need for manual
intervention of the operator. Using this software is more like sending a fax than
going through the series of 'log on' procedures necessary to connect to a
remote host, yet it still gives all the benefits of computer
communications.
Developed in the amateur bulletin-board system and academic communities over the
last 10 years much of this software is free for non-commercial use or very
cheap to purchase, running on any IBM compatible or Macintosh.
Currently there are over 10,000 such systems exchanging messages and files
globally. Messages can be prepared separately on any type of word
processor and a 2400 baud modem costing about
100 serves to link the personal computer to the telephone line. The
equipment does not require the installation of a separate line - existing
voice or fax lines can be temporarily diverted to the modem while it
places the call.
Any such system can also be left switched on for longer periods, in a
state ready to receive messages from other such systems.  This allows a
system somewhere else to place the call and pay for charges, and still
accomplish the complete exchange of messages.
The file transfer protocols used between the two computers have a high
level of resiliency to line noise and satellite delays, and if an
interruption does occur, they are able to resume an transfer right at the point it
was interrupted.  This is particularly important for transporting large
binary files where the chances of losing the connection over poor quality
telephone lines is significant.
A high speed (9,600 bps or higher) modem becomes cost effective when the
volume of communications increases, as in the case when several people
share one personal computer for their communications.  For the cost of
about $400-$600, a modem such as the Telebit Trailblazer (TM) can
transmit data 4 to 8 times faster than the 2400 baud modem.
Host computer services that will carry this traffic into the major
networks are currently operating 24 hours a day in London (GreenNet),
Stockholm (NordNet) and Toronto (Web).  All support the high speed (9,600 baud +)
protocols as well as the standard 1200 and 2400 baud protocols. These
machines provide hourly gateway connections to all of the APC
(Association for Progressive Communications) hosts in Brazil, Australia,
Sweden, Nicaragua, US & Canada, and many countries in Europe. Messages can be
sent through these machines to outbound fax and telex servers, to
commercial hosts such as Dialcom and GeoNet, and to academic networks like
Janet, BitNet, EARN, UseNet/UUCP and the Internet.
For many purposes, sending files and messages directly to another
individual is all that is necessary.  However, there is also the
opportunity to 'broadcast' the message to a select group of
participants. These 'mailing lists', also known as electronic conferences or
bulletin boards can be publicly available to anyone on any of these
networks, or restricted to a select group - for example a coordinating
committee. The sender does not have to know the electronic address of each
participant to send them each a message, instead a single message is sent to the
predefined mailing list running on a host computer which then decides which
systems to pass the message to. The list could comprise an unlimited
mixture of fax numbers, telex numbers, electronic mail addresses and
bulletin boards or conferences running on certain hosts. Conferences are
usually based around a particular topic and can last for a short period or
proceed for an unlimited time. They can be discussion oriented or merely a
place to post news and information. Currently there are about 3000 topic
related conferences that are available through the APC.
A self installing configuration of software to perform direct,
automated international dialing is available for IBM compatibles and a
running system can ideally be set up in half an hour by someone without any
special skills other than basic familiarity with the keyboard.
Occasionally there are a variety of problems that can crop up.
Non-standard hardware configurations may need some trouble-shooting by someone
familiar with the DOS operating system and DOS level commands. Hooking up the
modem to a PABX type telephone system can be difficult, and may require the
assistance of the phone company or PTT. Non-standard modems, telephones wired
directly into the wall and operator assisted direct dialling can also be
problematic for the inexperienced. For this reason it is probably best to
consider each installation individually.
For someone familiar with the computer for word processing or some other
basic application, a half day, hands-on training workshop is
sufficient to acquaint the user with all that is necessary to send and
receive files and messages.  To maintain a system supporting a group of
users, several days of training, as well as a commitment to provide
personnel to maintain it, would be necessary.
4) Examples of Local Network Applications in Africa
Bulletin Board systems, both those packages designed for single users as
described above, and full-scale systems supporting several users (not
simultaneously, though), are already being used by a number of organizations in
Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The
International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in Ottawa, Canada has been
responsible for helping to establish many of these networks by funding the
ESANET, PADIS, WEDNET and NGONET projects described below.
The NGONET Africa project is based out of the Environment Liaison
Centre International (ELCI) in Nairobi, where a Fido bulletin board system
has been set up to provide a conduit for electronic mail traffic in the
region and to NGOs worldwide. This is done using a high-speed modem to make
daily calls to the GreenNet Fido gateway in London.  The project is also
supporting the MANGO (Micro-computer Assistance for NGO's) Fido bulletin board
project in Zimbabwe (see below) and plans to assist in the
establishment of a third bulletin board system in Dakar and another possibly in
Ghana.
In particular, support is being given to improving the flow of
electronic information around the preparations for the UNCED conference in Rio,
Brazil in 1992. An earlier survey found there were significant numbers of
NGOs which had computers but were not using electronic mail yet. A total of
48 NGOs are being identified to receive modems, training,
documentation and support.
ESANET (Eastern and Southern African Network) is a pilot project to link
researchers at universities in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya with
each other and with researchers worldwide by installing electronic mail
facilities at the computer centres of universities in these countries.  ESANET is
based at the University of Nairobi Institute of Computer Science. To
maximise scarce resources, coordination and technical support is being
shared with the NGONET project.  Where there is no local NGO host system it
has been agreed that NGOs will be able to use the resources of the
campus based nodes.
Nodes are currently being installed in Kampala - Makarere University -
nodename MUKLA, Nairobi - nodename UNICS, Dar es Salaam - University of Dar es
Salaam/Eastern and Southern African Universities Research Project - nodename
ESAURP, Lusaka - University of Zambia Computer Center - nodename UZCC, and
Harare - University of Harare Computer Centre - nodename UHCC.
Each node runs a suite of Fido software on an IBM compatible AT with 40MB
hard drive, high speed modem (PEP) and dedicated phone line. Zambia,
Kenya and Harare can connect directly to the GreenNet Fido gateway
(GNFido), while Uganda and Tanzania can only connect via Nairobi because
direct dialling facilities outside the PTA (Preferential Trade
Agreement) area are not available. Zambia has begun to experiment with direct
dialling to London and the other nodes are expected to begin testing
connectivity later next month.  They are still awaiting arrival of hardware
shipped from Nirv Centre (Web) in Toronto, Canada.
HealthNet is operated by a Boston based NGO called Satellife which was
initiated as a project of the International Physicians for the Prevention of
Nuclear War (IPPNW). Satellife have purchased 60% of the capacity on the
University of Surrey (UK) built Uosat-F satellite. This will initially be used to
exchange health and medical information within the same Universities
(coincidentally) participating in the ESANET project and via Memorial University in
Newfoundland Canada. Memorial is an appropriate site because of Dr Maxwell
House' work with telemedicine and because it is so far north the
satellite passes overhead 10 times a day on its polar orbit.
Because of the total overlap in institutions in Africa, the HealthNet
project is being administered by the African participants as part of the
ESANET project to evaluate alternative data transport methods.  Although the
current traffic is limited to health related issues, it will be up to the
individual participating institutions in Africa to obtain clearance from the
authorities for a wider interpretation of the health mandate. As far as the
funders of the HealthNet project are concerned, this could encompass a much
broader range of environmental and social issues.  Currently however, only
Zambia has been successful in obtaining approval for the
installation of the ground station and this was with a specific medically
oriented application.
The Zambian approval nevertheless sets a precedent for the
authorities in the other countries. Also Zambia will now be able to host
satellite traffic from the other participating countries via direct dial
telephone lines with the ESANET Fido network until other ground stations have
been approved.
The Pan African Documentation Centre Network - PADISNET is a project to
link 34 countries into a network of participating development planning
centres which exchange databases and information. PADIS is based at the
United Nations Economic Council on Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa which also
operates a Fido node connecting on demand to London, South Africa and the US.
NGONET and PADISNET project workers have held joint workshops it is likely
that the two projects will be able to share resources in the support of
other nodes in Dakar-Senegal (CRAT), Accra-Ghana (AAU), Dar es Salaam-
Tanzania (ESAURP).
WEDNET supports research on women and natural resource management. The aim is
to link researchers in Senegal, Ghana, Burkino Faso, Nigeria, Sudan,
Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Canada via electronic communications and
conventional networking.  WEDNET is also based at ELCI in Nairobi.
WorkNet operates as the national electronic network host for NGOs in South
Africa. The network has been established for about three years and now has
about 150 users on a multi-user BBS programme called MajorBBS.  Users
include the labour movement, human rights groups, the alternate press,
documentation centres, service organisations and church groups. The ICTFU has
funded the development of gateway software which will allow MajorBBS users to
send messages to other systems and obtain conference postings. The
MajorBBS format is converted to the Fido standard and a separate machine
operates as a Fido bbs to transmit and receive the messages. The Fido
machine is now officially registered on the Internet
(worknet.alt.za) and is in daily contact with MANGO in Harare and the GreenNet Fido
gateway in London via high speed (PEP) modem.  An X.25 leased line is
already on premises awaiting the installation of X.25 software and PAD in
September/October.
MANGO is a bulletin board service in Harare, Zimbabwe, operated by a
collective of NGOs:; Africa Information Afrique (a regional news agency),
EMBISA (religious development group), SARDC (Southern African Research and
Documentation Centre), EDICESA (Ecumenical Documentation and Information Centre for
Eastern and Southern Africa), and SAPES (Southern Africa Press Service). It
was recently agreed that the system be made available to the NGO
community as a whole and a fee structure has been developed. MANGO now
connects three times daily with the Web Fido gateway in Toronto. In
addition it connects three times a day to WorkNet in Johannesburg.
ARSONET is a CIDA professional development project to link the Africa
Regional Standards Authorities in Addis Abbaba-Ethiopia,
Nairobi-Kenya and Cairo-Egypt with Fido networking technology.In all these
networking initiatives users are connecting to their nearest host node. This
provides them with a link to the global network for receiving or sending
private messages and public bulletins via a gateway operating at the
Association for Progressive Communication's London host - GreenNet. Through this
system users in Africa can gain access to the community of 10,000 NGOs and
individuals working in peace, social development and environmental issues who use
the APC network.
With a 2400 baud modem, users are reliably achieving transmission speeds of
220 characters per second (cps), even on relatively poor phone lines.
Because the messages and files are automatically compressed before
transmission to as little as one third of their original size (and even more for
fixed length record databases - up to 10 times) it is possible to send or
receive about 40,000 characters (about 6,500 words) during a one minute
call. Because the connection between the computers is all under control of
the machine at each end, the only time when the full 220 cps
transmission speed is not being achieved is during the first 10-15 seconds while
handshaking between the two computers takes place.
5) Creating African Electronic Mail Host Systems
The methods and systems described above are the early stages of
establishing full electronic mail hosts systems in Africa, owned and operated by
Africans.
Complete electronic mail, computer conferencing and database systems are now
being run on small and relatively inexpensive microcomputers ('286, '386,
SPARC based hardware platforms can all be set up for between $5,000 and
$15,000).  Locally-based systems such as these can greatly reduce the costs to
the individual user of computer-based telecommunications.  In this case
users can make a local phone call and share the cost of the
international connection, rather than all individuals competing for scarce and
expensive international lines.
The benefits of such local operations has been proved by small UNIX
systems installed by the Association for Progressive
Communications, the RIO project in French-speaking countries of Africa and the
Carribbean, and by the Bureau for Latin America of the United Nations
Development Programme in Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador and Costa Rica, and by BBS
systems operating in several Eastern European and African countries.  These
benefits include service at a far lower cost than
There is now a variety of software and hardware available for this
purpose. Selection is not easy; some factors to consider include not just the
cost of the original equipment, but the availability of skilled
technical people to maintain the system, the availability of spare parts, and
the cost and availability of technical support from vendors.  The
significant barriers to rapid implementation are the need to train system
operators and the high state tariffs on computer and communications
equipment.
The challenges of making this technology work in Africa are balanced by
significant rewards.  African countries are in a position to leap-frog
technologies and install relatively sophisticated information technology now,
skipping older, less effective techniques and methods.  With this kind of
information system in place, dialogue and information exchange regionally and
internationally can greatly expand, with benefits to every sector of African
development.
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Mike Jensen is a computer engineer based out of London.  He was a
founder of Web, a non-profit computer network in Canada, and, while
working at GreenNet in London, developed software to gateway the UNIX
systems of the Association for Progressive Communications with the FIDO
world.  Most recently he has been traveling extensively in Africa setting up
small BBS systems and training non-governemtal organizations to use them.
GreenNet 23 Bevenden Street London, N1 6BH, ENGLAND tel:
[phone] fax: [phone] email: [e-mail]
Geoff Sears is the Director of the Institute for Global
Communications in San Francisco, California.  IGC operates the non-profit
PeaceNet and EcoNet international computer networks.  IGC is a founding
member of the Association for Progressive Communications, and is
currently involved in the establishment of computer networks in the USSR,
Eastern Europe and Latin America.
Institute for Global Communications 18 de Boom Street, 1st Floor San
Francisco, CA 94107 tel: [phone] fax: [phone]
email:[e-mail]