CressNet
This is the name given to the system linking computers at the four stations.
Inter-station links originally used 64K Kilostream circuits and Cisco routers, the Kilostreams were later changed to 256K versions, although somewhat slow by todays standards they were adequate for the task they performed.
It allowed access to the internet and the call loggers at each site, the plan is to connect the alarm system via CressNet, the first site to be completed is Ropley.
During April/May 2010 the system was upgraded using Campus HDSL units between stations, the Alresford to Ropley link is running 12 times faster than the existing circuit.
The existing Kilostreams and routers have been retained as it allows access to the HDSL units for maintenance purposes.
Each site has a rack for comms equipment located in the exchange room.
Typical comms rack used by CressNet - VDU, since replaced by a LCD screen, is displaying the call logger output.
Old comms rack at Medstead, Strowger exchange rack to the left.
Located in the rack are a number of AC15 units, call logger unit, 2 64K Kilostream units,
a PC and Krone connection strips.
Ropley comms rack, July 2011.
From the top -
AC15 units to the other 3 stations and a Kilostream to Alresford.
VDSL unit.
HDSL units, one to Alresford the other to Medstead.
3COM switch.
Cisco 2516 router.
Patch panel.
3 units involved with the station PA system.
Then out of shot -
Exchange PC.
NTU 11 units associated with Norstar trunks and alarm system.
To connect the boiler and carriage workshops at Ropley to CressNet VDSL technology is used.
Shown below is the remote equipment located in the shed, on the left is a Netgear FS105 5 port switch and a SMC VDSL remote unit on the right.
Installed in the box shown below.
Sadly the carriage workshop was destroyed by fire on July 26th 2010, at the time of writing this no one is allowed access to the building but considering the damage visible from outside it is doubtful if any of the telecoms equipment and cabling has survived.
CressNet equipment box above and Vanguard phone below.
Vanguard phone salvaged from the boiler workshop, this was next door to the carriage workshop that was destroyed by fire.
Replacement remote equipment to replace the one shown above under test in the comms room.
Shown in service in the rebuilt carriage workshop.
3 HDSL units located at Alton are shown below. The unit on the right is the link to Medstead, the other 2 units now form a link from the telephone exchange to the station. The distance is too far for a Cat5 LAN connection.
A wireless network has been provided in the S and T building at Medstead, the type of wi-fi unit shown is also used at other locations on the railway .
Access to a call logger at a remote site proved to be useful in the early days of the Norstar system, while at Alresford there was a report that someone at Ropley was calling the Alresford Buffet but kept getting the Information Office, looking at the Ropley logger output via CressNet it could be seen they were dialling the Buffet using the old Strowger extension number - 2227 on their Norstar phone, as only 3 digits were required they got the Information Office - 222. Problem sorted out quickly without leaving site.
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