Comztek has introduced Nortel Networks` BayStack 820 ISDN Router, designed to connect branch office and/or remote users affordably to a central corporate site or to the Internet. An all-in-one solution, the unit includes a four-port Ethernet hub to connect multiple PCs, and two analog (POTS) line ports to connect a phone and fax machine.
In addition, the unit supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) connectivity to provide secure, cost-effective communications over public networks such as the Internet.
Comztek product manager Anton van Bers says branch offices and telecommuters do not typically have dedicated information systems (IS) staff to provide technical support, underscoring the need for easy installation.
Users simply follow the browser-based installation wizard through an intuitive, step-by-step setup procedure. Simplicity is further enhanced by the built-in Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) server, which automatically assigns a private IP address to each local area network (LAN) user.
Without proper management, dial-up access charges can add up quickly. The BayStack 820 router closely monitors data traffic and contains costs by automatically bringing up and taking down the connection as necessary.
"Further, since an ISDN line is comprised of two B channels with of bandwidth of 64 Kbps each, the unit can used either one, or both, of the channels depending on the amount of data that is being transmitted," he explains.
The BayStack 820 is designed to provide robust network security. The unit supports both the PPP Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) and Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol (CHAP) to check each incoming call against an internal database.
In addition to PAP and CHAP, other security features include ISDN Callback, Calling Line Identification (CLID), and packet filtering. Callback authenticates incoming calls, disconnects and then calls back the caller to ensure security. CLID allows the router to accept or reject an incoming call based on the phone number of the device calling into the network.
Devices on the LAN are assigned private IP addresses by the built-in DHCP server, enabling them to gain access to the Internet while preventing hackers or Internet intruders from accessing them.
"Virtual Private Networking can offer a cost-effective alternative to direct dial-in remote access. The 820 enables branch offices to share resources and applications as if a direct connection existed between them. Considerable cost savings can be realised by eliminating long distance charges when connecting to remote offices," van Bers adds.
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