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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ARCHITECTURE
October 1989
PRESENTED BY
ARCHITECTURAL MANAGEMENT
& PLANNING BRANCH
CD
C.
NATIONAL DATA PROCESSING DIVISION
Research Triangle Park, NC
A
'PA/AMPB "EPA's Information Technology Experts'
HEADQUARTERS LIBRARY ^
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, O.C. 20460
-------
INE
This document provides an overview of EPA's current information technology
architecture, its underlying principles and future enhancement strategies. The
objective of this document is to promote an understanding of EPA's information
technology architecture for those involved in planning, implementing, and using
the Agency's information resources.
The first section, EPA's Current Architecture, describes the Agency's computing
platforms, the key software tools provided on each platform, and the data
communication architectures linking the platforms. The second section. Trends
ami Directions in Architecture, provides an overview of the planning and
procurement initiatives which will effect the computing architecture in the future.
PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Page 1
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OUTLINE
I. EPA's Current Architecture
• Computing Platforms
• Software
• Data Communications
- Wide Area Network
- Local Area Network
II. Trends and Directions in Architecture
• Procurements
* High Performance Scientific Computing
• Telecommunications Planning for the 1990's
A
EPA/AMPB "EPA'sInformation Technology Experts'
Page 2
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PRINCIPLES OF
ARCHITECTURE DE
PMENT
The initial objectives of the Agency's information technology architecture were
developed by EPA Information Resource Management in 1984 as part of a
modernization plan. Since initial development, these objectives have been periodically
updated by EPA's Office of Information Resources Management (OIRM) and National
Data Processing Division (NDPD). The fundamental objective of a multi-user.multi-
platform, Agency-wide architecture, however, has remained the comer stone of the
Agency's information technology development strategy.
Key decisions by Agency management include the implementation of a large IBM/MVS
platform for supporting national production applications and databases at the National
Computer Center (NCC) in Research Triangle Park, NC (RTP) and a small IBM/MVS
platform for applications and databases supported by the Regional Offices. The DEC
VAX/VMS platform and its successors were chosen as the primary resource to support
the computing and data storage needs of the Research and Laboratory community
throughout the agency.
The MS-DOS operating system was chosen as the Agency's end-user personal
computing environment in 1983. Personal computers may operate as stand-alone
machines or as part of a local area network. In addition to the MS-DOS compatible
personal computers, the Apple Macintosh system was adopted to serve the desktop
publishing and executive workstation needs of the Agency.
EPA complies with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and other national
standards established by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)
and other standards organizations. To this end, EPA selected SNA as the
telecommunication architecture for linking IBM compatible hosts at Research Triangle
Park, the Regional Offices, and Cincinnati, as well as for providing terminal access to
the hosts. The VAX hosts are linked via DECNET/X.25 architecture, whereas
PRIMENET/X.25 links PRIME hosts. X.25 is the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI)
protocol. ASCII interactive terminals access the IBM hosts at RTP through the X.25
protocol.
NIST has established the Government Open Systems Interconnection Profile (GOSIP),
the federal standard for wide area networks, to promote interoperability (the ability to
transfer files, messages, and transactions) across heterogeneous vendor specific
computing platforms. EPA is developing plans to implement this standard in all of its
major computing platforms.
PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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PRINCIPLES OF
ARCHITECTURE DEVELOPMENT
Provide functions and capabilities required by
"Corporate-User" and "End-User"
Maintain consistency with mainstream Hardware/
Software Platforms
- IBM/MVS and its successors as a platform for national
production applications
- DEC VAX/VMS for laboratory applications
- MS-DOS for desktop computing
- Macintosh for desktop publishing
Comply with Federal Information Processing
Standards (FIPS) and follow de facto standards to
promote interoperability
• SNA for IBM compatible wide area networks
- X.25 for connecting IBM, VAX, and other vendor
processors
- GOSIP when available
^
"EPA's Information Technology Experts "
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EPA COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE
There are three levels, or "tiers" of computing and networking technology that
comprise EPA's computing architecture.
The first tier, the national platform, provides agency-wide common computing
and messaging systems.
Tier two comouting resources fulfill the needs of the individual sites such as the
Regional Offices, Laboratories, and Headquarters.
Third tier resources provide the most personal level of computing resources with
desktop computing and local area networks in individual departments.
PA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts'
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EPA COMPUTING ARCHITECTI
Three Tiers:
National Platform
Regional Office, Laboratory, Washington D.C.
Headquarters, and Cincinnati Lab (disaster
recovery site) Platform
Departmental and Desktop Systems Platform
^jfEPA/AMPB
"EPA rs Information Technology Experts'
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EPA
The first tier of the computing architecture consists of the IBM 3090 mainframes and DEC VAX
Clusters at the National Computer Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The third
member of this tier is the Agency Electronic Mail system provided by Dialcom, in
Washington, D.C. This tier provides computing and messaging services to all EPA authorized
users including Agency employees, contractors, state environmental agencies, other federal
agencies, and Interagency Agreement users.
Multiple IBM 3090s host nation-wide applications and databases and serve as application
development resources. The VAX cluster serves the needs of the multi-lab complex in RTP
and Office of Research and Development (ORD) laboratories throughout the country.
Second tier resources include IBM 4361 Logical Mainframes (LMFs), DEC VAX computers, and
a single IBM 3090-180E. Logical Mainframes are installed at EPA's Regional Offices and
Headquarters. The LMF at Headquarters primarily serves as a communications and print
server for the local user community. The LMFs located in the Regional Offices support local
administrative, program, and communication needs. Cincinnati was chosen by NDPD to serve
as the Agency's disaster recovery site for critical applications currently operating on the RTP
IBM hosts. During the first quarter of FY90. the LMF in Cincinnati will be upgraded to a 3090-
180E running the MVS/XA operating system.
EPA Laboratories use large DEC VAX computers (e.g. 78x, 63x0,86x0) to host local scientific
and laboratory management information systems.
The third tier consists of a variety of computing and terminal devices to serve end-user or
departmental computing needs. The upper part of this tier consists of MicroVAX systems,
special purpose minicomputers, terminal concentration devices (e.g. ASCII terminal server, IBM
3274 cluster controller), and personal computers which act as file servers.
Examples of special purpose minicomputers at this tier include Laboratory Information
Management System (UMS) computers, Geographic Information System (QIS) computers, and
Image Processing System (IPS) computers.
The second part of the third tier consists of MS/DOS compatible PCs connected via Token Ring
local area networks (LANs) PCs, MACs, and ASCII terminals connected via Ethernet to a
MicroVAX, and IBM 3178-compatible full screen terminals as well as traditional ASCII/
Asynchronous terminals. Increasing numbers of PCs in program offices and administrative
groups are connected in a Token Ring network and have gateways to SNA and ASCII network
hosts, in a typical lab environment PCs and terminals are linked via Ethernet to a local
MicroVAX or VAX host which in turn links to the wide area network (WAN).
PA/AMPB
?&A's Information Technology Experts"
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EPA COMPUTING ARCH
IBM
3090-s
MVS/XA
FROOUCTION
DATABASES
RTF
VAX
CLUSTER
VMS
E-MAIL
HOST
OMLCOM
COMPUTWO
E4UUL
SERVICES
NATIONAL SERVICES
LMF
IBM
4381
MVS/SP
VAX
VMS
IBM
3090-180E
MVS/XA
LABSrTES
CINCINNATI
IBM 3174
CLUSTER
CONTROLLER
HQpEPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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EPA SOFTW
The Agency has selected standard software tools for each of the computing
platforms to facilitate application development, database management,
transaction processing, statistical analysis, graphics development, and end-user
computing. Included are standard word processing and spreadsheet application
tools for desktop workstations.
The IBM host environment supports over 650 simultaneous TSO/I8PF users for
application development, CICS for transaction processing, ADABAS/NATURAL
for national database applications, and VSAM for file-oriented application
systems. FOCUS, a fourth generation language (4GL) and Data Base
Management System (DBMS), is provided as a tool for end user computing and
small/simple applications. SAS is the agency standard software for statistical
analysis and file management. SASGRAF and TELL-A-GRAPH are provided for
graphics development and production.
The VAX Cluster at RTP provides FOCUS, SAS, SASGRAPH, and a FORTRAN
Compiler for application development, database management, statistical analysis
and graphics development.
The Agency Electronic Mail host (a PRIME minicomputer) at Dialcom provides
software for agency-wide electronic messaging and other applications, including
bulletin boards and Official Airline Guide (OAG) service.
IMF software is a subset of software available on the national IBM 3090 hosts
and includes FOCUS (4GL/DBMS) for local database applications, the VS
FORTRAN language for local applications, and TSO/ISPF as an environment for
on-line application development. Major software portfolio elements on VAX
systems include FOCUS and FORTRAN.
Token Ring LAN servers can be configured to run PC FOCUS, PC SAS, and
dBase as tools for developing departmental applications. Desktop computers
typically include a word processing package (WordPerfect or Wordstar),
Lotus 1-2-3, CrossTalk XVI, and dBase. MicroVAXs usually offer only
FORTRAN.
ft must be noted that FOCUS (4GL/DBMS) and SAS are available on all IBM/
VAX platforms at tiers 1 and 2; PC FOCUS (a subset of FOCUS) and PC SAS
are available in the personal computer environment to promote application
portability and common end-user tools across tiers.
PA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts"
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EPA SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE
3000S
DECMXX
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VMS
E-MAIL /PRIME
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PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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EPA
HITECTURE
"£PA's Information Technology Experts"
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EPA
ITiNG ARCHITECTURE
The National Computer Center located In RTF, NC, includes the agency's tier 1
as well as tier 3 resources supporting local program office needs. EPA
headquarters in Washington D.C. includes tier 2 and 3 resources to support
administrative and program office needs. Cincinnati, OH, serves as the agency's
disaster recovery site and includes many of the same resources as the National
Computer Center. The Agency's Regional Offices include Logical Mainframes
and Token Ring LANs. EPA labs use DEC VAX systems and Ethernet LANs.
PA/AMPB
"EPA ^Information Technology Experts'
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EPA COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE
Disaster Recovery Site
Washington Info. Center
EPA Cincinnati Lab
PA/AMPB
National Computer Center
Token
Ring
JiiS.
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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EPA COMPUTING ARCHITECT!
Agency resources are distributed throughout the country. This diagram depicts
the location and relative computing capacity of EPA's nation-wide resources.
PA/AMPB
'EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Page 15
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EPA DATA
ARCHITECTURE
EPA's data communications network serves over 12,000 users in EPA, state
environmental agencies, other federal agencies, and commercial enterprises. An
additional 4,000 Email users are also supported. To facilitate communication
between these diverse organizations, the network supports interactive terminal
access to all tier 1 and 2 platforms for ASCII terminals, IBM 3178 compatible
terminals, and personal computers. The network includes switching,
concentration and protocol conversion devices, front end processors, and X.25
PADS. The SNA network architecture facilitates access to ali IBM platforms at
tiers 1 and 2 for ASCII and IBM 3178 compatible terminals. In addition, state
IBM hosts are linked to EPA's SNA logical network via the (SNA Network
Interconnect) SNI feature. DEC-to-DEC communication is accomplished by
DECnet architecture using X.25 as the transport protocol. DEC to IBM
connectivity is provided via a DEC/SNA gateway at NCC.
Peer networking for remote PCs on Token Ring and Ethernet LANs is not
currently available.
The network supports ASCII and SNA protocols for the IBM environment. The
bulk data transfer feature of SNA is used for file transfer between IBM hosts.
The Network Job Entry (NJE) component of SNA provides transfer of batch jobs
and print files among IBM hosts.
ARBITER software on IBM hosts facilitate micro-to-mainframe file transfer using
ASCII or SNA protocols. ARBITER also allows personal computers to use the
mainframe as a remote disk.
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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EPA DATA COMMUNICATIONS
ARCHITECTURE
TJER1
TIER 2
TIERS
EPA'S
NATIONAL
DATA
COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM
WC K
TIERS
tocs/caWe connection
nstwoik cofwdioti
PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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If
TIONAL P.
MM
:ATION
SYSTEM
The network provides access to 12,000 users throughout the continental US,
Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. The physical network consists of a backbone
network, a dedicated Tymnet network, and the Tymnet Public Data network.
The backbone network links major EPA offices or points of presence (i.e.
Regional Offices, HQ, RTF, Cincinnati, LasVegas) via 56kbps digital circuits
and/or multiple analog circuits using 16.8kbps modems. The backbone includes
three T-1 (1.544mbps) circuits and multiple 56kbps circuits between RTP, NC,
and Washington, D.C. Some laboratories, state environmental agencies, and
large contractor facilities are linked to the backbone at major EPA offices using
analog tail circuits.
In 1986 EPA awarded a contract to Tymnet to provide a private packet switching
network to link secondary sites. Tymnet, Inc. has built a dedicated network for
EPA with versatile processors and circuits. Management and implementation
services are provided by Tymnet for each location. The network services Tymnet
provides enable several labs and a majority of the state environmental offices to
connect to EPA's computing platforms with a wide variety of computers. Multiple
interfaces are supported (ASCII, Bisynch 3270, SDLC 3270, SNA, Bisynch RJE,
and X.25) and protocol conversion is performed as required by Tymnet
processors.
Tymnet also provides dialup WATS access for interactive and Remote Job Entry
(RJE) access for low volume users.
PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
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DATA
IICATIQN ARCHITECTI
TIVITY OPTIONS
EPA's data network offers multiple connectivity options to meet a variety of user
needs.
• IBM 3178 compatible terminal device access to IBM. VAX and E-Mail hosts.
An IBM 3178 compatible terminal can access an LMF or IBM 3090 at
NCC via the SNA network. The IBM 3090 offers "reverse protocol
conversion" software {SIMWARE) which converts IBM 3178
datastream to ASCII protocol and facilitates access to VAX and E-Mail
hosts that support only ASCII terminal devices. Sites with IBM 3178
compatible terminals are connected to Telex 3174 Cluster Controllers
configured with "reverse protocol conversion" firmware which permits
access to VAX hosts and the E-Mail service via the network.
• ASCII Terminal device access to IBM Hosts.
ASCII terminals have three options to access IBM hosts. ASCII
terminals can access a local or NCC protocol converter device or 3274
emulation device (PRIME/SNA or DEC/SNA gateway) and appear to
IBM hosts as a 3178 SNA terminal. ASCII terminals may also use the
X.25 PAD and switch at NCC to access IBM hosts via the NPSI
software in the communications (front end) processor at RTF. ASCII
terminals connected to Tymnet engines can also use a 3270 protocol
conversion feature to access IBM Mainframes. PCs connected in a
Token Ring LAN can use an SNA gateway to access IBM Mainframes
(see page 36).
* ASCII Terminal Access to E-Mail Hosts.
Three options are provided for ASCII/Asynchronous terminal access to
the E-Mail host at Diateom (a PRIME minicomputer), if the terminal is
linked to a local PRIME minicomputer in a Regional Office, the
backbone network provides a PRIME NET/X.25 link to Diateom via the
National Computer Center. Headquarters has its own local link to
Diateom and does not pass through NCC. Users not connected to
dedicated networks (backbone and Tymnet private network) can use
Tymnet public data network to access the E-Mail host.
Page 21
PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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DATA
)MMUNICATION ARCHITECTURE
IECT1VITY OPTIONS
I. Universal terminal access to tier I and tier I! hosts
A. IBM 3178 TERMINAL
VAX OR OTHER
ASCII HOST
(E-MAIL PRIME)
TERMINAL
CLUSTER
COR ROLLER
B. ASCII TERMINAL OR PC/MAC WITH
TERMINAL EMULATION ACCESS
WORKSTATION
WORKSTATION
jQfEPA/AMPB
"EPA'sInformation Technology Experts"
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DATA
>MMUNH
iONNECTIVI
ARCHI
Tl
ASCII Terminal Access to the RTP VAX Cluster.
A terminal (or a personal computer emulating an ASCII terminal)
connected to a local VAX could access the VAX Cluster at NCC/RTP
using the backbone or Tymnet network, as shown in the diagram. A
terminal not connected to a local host can dial-up the Tymnet public
data network or WATS facility to access the VAX cluster at RTP.
jQfEPA/AMPB
"ERA'S Information Technology Experts"
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DATA
iMMUNICATIQN ARCHITE'
CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
l^ NETWORK ^J
EPA X.25
NETWORK
DESKTOP
WORKSTATION
DESKTOP
WORKSTATION
DESKTOP
WORKSTATION
A
jQpEPA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts'
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NICATIQN ARCHITI
CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
The Agency has provided tools in the data communications architecture to
facilitate file transfer across various platforms. This is a list of the tools used in
file transfer between local platforms such as LANs and remote platforms via the
wide area network.
EPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
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DATA COMMUNICATION ARCHITECT!
CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
II. Host-Host File Transfer
1A. IBM 3090 - IBM LMF
• SNA, Bulk Data Transfer Feature, NJE
1B. IBM 3090, IBM LMF - IBM PC
• ARBITER, Micro-Mainframe Link Software
• 3270 File Transfer
2. VAX-VAX
• DECnet/X.25
3. VAX - IBM
• SNA Gateway
• Network Job Entry, Distributed File Transfer,
3270 Emulation
4. VAX - IBM PC
• VMS Services for MS-DOS over Ethernet
5. PC-PC in a LAN
• IBM Token Ring/Novell Netware
6. Mac-Mac in a LAN
• Appletalk/TOPS
7. Mac - PC In a LAN
• Flashcard/TOPS
EPA/AMPB "EPA'sInformation Technology Experts'
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Page 27
NETWORK STANDARD!
'EPA's Information Technology Experts"
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NETWORK STANDARDS
Wide Area Network (WANl
• US ASCI I asynchronous terminal communications
(7-bit even parity and 8-bit no parity; dial-up and hardwired;
300-19,200 baud rates)
• IBM protocols supported:
- SNA/SDLC-PU type 2,3270 terminals;
PU type 4/5, MSNF "host to host" SNA;
SNA RJE and NJE
- Bisynchronous Remote Job Entry protocols Including
2780,3780, and HASP multileaving workstation systems
• X.25 packet switching networks, X.25 PAD functions, X.25 host
functions, migrating to full OSI-compliant upper level protocols
andFIPS146(GOSIP)
• DECnet DNA protocols, over X.25 and DDCMP lower layers
• PRIMENET X.25 related protocols over X.25 lower levels
• Perkin Elmer Concurrent Minicomputer X.25 related protocols
over lower X.25 layers
• BITNET protocols and connectivity to both IBM and DEC hosts
jggfEPA/AMPB "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
^^ y
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NETWORK STANDARDS
A
jQfEPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
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NETWORK STANDARDS
Local Area Network fLANh
• IEEE 802.5 IBM Token Ring LAN media with upper layer
protocols of:
- Novell Advanced Netware SPX and IPX protocols
- IBM NETBIOS related protocols for higher level
connectivity of IBM 3270 ring-attached cluster controllers
• IEEE 802.3 Ethernet LAN media with upper layer protocols of:
- DECNET related Ethernet protocols
- PRIMENET related Ethernet protocols
- Other TCP/IP connectivity to Agency supercomputers and
GIS LAN-based workstations
• IEEE 802.2 media access control layer - compliant protocols
• APPLETALK LAN media with upper layer protocols of:
- TOPS
PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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PERI
AGENCY STANDARD
NAL COMPUTER PACKA(
Agency standard packages include: PC/MS-DOS and Apple's FINDER or
MultiFINDER as operating systems (OS/2 will be added soon), 1-2-3 as a
calculation and spreadsheet application, dBase IV as a database application,
Crosstalk XVI for communications, DCA-compatible software for word processing
requirements, and Novell and TOPS as network operating systems.
The Agency has an upgrade policy with respect to new versions of EPA standard
PC packages. The policy requires that the Agency stay current with the latest
releases of standard software wherever possible. New releases of standard
software, therefore, will be examined and implemented into Agency contracts for
new orders, and a mechanism will be provided to upgrade the installed base of
software. This policy does not require that all users upgrade all the installed
base of software, but users are encouraged to do so.
EPA/AMPB
"EM'S Information Technology Experts'
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AGENCY STANDARD
PERSONAL COMPUTER PACKAGES
Operating Systems
• PC/MS DOS (OS/2 to be added)
• Apple's FINDER (Multifinder)
Spreadsheets
• 1-2-3
Databases
• dBase IV
Communications
• Crosstalk XVI
Word Processing
• Any DCA-compatible package such as WordPerfect,
WordStar, Multimate, etc.
Network Operating Systems
• Novell Netware (for MS-DOS Workstations pn an IBM
Token Ring LAN)
• TOPS (for MAC-MAC and MAC-PC networking)
A
JjjfEPA/AMPB
'EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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•CTIVITY OPTIONS
This diagram illustrates the architecture for linking multiple Token Ring LANs in
an establishment (facility). Typically, each department or user group will control
its own LAN. They may, however, need to access other LANs in the same
establishment to share printing devices, communications gateways, large file
storage devices, or common working files. Two options for such connectivity are
available.
Typically a backbone ring will be built for the facility to provide inter-LAN
connectivity. In the first option, internal bridge software is implemented in the
NOVELL /Netware file server of the user LAN, which, in turn, is linked to the
backbone. The second option uses a dedicated PC with bridge software
connected to the backbone and user LAN.
PA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts'
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LAN CONNECTIVITY
Intra-Facility Connectivity between Token Ring LANS
• Using Internal Bridge
• Using External Bridge
m*m
m
EPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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(f
LAN CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
This diagram illustrates the options to link a Token Ring LAN to an ASCII or IBM
hosts (e.g. IBM LMFs, the mainframe, and the DEC VAXes).
Connection to an ASCII host from a LAN is supported by an Asynchronous
Communication Service (ACS) gateway PC residing on the LAN. The gateway
PC can allow as many as 128 connections depending on its configuration.
LAN connection to an IBM host can be achieved through several networking
methods. Each method has the following two basic requirements: the PCs on
the LAN which need to access the host must be running 3270 workstation
software, and a PC on the LAN must function as a dedicated SNA gateway. The
first method of connection uses the IBM 37x5 front end processor. The front end
processor is equiped with a Token Ring Interface Card (TIC) which enables a
Token Ring/SNA connection. The second method uses a TIC equipped cluster
controller which may be channel attached directly to the IBM host or network
linked to a front end processor.
PA/AMPB
"EPA's In formation Technology Experts1
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iNNECTIVITY OPTIONS
3270 or ASCII
WORKSTA'
SOFTWARE
ASYNCH/ASCII
HOSTS
DIAL-IN/OUT
MODEMS
DEDICATED SNA
GATEWAY
TOKEN RING
LAN
IBM 3090
OR
4381 IMF
TOKEN RING
INTERFACE
COUPLER (TIC)
CLUSTER
CONTROLLER
CLUSTER
CONTROLLER
DEDICATED SNA
GATEWAY
DEDICATED SNA
GATEWAY
TOKEN
RING
UN
TOKEN
RING
LAN
3270 WORKSTATION
SOFTWARE
3270 WORKSTATION
SOFTWARE
Token Ring LAN to Host Connectivity (Gateway)
Options
• ACS Gateway to ASCII Hosts and Dial-In/Out Modems
• SNA Workstation Software
• Dedicated SDLC/SNA Gateway
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
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ARCHITECTURE
There are five major procurement actions being implemented by the Architectural
Management and Planning Branch (AMPB) that will impact the capacity and
architecture of the computing platforms in the agency.
IBM platforms (NCC IBM 3090 and LMFs) can now be upgraded to larger
capacity systems. Since a multi-year mainframe contract was awarded in June
1989, EPA has replaced Its IBM 3090-400E and 3090-300E computers with two
IBM 3090*6003 systems. EPA also plans to replace the IBM 4381 LMF in
Cincinnati, OH, with an IBM 3090-180E system in the first quarter of FY90.
A procurement to modernize VAX computers at NCC and ORD Laboratories is
progressing. Contract award is anticipated before the close of FY90.
AMPB has developed specifications for the acquisition of workstations. The
procurement includes Intel 80386 based processors which will support the OS/2
operating system, as well as a variety of peripheral devices, application software,
and LAN hardware and software.
AMPB is evaluating proposals for agency-wide image processing platforms to
support a variety of applications for Program, Administrative, and Regional
Offices. The Superfund Transaction Automation Retrieval System (STARS) will
be implemented on this platform. A contract award is expected in the first quarter
ofFY90.
In addition, the agency is developing specifications for implementing Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) on a modern architecture. GIS applications such as
IPS will support environmental management and data integration functions in
each of the Agency's programs at Headquarters and Regional Offices. It is
anticipated that a system of high performance workstations, connected via local
area networks to powerful file servers, will meet the computational, graphical,
and data-storage requirements. Contract award is anticipated in FY90.
PA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts"
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TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE
A. Procurements
• Multi-Year Mainframes Acquisition
- Provides Additional Capacity for Tier I and Tier II
IBM-Compatible Hosts.
• Scientific Computing Equipment Acquisition
- Provides for Agency-wide VAX/VMS Upgrades.
• Workstation Procurement
- New Generation of Desktop/LAN Platforms
• Image Processing System Procurement
- Establishes Image Processing Platform
• Geographic Information System (GIS) Hardware Procurement
- Provides for a new generation of GIS Platform
iQfEPA/AMPB "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
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f
TRENDS IN ARCHITECTI
EPA's scientific community and Agency management have created several large
FORTRAN-based mathematical models concerning air pollution and acid rain.
These models allow the study of pollutant transport over multi-state areas and
the chemical transformation of pollutants by the action of the sun, atmospheric
moisture, and atmospheric mixing. Two models now used on a production basis
are the Regional Oxidant Model (ROM) and the Regional Acid Deposition Model
(RADM).
AMPB has proposed acquisition of a high performance scientific computer to
support RADM, ROM, and other modeling efforts in the Agency. The proposal
has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for FY91
Congressional approval. Supercomputer time is now being purchased on an
hourly basis from the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder,
Colorado. Negotiations with the Microelectronic Center of North Carolina
(MCNC) are underway to use their Cray Y-MP system for the ROM and RADM
models. EPA expects to start using the MCNC facility in the first or second
quarter of FY90.
Models of this type require massive files of numeric data as input and create
massive output files. Scientific visualization using high-powered graphics
workstations is a possible method for increasing the productivity of EPA
scientists engaged in modeling. The effectiveness of these techniques is being
explored through a contract with a small firm in Chapel Hill, NC.
JQJEPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts1
Page 39
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TRENDS IN ARCHITI
B. High Performance Scientific Computing
• interim Support Facilities
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder,
Colorado (CRAY X-MP)
- Microelectronic Center of North Carolina, RTF
NCSC (North Carolina Supercomputer Center)
(CRAY Y-MP, Fall'89)
• Potential for In-House Platform
- Submitted as a FY91 Budget Initiative
- Developing Plans for Acquisition
• Visualization Lab
- Planning Initiated
PA/AMPB "EPA's Information Technology Experts"
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f
While the current data communications network provides adequate connectivity,
plans are being developed to modernize the EPA National Data Communications
System and to make It a powerful information access and transfer utility.
Plans have been developed to exploit the economies and services available in
the QSA's FTS-2000 network. Implementation will begin as soon as QSA/AT&T
make the services available to EPA.
An X.25 switch contract was awarded in September 1989. The new X.25 switch
technology will provide a more robust, functional, and manageable X.25 network.
X.25 traffic will grow to support the agency's new technologies such as GIS,
LIMS, and image processing applications.
Plans are being developed to provide a replacement for the Tymnet network as
that contract expires at the end of FY91.
When IBM and DEC comply with QOSIP, EPA will implement these capabilities
into the network to provide interoperability between DEC and IBM platforms. In
the procurement of future platforms, GOSIP compliance will become a standard
requirement.
Plans for connecting EPA LANs in a metropolitan area are being developed to
provide high speed Intel-connectivity, Wide Area Network communications
gateway sharing, and premium peripheral device sharing among the Metropolitan
Area Networks (MANs).
AMPB has also initiated a program to develop the architecture/vision of an
information transfer utility for 1995.
jQfEPA/AMPB
EPA's In formation Technology Experts"
Page 41
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TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE
C. Telecommunications Planning for the 1990's
(TCS90 Project)
• Phase I
- Provide for FTS-2000 Transition
- Provide a more Robust, Secure, and Flexible Network which
will Evolve towards Federal (GOSIP) and International
Standards (OS I)
- Implement in 1991
• Phase II
- Provides Significantly New Services to End Users
- Is Easy to Operate and Manage
- Complies with Standards to Support a High Level of
Communication Across Diverse HW/SW Platforms in
the Agency
- This Information Transfer Utility Evolves in Mid 90's
iQVEPA/AMPB "EPA's In formation Technology Experts'
^ ^^^^ .... . I _,
Page 42
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iCTURAL MANAGEMENT AND
PLANNING BRANCH
The Architectural Management and Planning Branch (AMPB) of the National
Data Processing Division (NDPD) in Research Triangle Park, NC, will continue its
efforts to modernize EPA's information technology architecture and conduct
information technology assessment. With close cooperation between NDPD, the
Office of Information Resource Management (OIRM), Program Offices, Regional
Offices, and Labs, EPA will continue to benefit from AMPB's efforts to bring new
information technology to the agency.
A key function of AMPB is to manage the agency-wide Information Technology
Architectural Support (ITAS) contract. This contract enables the Agency to
acquire professional and expert services for application systems planning,
feasibility studies, prototyping, local area network design, wide area network
design, and information technology planning.
The attached organization chart identifies specific roles of the Technology
Managers in AMPB. Their telephone numbers are provided so that you may
share your thoughts with them.
Your comments on this document would be appreciated. Please direct them to
Ted Harris (Email T.Harris, phone FTS 629-2538, or FAX FTS 629-1191).
jQjfEPA/AMPB
"EPA's Information Technology Experts'
Page 43
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