[ netinfo/nsc-hadmin-duties.txt ] DDN NODE SITE COORDINATOR (NSC) AND HOST ADMINISTRATOR DUTIES DDN NODE SITE COORDINATOR (NSC) ------------------------------- 1. Overview. -------- a. A DDN node site is the physical place where the DDN backbone equipment is located. Normally, this will consist of a PSN, TAC and other associated equipment; however, a node site may also only consist of a remote TAC or mini TAC (NAC). The Node Site Coordinator (NSC) is the person designated to ensure continuous operation of the node site. While the NSC may delegate some tasks to other personnel, the NSC is responsible to DISA DNSO for all node site matters. b. The NSC's primary responsibility is to provide local, on-site technical assistance in case of node hardware or circuit degradation or outage. The NSC also has several administrative responsibilities. Local, on-site technical assistance and administrative responsibilities are detailed below. 2. Local, On-Site Technical Assistance Responsibilities. ---------------------------------------------------- a. The NSC must personally provide or arrange for provision of local, on-site assistance to Monitoring Center controllers on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis. If the node site is located in a facility that is not manned on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis, the NSC must ensure that local, on-site assistance is provided within 2 hours of a request for assistance by the Monitoring Center. b. Local, on-site technical assistance is normally requested by Monitoring Center controllers via telephone. DCA Circular 310-P70-76 provides an introduction to and description of the node site that assists the NSCs in providing the Monitoring Center with more effective local, on-site technical assistance. 3. General Administrative Responsibilities. --------------------------------------- a. Overview. The NSC will be responsible for general administration of the node site in four other areas. These areas and NSC functions within them are given below. For a more detailed discussion of site administration procedures, refer to site-specific documentation available at each site. b. Hardware and Software Accountability. (1) The NSC provides for care and safekeeping of all installed node site equipment, and equipment shipped to the node site for future installation (i.e. normally modems, cables and other small items). (2) The NSC provides for accountability and safekeeping of the PSN and TAC cassette tapes. The NSC should ensure that PSN master and backup tapes are properly marked, stored and maintained in the PSN area. (Note: Further instructions will be provided on this.) c. Site Access Control and Security. (1) The NSC coordinates personnel access to the node site. The NSC acquires a current site access roster of DISA DNSO contractor maintenance personnel from site security personnel and uses it to coordinate node site access. (2) The NSC ensures that installed node site equipment is not altered, tampered with, or moved without proper authorization. d. Maintenance and Installation Coordination. (1) The NSC coordinates, monitors, and verifies the installation and implementation of node hardware, software, and circuits. In the European and Pacific areas, the DISA DNSO Area, Region and Field Offices perform these functions. (2) The NSC coordinates and monitors scheduled and unscheduled corrective maintenance, and scheduled preventive maintenance, as directed by DISA DNSO or the network Monitoring Center. e. General Administration and Coordination. (1) The NSC maintains operating instructions issued by DISA DNSO and the DDN Network Information Center (NIC), such as these instructions. For reference purposes the NSC should maintain a file of current Telecommunications Service Orders (TSOs) for host access lines, directly connected TAC access lines, and interswitch trunks. (2) The NSC maintains liaison with representatives of organizations with whom coordination is necessary for efficient operation of the node site. (For example, the NSC is responsible for maintaining contact with his node's Host Administrators and directly connected TAC users, informing them of any planned or unplanned node site outages.) (3) To support both liaison and local, on-site technical assistance functions, the NSC maintins a list of telephone numbers for the network Monitoring Center, the Host Administrator for each host connected to the DDN PSN's at the node site, and other telephone numbers such as those of the servicing telephone company or local Defense Communications System (DCS) technical control. 4. Electronic Mail Capability. -------------------------- a. The NSC should possess an electronic mail capability to efficiently perform the functions of the NSC. Each NSC should obtain an electronic mail account (mailbox) on a mail server belonging or available to the NSC's command. b. In the event the NSC's command cannot provide terminal equipment support, the node maintenance terminal may be used by the NSC for electronic mail, providing it does not interfere with the Field Service Technician's requirements. c. Upon request, DCA B652 will provide further guidance on the establishment of an electronic mail account. HOST ADMINISTRATOR ------------------ 1. Definitions. ------------ a. Host - A computer attached to a port on a DDN Packet Switch Node. Note: For the purpose of this definition, Terminal Access Controllers (TACs) are not considered hosts; all TACs are part of the DDN node site (backbone) equipment and are under the control of the Monitoring Center. Therefore, no Host Administrator is assigned for a TAC. The local point of contact for all node site matters is the NSC. b. Host Administrator (HA) - That person who has administrative responsibility for the policies, practices, and concerns of a host(s) connected to the DDN, including responsibility for that host's DDN users. 2. Responsibilities. ----------------- a. Assists DISA DNSO, by ensuring that network policies and procedures are observed by their host users. The Host Administrator is responsible for administering the TAC Access Control System (TACACS), ensuring that all of the host users, who are using the network or the TACs, have been authorized for DDN and TAC access, and are registered in the NIC User Registration Database (WHOIS/NICNAM). b. Manages their host's network access control procedures and password system, and is responsible for reporting network-related host break-ins and assisting with investigative effort as needed. c. Coordinates with DISA DNSO on installation and removal of hosts on the DDN. Also, coordinates installation of, or changes to, host software that has direct or indirect impact on the DDN. The Host Administrator provides the DCS Data Systems Directorate and the NIC with required descriptive information for each new host addition or host change, and coordinates the host certification procedure with the DCS Data Systems Directorate prior to passing traffic or testing on the network. The Host Administrator is responsible for the proper implementation and maintenance of DDN protocols at the host level. d. Serves as local point of contact for the respective hosts and local users and coordinates suspected network related problems directly with the appropriate network Monitoring Center. Host Administrators must report problems to the MC for correction. When reporting trouble, obtain a trouble ticket number, which will be used for reference purposes during any follow-up inquiries. e. Provides network information to the NIC, and assists local users and other interested personnel with network related matters. Source: DDN MGT Bulletin 37, 16 Dec 87 Downloaded From P-80 International Information Systems 304-744-2253