FTSNet
FTSNet is a collection of advanced applications that allows Verizon Business government customers to manage their FTS2001 Bridge services online from their desktop. This innovative electronic commerce solution enables Verizon Business to maximize customer care by providing easy access to a suite of user-friendly tools that allows government agencies to purchase, monitor, analyze and control their telecommunications resources.
Once an agency selects Verizon Business as their FTS2001 Bridge telecommunications service provider, it is very important to establish physical access to FTSNet and apply for user accounts. Following are descriptions of the necessary processes to:
- Establish Physical Access to FTSNet
- Add Additional User IP Addresses
- Register for FTSNet User Access
Establish Physical Access to FTSNet
Authorized users can access FTSNet from their desktop computer through their own agency's LAN/WAN using only the Microsoft® Internet Explorer Web browser. No special applications or tools are required. Agencies must establish physical access to FTSNet by ordering and installing frame relay access from the Agency LAN/WAN to the Verizon Business FTSNet server. Dedicated frame relay access is required because although FTSNet is a Web-based application, it is not yet available through the World Wide Web.
| Task | User |
| Determine Location and Bandwidth For Dedicated Access Line(s) | Client Agency Working With Account Team |
| Submit External Project Initiation (EPI) Form | Verizon Business Account Team |
| Obtain PVC Termination Points From EDMS Engineer | Verizon Business Account Team |
| Submit Dedicated Frame Relay Order | Client Agency With Forms Provided by Verizon Business Account Team |
| Routine Order Process | Verizon Business Account Team/FTS2001 Bridge Order Coordinators |
| Test and Accept FTSNet Service | EDMS Project Team, Verizon Business Account Team and Client Agency |
Determine Location and Bandwidth For Dedicated Access Line(s)
To initiate the FTSNet physical access, the Client Agency and Account Team must first identify the optimum location and bandwidth needed for the dedicated Frame Relay Service. The objective is to minimize the access costs incurred while ensuring there is enough bandwidth provided to support the agency's users at an acceptable throughput.
If the customer location already has an FTS2001 Bridge Frame Relay Service access loop, all that will be required is the primary and secondary (redundant) PVCs to the External Gateway Network (EGN) routers described below. However, a high number of FTSNet users may require an increase to the customer's current access port speed. The Verizon Business Account Team Sales Engineer (SE) can assist in assessing these requirements. For locations that will have a large number of FTSNet users, it is highly recommended that a dedicated access loop and frame relay port be provided solely for FTSNet.
Ideally, the agency should access FTSNet from a single location's LAN or from a centralized WAN that allows all users access through a single port. If this is not possible, the following options should be considered:
- Additional dedicated frame relay lines as required
- Dial up access arranged between the agency with their users.
- Access via dial up connection (ICB).
Access Circuit Sizing. Use the following table to select the appropriate access loop speed, frame relay port (same as PVC), primary PVC and CIR:
| Users | Access Circuit Speed | Port | CIR Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | T-1 | 128KB | 64KB |
| 3-4 | T-1 | 256KB | 128KB |
| 5-8 | T-1 | 384KB | 256KB |
| 9-12 | T-1 | 512KB | 384KB |
| 13-14 | T-1 | 768KB | 512KB |
| 15-24 | T-1 | 1008KB | 768KB |
| 25-28 | T-1 | 1024KB | 896KB |
| 29-32 | T-1 | 1280KB | 1024KB |
| 33-40 | T-1 | 1344KB | 1280KB |
| 41-48 | T-1 | 1536KB | 1344KB |
Submit External Project Initiation Form-Verizon Business Account Team
The Verizon Business Account Team is responsible for completing and submitting an External Project Initiation (EPI) Form for Frame Relay Service access to FTSNet. Once the EPI form is received by the Verizon Business External Data Management Services (EDMS) staff, the EDMS project team will engineer and install the FTSNet Frame Relay Service Private Virtual Circuit (PVC) to the agency's EGN router. The EGN allows controlled customer access to the Internal Data Network (IDN) through a firewall that is managed by the EDMS security engineers.
The EDMS engineers will determine the primary location for each Frame Relay Service PVC and provide the termination information for each site. An EDMS project team will be assigned to work closely with the Account Team and the agency to get the service operational. Their responsibilities will include scheduling meetings and providing project management.
Submit Dedicated Frame Relay Order-Client Agency
Once originating primary and secondary (if desired) PVC termination points and circuit size have been selected, the client agency should submit a dedicated Frame Relay Service order following the routine FTS2001 Bridge Frame Relay Service order entry process.
The Account Team and the FTSNet coordinators will track the frame relay order until completion keeping the EDMS group informed of its progress. As soon as the completion date for the frame relay circuit is known, the EDMS group will schedule the FTSNet test and acceptance date.
FTSNet Test and Acceptance
An FTSNet test and acceptance will be scheduled to prove the connection to the server and the application. This test will be coordinated with the agency, the Verizon Business Account Team and the EDMS engineers. This process should not be confused with the acceptance of the frame relay circuit which occurs prior to this testing, although it could occur on the same day. The Account Team and the agency should also test by logging into all of the applications that are to be used. It is highly recommended that an agency LAN engineer or administrator be available during the test and acceptance processes.
Add Additional User IP Addresses
If a new User IP address or address range needs to be added after completion of the initial service installation, it should be requested through the Verizon Business Account Team.
The Account Team will submit a Filter Change Request Form to the EDMS staff with the information listed below. The agency will need to identify the new user addresses to be added.
- Verizon Business Contact Name
- Verizon Business Contact Phone #
- Verizon Buisness Contact E-mail
- Company Name of External Entity
- External Entity Contact Name
- External Entity Contact Phone #
- External Entity Contact E-mail
- Justification for Access
- Protocol Used
- Originating TCP/IP Address(es)
- Destination TCPIP Address(es)
- Type of Access Needed (TCP or UDP)
- Port Number(s)
The typical interval to have filter requests completed is 5 business days from receipt of the Filter Change Request Form from the Account Team.
Register for FTSNet User Access
Client Agencies are responsible for all FTSNet user authorizations. Access to FTSNet applications will be controlled at the individual user level. Each authorized user will be given user identifications (IDs) and passwords for each of the applications they are authorized to access within FTSNet.
To ensure access is granted on valid authority and to formalize the access request process, the GSA and subscribing agencies must identify Agency Authorizing Officials (AAOs). These officials are solely responsible for authorizing FTSNet access to prospective users. Users will not be granted access to FTSNet without first receiving authorization from their agency's AAO. Prospective users can register to receive authorization by completing a User Access Request (UAR) form through one of the methods listed below.
Automated Online New User Account Request Process:
Step 1. All prospective users must complete a User Access Request (UAR) form identifying the access and privileges required. The UAR form is accessible online by selecting the registration button on the FTSNet log on page at http://ftsnet.mcilink.com or http://www.fts2001bridge.com. The prospective user does not need an FTSNet account to access the UAR form
Step 2. Prospective users can choose their agency's AAO by selecting the appropriate official from the drop down selection of valid AAOs. When the form is complete and the prospective user clicks on the submit button, their online UAR form will be automatically e-mailed to the selected AAO.
Step 3. The AAO reviews the UAR form and, if approved, forwards the e-mail with the attached UAR to Verizon Business at fts-net@verizonbusiness.com to create the account.
Step 4. Once a complete UAR form is received at Verizon Business from a valid AAO, Verizon Business will activate the new user's account and notify the new user by e-mail. If the form is unclear or incomplete, the FTSNet administrator will contact the prospective user directly for clarification.
Manual New User Account Request Process:
Step 1. All prospective users must complete a User Access Request (UAR) form identifying the access and privileges required. The UAR form is available from your Verizon Business Account Team in hard copy or electronically in Microsoft® Word format. You may also request the form via e-mail at fts-net@verizonbusiness.com.
Step 2. The prospective user must submit the completed UAR form to their assigned AAO for review and approval.
Step 3. The AAO may submit approved UAR forms as a signed hard copy, or they can e-mail the completed soft copies of the approved UAR form to the following addresses. Only UAR forms signed or e-mailed by a valid AAO will be accepted.
| Mail: | FTSNet Administrator, 22001 Loudoun County Parkway, Ashburn, VA 20147 |
|---|---|
| Facsimile: | (703) 886-0840 |
| E-mail: | fts-net@verizonbusiness.com |
Step 4. Once a complete UAR form is received at Verizon Business from a valid AAO, we will activate the new user's account and notify the new user by e-mail. If the form is unclear or incomplete, the FTSNet administrator will contact the prospective user directly for clarification.
Account Maintenance Process:
Users can change their password and personal contact information online within FTSNet. Maintenance of account privileges will be through the same UAR form. Follow the same new user account process above except mark either "Changing a Current User" or "Deleting a User" on the UAR form.
If an AAO wishes to expedite the deletion of a user or deny access, an e-mail notification can be sent to the ftsnet administrator at fts-net@verizonbusiness.com.