A Personal Computer-based Network Administrator for people running dial-up data networks using its modems has been announced in the US by Telcor Systems Corp, Natick, Massachusetts. The Telcor Network Administrator enables host-site personnel working at a IBM Personal to monitor and control an entire dial-up data network, directly setting all of the option and security parameters of both host site and remote Telcor modems without operator assistance. It uses a common bus circuit to reach rack-mounted host-site modems and the dial-up network to reach remote units. All significant events occurring on the dial-up network or in host-site Telcor modem banks are reported to the Network Administrator, which maintains a complete display of the current network status and maintains a full audit trail of all network traffic. In addition to recording unusual events, the audit trail includes information on all standard events to enable complete reporting of host access activity. The start and stop time of each call is recorded and, if password security is in effect, line usage information can be compiled for each individual user. The historical files are maintained in dBase III files so that the user can develop customised reports easily. A complete host access password system can be installed using either Telcor or other manufacturers’ modem equipment at the remote sites. The password implementation can selectively include host callback. If the remote units are Telcor modems, then local password access, automatic key management and full Data Encryption Standard can be used. Telcor says its modems are fully compatible with all V.22 bis, 212A and 103 modems, and also contain the company’s patented data compression technology, which increases data transfer rates to 9,600bps, full duplex. The only additional expense for implementation of a complete Network Administrator system is the price of the Personal plus $895 for the administrator software. Otherwise, claims the company, the charges for the proprietary equipment required at the host site are fully competitive with those for other manufacturers’ 2,400 bps modems and a typical Telcor Network Administrator System can be implemented for under $1,000 per host port. Telcor looks to make first ships in the second quarter.
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