Today's networks have complex remote connectivity and communications requirements. These needs change day to day. Network managers need a product that satisfies all of their communications needs and can be easily installed and maintained.
The LANexpress 4000 Server, version 3.0, supports both Ethernet (AUI, BNC and 10BaseT) and 4/16 Token Ring LANs. LAN installation is as simple as plugging in a cable and is consistent across multiple topologies. LANexpress 4000 simultaneously supports multiple network protocols such as Novell IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, NetBIOS, DECnet, Banyan VINES and 802.2/LLC. In addition, LANexpress 4000 combines routing efficiency with bridging simplicity by balancing functionality from both technologies.
LANexpress 4000 Server is a complete dial-in and dial-out communications system, allowing remote access to electronic bulletin boards, public information services and terminal emulation. Any communications application supporting the NCSI interface or COM port redirection can dial-out to public information services and access remote mainframes.
The LANexpress 4000 Server features quick installation and easy maintenance. It is preconfigured by Microcom with integrated 28.8Kbs modems supporting V.34 standards, a LAN interface and software. There are no complex routing tables to configure. The software is designed to automatically recognize the network topology from the LAN.
With version 3.0, LANexpress supports both the Point-to-Point Protocol, PPP and the Apple Remote Access Protocol, ARAP. This support enables PPP remote clients such as Windows NT RAS and Windows 95 RAS clients to dial-up and connect to a LANexpress Server and access NetWare, LAN Manager and UNIX resources. ARAP 1.0 or 2.0 support enables remote Macintosh users to access the corporate network through the LANexpress Server. One solution solves the remote connectivity issues for all remote users, and this flexibility gives users the freedom to choose the remote desktop that best meets their needs.
An option is available to configure a welcome message that is displayed when a remote user connects to LANexpress. This can be customized to display any text message, and is useful for broadcasting messages to remote users.
Protecting corporate resources makes security a top priority. The LANexpress 4000 Server provides multiple security levels for dial-in and dial-out users. Each server keeps an encrypted user database to track individual user profiles and an event log to track user activity.
Dial-in security prevents unauthorized users from accessing corporate LAN resources. Remote users must enter a user name and password before connecting through the LANexpress 4000 Server. For added security, the password is encrypted and each user profile can be configured for passthrough, fixed dialback or roving dialback security. Dial-out security prevents unauthorized use of long distance telephone services by verifying user name and password dial-out access rights before connecting the user to a modem. Each user can have either unlimited dial-out access or a fixed telephone number for limited access.
Each LANexpress 4000 Server keeps a security database of all users. Upon passing the administrator's security clearance, the encrypted database files can be easily viewed, edited or archived via the Windows-based management console. In addition, user activity can be monitored and logged at each LANexpress 4000 Server to help track security breaches.
For enhanced security capability, the LANexpress 4000 Server has fully integrated Security Dynamics, Inc. (SDI) software which works with the SDI ACE/Server. The ACE/Server is an integrated software security server that centrally manages and administers user access to the network. It is used in conjunction with the SecurID card, a credit card sized smartcard that displays a randomly generated access code that automatically changes every 60 seconds. The ACE/Server also includes a comprehensive audit trail that records all access attempts.
Remote access traffic increases rapidly as corporations add new remote users and new applications. Network managers need tools to keep track of growing remote access activity. For troubleshooting and capacity planning, the LANexpress 4000 Server includes complete management, monitoring and control tools.
Microcom's LANexpress 4000 Server uses the industry standard Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for management from Microcom's expressWATCH or third-party SNMP-based network management systems. The LANexpress Management Information Base (MIB) enables network managers to monitor LAN and WAN activity, isolate faults and fine-tune the remote access network. In addition, connection statistics can be collected for call accounting, capacity planning and department charge backs.
Out-of-band management over dial-up modems connects network managers to any LANexpress 4000 Server from off site. Any LANexpress remote client running expressWATCH can dial into the LANexpress 4000 Server for full access. The LANexpress Server can be software upgraded or backed up from a local or remote Windows workstation.
expressWATCH provides real time access to LANexpress 4000 Server components. Network managers can troubleshoot any component, including the modems, while in use. Solutions without integrated modems cannot.
Standard telephone and cellular connections don't provide the multi-megabyte bandwidth of a LAN. In addition, performance bottlenecks can occur within the access server in other remote access products. LANexpress 4000 eliminates serial port bottlenecks in the server since the modems attach directly to the LANexpress 4000 Server bus. Data travels through the server packet by packet, instead of byte by byte, decreasing overhead and transit delays.
Simultaneous remote node and remote control on a single connection give users an additional performance advantage. Network managers can configure each application to use the remote access method that provides the best performance. Remote node is best suited for applications that are highly interactive. Remote node extends the network to remote users and allows them to become nodes on the network. Remote control allows remote users to control another PC attached to a LAN and access the files and applications of that PC. Bandwidth is conserved by sending only keystrokes and video function calls over the link. LANexpress Premium Remote Client delivers simultaneous remote node, remote control and terminal emulation on a single call. This fully integrated software includes Carbon Copy(TM) for Windows for high-performance remote control access to PCs on the LAN.
With LANexpress 4000, multiple remote control and remote node applications run simultaneously over one dial-up connection.