Open architecture network manager

A network manager has been launched that features open architecture and will enable users to control and manage both modems and multiplexers, as well as perform management applications con- currently from a single workstation.

The 9800 Series Integrated Network Management System, from Motorola Codex, combines a graphically-oriented, clear, consistent method of configuring, monitoring and controlling devices in a network, with an integrated database and integrated application tools for event,

fault, performance and configuration management.

The 9800 is conformant to emerging OSI standards; the open architecture allows users to control and manage the network as a single entity. All network management applications have been integrated and can be accessed from a single workstation.

The Codex 9800 uses a single system/device interface designed to eliminate protocol differences at the device level.

The 9800 system design separates

OSI conformant communications server

A communications server has been launched that conforms to all seven of the OSI protocol specifications for Open Systems Interconnection. The Communications Server/1-OSI (CS/1- OSI), from Bridge Communications, is a modular communications processor that runs Bridge's internally-developed implementation of the OSI protocol specification. It connects up to 64 terminals, personal computers, printers, host ports and modems to a I_AN, networking any combination of asynchronous, bit and character synchronous and IBM 3270 Category A or compatible devices.

Connection to terminals and other devices on the network is provided by the OSI Virtual Terminal Protocol (VTP, OSI layer 7), featuring the Telnet profile, which permits distributed access to any networked host computers compatible with this standard high level protocol. Users attached to CS/1-OSI units placed at convenient locations throughout a customer facility can switch back and forth between OSI/VTP based hosts using simple commands.

Among new features specific to Bridge's OSI software implementation are network user Iogin, allowing each port to be independently configured to restrict network access, and a built in packet generator, to perform

network diagnostics while the network is operational.

In addition, the CS/1-OSI offers macros (names command sequences), multiple sessions (up to eight per port), logical names in place of

the network management tech- nologies into two distinct functions: those that provide real-time communications such as device polling, alarm processing and protocol conversion; and manage- ment applications that include fault, performance, event and configura- tion management. The system's communications applications pro- cessor employs the widely-used VME bus architecture in conjunction with parallel processing techniques to provide high-volume, real-time processing. (Motorola Information Systems Ltd., Chervil House, 28 Stafford Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 9,41_, UK. Tel: 01-669 5241, Telex: 8956379) []

addresses, time stamped session audit trail records for network management, call queuing and User and Manager privilege levels. The network manager can execute all these functions using a convenient menu driven interface. (Bridge Communications Ltd., Lloyds Bank Building, 56 High Street, Maflow-on- Thames, Bucks SL7 1AJ, UK. Tel: (06284) 74726) []

Dial-up modems with network management

Powerful and centralized network management - - until now the exclusive domain of private leased- circuit network users - is available for the first time to the dial-up modem user with the announcement of the Racal-Milgo MDS 2.

Traditionally, networks of dial-up modems have been built and run piecemeal fashion without any real centralized control or monitoring. Many network operators have relied largely on judgement in system planning and maintenance.

The Racal-Milgo MDS 2 is able to manage from a single site, up to 8 000 modems which can be located throughout the world. Instant performance and usage statistics are available for any single modem, with alarms to signal any failures.

Key to the MDS 2 system is an

'intelligent' chassis, housed at a network dial-in node, and containing up to 32 modems or associated units. RacaI-Milgo has specially developed the V14491 E quad-standard modem to work with the MDS 2. It offers V.21, V.23, V.22 and V.22bis protocols with MNP error control and can be linked to companion autodial and dial-back security modules.

Each of up to 255 MDS 2 chassis is normally linked to a single IBM personal computer at the network control centre.

In addition to monitoring and control functions, the MDS 2 software permits a full network traffic analysis to be performed, rapidly pin- pointing any unusually busy or congested access points. (Racal- Milgo Ltd., Landata House, Station Road, Hook, Hants RG2 7 9JF, UK) []

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