Masters Games network Logical answer

Integrator Logical Networks has rolled out a voice-and-data network for this year's Australian Masters Games in Canberra, claimed to be the first IP telephony network for a large multi-discipline tournament in Australia.

The Masters Games started 31 October and will finish 9 November. Logical has provided IP communications from main Games partner Cisco to connect Games headquarters, centre and accreditation centre, including IP telephony in the sport office.

Games results are posted in real-time to the Games website. Organisers hope the advanced network will help cut the cost of running such a large sporting event.

Organisers claim the Healthpact 9th Masters Games -- for people aged 30 and over -- as Australia's biggest multi-discipline sporting event. It expects 10,000 competitors in 52 sports including horse-drawn carriage driving, 10-pin bowling, motorcycling, water skiing, lawn bowls, rock climbing, dog handling, croquet, karting and two kinds of golf.

Stuart Hendry, managing director at Logical Networks in Australia, said the Cisco network was fully functional, flexible and secure.

“For a dynamic environment, like the Masters Games, it's important that the system  is designed for any and all eventualities, and securely managed and maintained for optimal performance 24/7,” Hendry said.

Games organisers had already chosen Cisco AVVID architecture for voice, video and integrated data as the communications backbone. The network incorporates Cisco Catalyst 3500 Series switches, Cisco CallManager, Cisco 7940 and 7960 series IP phones and Cisco 2600 Series routers, uses Cisco IP Security firewalls and WAN.

“We needed a solution that was easy to install, maintain and reconfigure. Cisco was able to provide an IP-based telephony and data system that could reduce our operational costs and allow further application deployment,” according to Lachlan Clark, Australian Masters Games general manager.

Jon Stanhope, ACT Chief Minister, said the Games would have a great impact on the Canberra community and local economy.”The 1997 Australian Masters Games is still fondly remembered as a wonderful celebration of sport and friendship but with almost 2,000 more participants -- this year's event is expected to generate even more excitement in and attention on the national capital,” said Stanhope.

Networking vendor Cisco Systems claims to have sold more than 60,000 IP phones in Australia over the past two years to enterprises, service providers and SMBs.

Jeff Sheard, director of IP enterprise sales for Cisco in Australia and New Zealand, said network convergence could lower ownership costs, simplify wiring and maintenance, and increase flexibility and efficiency.