Comtech EF Data VMS v3.12.x Vipersat - Manual (Page 29)

Chapter 1 - General 1-5
MN/22156, rev 12 Product Description
Product Description
Introduction
The Vipersat Management System (VMS) is a server and client based network
management system that gathers and processes information it receives from the
modem/routers that comprise a Vipersat satellite network. The modem’s inter-
nal microprocessor-based input/output (I/O) controller measures, captures, and
transmits real-time network operating parameters to the VMS via either PLDM
(Path Loss Data Message) or SUM (Status Update Message) packets, depending
on the type of modem/router.
The VMS receives, stores, and processes these messages and uses the data to
update and display current network status information, and to manage band-
width resources and switching operations. The network data is then displayed
by the VMS in an easy-to-interpret, real-time graphic presentation. The result is
a comprehensive, intuitive operator’s network Management and Control tool for
quick, responsive network control.
The VMS is customized at setup for each satellite network it controls, recogniz-
ing the unique bandwidth resources and limitations associated with each
network. The VMS has trigger points set defining the upper and lower limits for
usage, type of service, and other network parameters defining bandwidth
resource allocations for each traffic type. These triggers, or set-points, are easily
modified at any time by a qualified operator whenever network resource alloca-
tions need to be reconfigured.
As the VMS receives a switching request from a network modem, it uses
sophisticated algorithms to evaluate the request against available network
resources and network policies before sending a switch command back to the
requesting modem to make a switch to a given frequency and bit rate. If the
switch request is denied—because of lack of available network resources, for
example—the modem will not make the switch until the necessary resources
become available.
The Vipersat satellite network modems detect, monitor and, when commanded
by the VMS, physically or logically make network changes. The VMS collects,
analyzes, and displays data, and commands the Vipersat modems to make these
network changes. Refer to each modem/router’s User Guide for more details on
each device’s role in the satellite network.
Note: The Vipersat External Switching Protocol (VESP) is available to equip-
ment manufactures, making it possible for them to smoothly integrate
their products into a VMS controlled satellite network. Contact a Vipersat
representative for details.
NOTE