Implementing cNIS

cNIS is a Java-based software that needs to be downloaded and installed on a server machine that has access to an empty database. The cNIS software provides a web-based GUI for the users, and web-services-based communication interfaces for automated clients (remote services). The server machine must be able to access the physical network in order to provide functionality for automatic discovery of network topology.

Network operators implement cNIS within their own domains, where it provides a unified repository of all network information. This information can then be shared with local services and applications or exchanged with other cNIS-supported domains in a multi-domain environment.

Once installed, the cNIS software:

• enables the NREN (or other administrative domain) to set up the topology repository through a series of online forms that asks for the data that the operator (or user) needs to input; and it can also enable the automatic data discovery
• provides a visualisation tool to translate network data into maps, tables etc. (see examples in the User Interface page)
• can be shared by applications and services (e.g. AutoBAHN) which are using cNIS as a data repository (known as "remote clients")

 

An Installation Pack is available to network operators, such as NREN, MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) or campus networks, that want to deploy the cNIS software tool. This can be accessed from the Resources page. The Service Desk provides support for software installation, configuration and operation on request.