Networks

Tender description

The ICT Programme has identified the replacement/upgrade of telecommunication systems, devices and cabling as a key project to deliver an improved data network and voice telephony system. So far the Contact Centre, York Road, 22 Great Victoria Street and Central Station have been upgraded. Milewater Road is in the process of being upgraded. There is also an identified obsolescence risk with the voice telephone systems in place at Translink locations (the exceptions being the Contact Centre and 22 Great Victoria Street). The existing IT data network outside the main locations (Central Station, York Road, Milewater Road, Great Victoria Street and Adelaide) is based on ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) technology. This network was built on the data communications requirements of the early 2 000 s and was refreshed when the incumbent (BT) migrated its base platform to 21 CN. The network was originally designed to provide connectivity for ticketing, finance and engineering applications. These were relatively non-complex systems. The data connectivity devices (such as switches and routers) on the distributed network are life expired and therefore difficult to support and maintain. Management of the distributed network infrastructure is by means of rudimentary tools and tends to be reactive rather than proactive. There are many new systems being introduced or planned for implementation within Translink, which require enhanced data communications and associated bandwidth. In addition, this project will implement an IP Telephony solution (including Voice Over Internet Protocol, VOIP). This will utilise the converged network capability and capacity. The company is investigating and investing in many mobile working solutions. There is currently limited corporate Wi-Fi provision which means these solutions are attracting high data usage charges from mobile telecommunications companies (telcos). The current network infrastructure will not be capable of supporting these requirements and will require a full refresh. The proposal is to procure and implement an integrated telecommunications system that will: — replace obsolete equipment, — provide a highly available, resilient data and voice telecommunications network, — improve network management facilities, — improve bandwidth availability, — remove single points of failure, — provide a scalable network, capable of meeting the needs of planned systems implementation, — provide a corporate IP telephony solution, — provide Wi-Fi access to staff, contractors and business partners. Please see PQQ for full details.