Cabletron Systems CSX1000, CSX1200 Interoperability Overview, Radius, Interoperability Protocols

USER’S GUIDE

•Protocol Discrimination

It is possible for multiple types of remote devices to use the same line. The system can determine the device type and the protocol encapsulation used by remote devices.

•RS232 Port: Dual Usage

If your installation requires you to process PPP-Async data, this feature allows you to use the RS232 port for either console access or a serial data connection. This dual usage is possible through the CyberSWITCH’s support of Autosense mode and Terminal mode:

•Autosense mode determines whether you are trying to connect using a VT emulation or PPP- Async, and connects you appropriately. (VT emulation requires you to perform four car- riage returns to receive a login prompt.)

•Terminal mode assumes that you only want to connect using VT emulation. A login prompt is displayed as soon as the connection is made.

•Security

Security is a key issue for all central site network managers and is a priority with the CyberSWITCHs. The modules provide high level features that help prevent unauthorized or inadvertent access to critical data and resources. The modules support extensive security levels including:

•PPP PAP and CHAP

•User name and password

•Calling Line ID (CLID)

•Ethernet Address

•User Authentication

•Device Authentication

•SecureFast Virtual Remote Access (SFVRA)

•TACACS Client with Radius Server

•RADIUS

•Security Dynamic’s ACE/SecurID

•Simultaneous Connections

The system supports simultaneous connections to multiple locations. These locations can connect by using different channels on the same line, or they can connect on different lines. This pooling of lines among many potential locations is more cost effective than alternative point- to-point lines.

INTEROPERABILITY OVERVIEW

“Interoperability” is the ability to operate and exchange information in a heterogeneous network. The CyberSWITCH supports interoperability with many different remote devices over ISDN.

INTEROPERABILITY PROTOCOLS

In order to communicate with various remote devices over ISDN, the CyberSWITCH must identify the device type and the protocol it is using.

The CyberSWITCH supports the following line protocols:

•HDLC Ethernet Frames

•Ordered Protocol for Ethernet Frames

•Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) Encapsulation for IP Datagrams

30 CyberSWITCH