MAX 6000/3000 Network Configuration Guide 2-1
2
Configuration Concepts and Profiles
A MAX unit typically serves as a hub for numerous connections to a network. Configuration
should therefore be well planned. The parameters you need to set are organized in groups
referred to as profiles.

Using the MAX as an ISP or telecommuting hub

A MAX unit is a high-performance WAN router that concentrates many incoming connections
onto a corporate backbone or another network, such as the Internet or a Frame Relay network.
The connections are usually switched, but the MAX also supports leased connections for those
users whose connection times justify a permanent virtual connection to the backbone network.
A switched connection is a temporary link between devices, established only for the duration
of a call. When you use bandwidth-on-demand, the MAX adds and subtracts bandwidth as
necessary, keeping connection costs as low as possible.
The MAX most commonly serves as an Internet Service Provider (ISP) hub, managing many
switched IP connections to the Internet, or as a telecommuting hub, providing high-speed
connections between a corporate backbone and remote locations. MAX configuration options
provide the flexibility you need to optimize your installation. Management features include a
comprehensive set of control and monitoring functions and easy upgrades.

Using the MAX as an ISP hub

Individuals subscribe to an Internet Service Provider to get a TCP/IP connection to the
Internet. Subscribers dial in to a local Point-of-Presence (POP), typically by means of an
analog modem, an ISDN V.120 Terminal Adapter, or an ISDN router such as a Lucent
Pipeline. If you use the MAX as an ISP hub, configure it as an IP router, because it establishes
the dial-in WAN connection with subscribers and routes their data streams to other Internet
routers.
Using the MAX as an ISP or telecommuting hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Overview of MAX configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
MAX profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Where to go next . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9