Introduction

 

CHAPTER 1

Dialnet for the PortMaster Communications Expander adds advanced wide area networking capability to large and small organizations. By using modems and standard telephone lines, local area networks can be economically and seamlessly connected. Dialnet uses the industry standard Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) to turn the PortMaster into a full IP router. This makes it compatible with all computers and networks which use the TCP/IP protocol. In addition, by incorporating an on-demand feature, dial-up telephone lines are only in use when there is data to be sent between networks. This reduces overall operating costs and increases the number of locations which can be tied together through a small number of modems.

 

The PortMaster's advanced communications capabilities which support modems, printers, terminals and other serial data-communications devices are enhanced by Dialnet, With Dialnet a single modem can be used for file transfer (ie. uucp, kermit, ymodem, xmodem), dial-in or dial-out access, and wide area networking,

 

Features

 

Dialnet provides the following features:

 

On-demand Dialing - Dialnet monitors internetwork traffic requirements and automatically dials, connects, and initiates network connections when packets are queued for the remote network. This results in low telephone connect charges by only using telephone services when required.

 

Scheduled Dialing - Dialnet can be configured to initiate network connections only during specific times of the day or days of the week. This allows network administrators to take

 


 

Advantage of lower telephone rates or higher user demands as needed.

 

Multi-fine Load Balancing - Dialnet can be configured to automatically initiate additional dial lines based on network traffic loads. Once established, Dialnet provides load balancing across the concurrent links. This allows large file transfers or large numbers of users to achieve faster response from the network. Lines are then automatically disconnected when the traffic levels fall below minimums.

 

Dynamic Routing - Dialnet uses the industry standard Routing Information Protocol (RIP) to automatically establish correct routing of packets through the network. This feature also supports automatic re-routing of packets if a particular segment of the network goes down. This feature simplifies network administration and provides a high level of reliability for the entire network.

 

Static Routing - Dialnet provides optional user controlled routing entries. This feature is useful for networks where all systems don't support the RIP protocol, or to limit the availability of network connections to specific systems on the network. In addition, default gateway support is supplied for routing to external networks.

 

Selective Route Notification - Each network interface can be configured to either forward routing information to the remote site or operate quietly. When forwarding routing information, all destinations at both sites become visible throughout the network. When operating quietly, only static routing entries will be visible to the network. This can be used for increased network security, or to decrease the size of local routing tables.

 

Extensive Modem Support - By combining the built-in modem control capabilities of the PortMaster (including

 



hardware flow control) and Dialnet's automated dialing scripts, a wide variety of modems are supported. The dialing scripts use the send-expect approach already found in utilities like UUCP. These features allow the user to select the appropriate modem for their specific application, and often allows users to continue using modems they have already purchased.

 

Full Login Security - For Dial-in network access, Dialnet provides a full password security system, The remote system is prompted for a login name and password, These are validated against a local security file. Once validated, the login connection is specifically assigned an internet address. This feature assures network access only to known systems,

 

Flexible Port Assignments - The mix of dial-in and dial-out services available on each port are fully user configurable. This includes modem pool groups, outbound connections on specific lines, inbound connections on specific lines, and setting the mix of standard terminal server features and network features (ie. login, host device, network dial-in, network dial-out, or Hardwired). This allows the user to configure the PortMaster to suit the specific needs of their environment.

 

Network Information Service - Host name resolution is fully supported by utilizing the Network Information Service (NIS), also known as YP. This service can then be backed up by the industry standard Domain Name Service (DNS). In addition, a local hosts file can be maintained,

 

Advanced Administration - All features of Dialnet are accessible through the standard PortMaster administration software 'PMconsole'.

 

Industry Standard Protocols - Dialnet uses industry standard protocols to allow for inter operability with other vendors products and to deliver advanced technology. These include:

 

 

Routing Information Protocol (RIP)

- RFC 1058 with RIP Extensions

 

Internet Protocol (IP)

- RFC 791

 

Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)

- RFC 792

 

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

- RFC 768

 

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

- RFC 793

Internet Subnetting Procedures

- RFC 950

 

Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

- RFC 829

 

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)

- RFC 1155, 1156, 1157

 

Telnet Protocol (TELNET)

- RFC 854

 

Serial Line IP Protocol (SLIP)

- RFC 1055

 

About This Manual

 

This manual is intended for use by those who are familiar with the use of the PortMaster (see the PortMaster User's Manual), Ethernet, TCP/IP, and networking. The manual is organized into three chapters:

 

Chapter 1: Introduction ~ describes the features of Dialnet.

 

Chapter 2: Quick Start Guide - describes (he steps to follow to implement several of the most common Dialnet configurations,

 

Chapter 3: Administration - describes the process used for configuring the communications ports and Dialnet specific

 

tables. This includes:

 

The Sunview based PortMaster Console program.

The X based OpenWindows PortMaster Console program.

The ASCII Terminal based PortMaster Console program,

The ASCIi Terminal based command interface,

 

Chapter 4: TCP/IP Networking Primer - provides an overview on TPC/IP networking as an aid to system administrators who are new to wide area networking or TCP/IP in general,

 

Appendix A: UNIX Utilities - Describes extra utilities provided with the PortMaster software distribution.

 

Requesting Assistance

 

If you have any questions about Dialnet or the PortMaster, please use the following, toll-free number:

 

1-800-458-9966



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