Introduction 1-1

Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

The Netopia 4752 Voice/Data Integrated Access Devices (IADs) make it possible for small businesses to take advantage of the advanced communications technologies previously limited to larger organizations. By integrating multiple voice connections and high-speed Internet access on one DSL line, businesses can squeeze the most out of their communications budget.

The Netopia 4752 SDSL Integrated Access Device combines a complete telephone system with a business-class data router to deliver a customized package of business communications services over DSL. The Netopia 4752 supports the broad array of phone features offered through your service provider and uses your existing analog telephone equipment. The Netopia 4752 includes Netopia's sophisticated data routing engine optimized for small and medium size business needs. These business-class features include IP routing, firewall, NAT, MultiNAT, DHCP and both PPTP and IPSec VPN functionality.

This section covers the following topics:

“Features and Capabilities” on page 1-1

“How to Use This Guide” on page 1-2

Features and Capabilities

Office telephone systems are commonly one of two types, PBX (Private Branch Exchange) or Centrex (Central Office Exchange). Technically, Centrex is a subset of PBX.

PBX users share a certain number of outside lines for making telephone calls external to the PBX. Most medium-sized and larger companies use a PBX because it's much less expensive than connecting an external telephone line to every telephone in the organization. In addition, it's easier to call someone within a PBX because the number you need to dial is typically just 3 or 4 digits.

Centrex is a newer variation on the PBX. It is a PBX with all switching occurring at a local telephone office instead of at the company's premises. Typically, the telephone company owns and manages all the communications equipment necessary to implement the PBX and then sells various services to the company.

Small- to medium-sized businesses need two kinds of services: Internet presence and voice telephony. But they don't need the additional burden of maintaining switching equipment or administering IP and voice services for their offices. An Integrated Access Device (IAD) that offers high-speed Symmetric (same speed upload and download) DSL for IP connectivity and a PBX that somebody else (the phone company) administers is the simple solution.

At the phone company's central office, where all the big switch gear is, there are two kinds of switches for the two kinds of services, voice and data. The voice switch is called a Voice Gateway and the data switch is called a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) or access concentrator. Both the voice and data signals are concentrated at the DSLAM and forwarded either to a data router or to the Voice Gateway. Both kinds of switches are manufactured by a variety of companies. The IAD must be capable of communicating with a wide array of possible combinations of Voice Gateways and DSLAMs.

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Netopia 4752 manual Chapter Introduction, Overview, Features and Capabilities

4752 specifications

The Netopia 4752 is a versatile networking device that serves as a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem and router, designed to provide high-speed internet connectivity and advanced networking capabilities for home and small office environments. This device is notable for its reliability and ease of use, making it a popular choice among users looking for seamless internet access.

One of the main features of the Netopia 4752 is its support for various DSL technologies, including ADSL and ADSL2+. This compatibility ensures that users can achieve optimal bandwidth and speed, even on legacy DSL lines. The modem’s capability to handle downstream speeds of up to 24 Mbps allows for smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences.

Equipped with a robust built-in router, the Netopia 4752 offers multiple Ethernet ports for direct wired connections, accommodating multiple devices simultaneously. This feature is especially beneficial in environments where multiple users need to access the internet without latency. Additionally, the device supports wireless connectivity, enabling users to connect their laptops, smartphones, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices effortlessly.

Security is a crucial aspect of the Netopia 4752’s functionality. The device incorporates a built-in firewall and supports various security protocols, including WPA and WPA2, ensuring that users’ data remains protected from unauthorized access. The user-friendly web-based interface facilitates easy configuration of security settings, making it accessible even for those with limited technical knowledge.

The Netopia 4752 also features advanced Quality of Service (QoS) settings that allow users to prioritize bandwidth for specific applications or devices. This capability is crucial for households or offices that demand high performance for video conferencing, streaming services, or online gaming.

In terms of characteristics, the Netopia 4752 boasts a compact form factor, making it easy to integrate into any workspace without occupying much space. Its durable design ensures longevity, providing reliable service over time.

Overall, the Netopia 4752 stands out as a dependable DSL modem and router solution, with its high-speed internet capabilities, security features, and flexible connectivity options suitable for both home and small office users who require efficient and effective internet access.