As a continuation of its adaptive networking strategy, Bay Networks has introduced the Nautica 4000 network access server, a multifunction platform that combines dial access and routing in a single device. The Nautica 4000 is designed to facilitate the access and routing needs of branch offices and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) networks. The Nautica 4000 supports synchronous (ISDN) and asynchronous dial access simultaneously as well as supporting dedicated connections with traditional leased line, point-to-point and Frame Relay services. The modular platform design allows customers to purchase features to suit their current needs while ensuring plenty of horsepower for easy migration to future network requirements. Ideal for enterprise networks supporting up to 150 users, the Nautica 4000 offers a price and density lower than the typical remote access concentrator (RAC) and provides a more economical and versatile solution for a complete SME network strategy. Small and medium enterprises can optimise their investment by acquiring a single platform which supports the majority of their access needs. As SMEs take their businesses online to remain competitive, cost and compatibility become paramount to the purchasing decision. The Nautica 4000 network access server is a six slot modular platform configured to support multiple ISDN BRI, ISDN PRI, synchronous or asynchronous serial interfaces, along with internal analog modem capability. Supporting four base module slots and two expansion slots, the Nautica 4000 provides more value-added services while decreasing the managerial complexity for IS managers and users who are transitioning or expanding into decentralised offices. Although the Nautica 4000 network access server acts as an SME branch office router, it also has the advantage of being an integral part of the WAN backbone network. With more and more SMEs looking to establish a Web presence or offer support to telecommuters, the Nautica 4000 provides a single platform for this. It offers flexibility and ease-of-use for monitoring and configuration by providing on-net capability for Internet/Intranet access while supporting dominant industry networks such as TCP/IP, Novell and Microsoft. In addition, its simple management structure is also a natural match to the Nautica 200 personal router. The Nautica 4000 reduces cost of ownership for the small enterprise environment by providing flexible migration from Basic Rate ISDN to Primary Rate ISDN in the same box. It also offers multiple interfaces and integrated modems at an affordable price, with optimisation features that maximise performance and interoperability with all standards-based access devices. Running on NauticaRS 4.1 software, features available on the Nautica 4000 network access server include Frame Relay (RFC1490), routing protocols (RIP, RIPII, IPX/RIP and OSPF) and V.120 Sync/Async support. Optimisation features include Network Address Translation (NAT), Port Address Translation (PAT), DHCP Server and a Radius Client for Win95/NT. The Bay Networks Nautica 4000 network access server is now available in South Africa and configurations of the product with 4 BRI and integrated modems start at US$ 4495. Module availability includes ISDN expansion in March of 1998, Nautica WAN modules (single and quad) in April 1998, and a Nautica PRI module in August 1998.
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