USER’S GUIDE
18 SmartSwitch Remote Access Module
troubleshooting capabilities while the system is up and running. The modules also support SNMP
with both MIB II, private extensions, and a container MIB indicating the current configuration.
ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE
Cabletron also supplies two separate software products that are used in conjunction with the
SmartSwitch Remote Access Modules: SFVRA Configuration Manager (SFVRA-CFG) and SFVRA
Connection Manager (SFVRA-CONN).
SFVRA-CFG provides a GUI interface for configuring the SmartSwitch Remote Access Module.
Through the SFVRA-CFG, the network administrator can deploy and maintain an entire
CyberSWITCH network through a centrally located device. The network administrator can
generate each system’s configuration files separately, with the system’s view of the network, then
transfer the configuration files electronically to the system.
SFVRA-CONN offers state of the art policy-based management system for large central site dial-in
networks. This software provides a rich set of network configuration, management, and reporting
capabilities. The functionality of SFVRA-CONN software includes policy-based connectivity
management, virtual networking that spans multiple modules (including multiple SmartSwitch
9000 chassis, and even including multiple geographic sites) with audit/accounting capabilities.
UNIQUE SYSTEM FEATURES
The SmartSwitch Remote Access Module combines unique features that improve cost-
effectiveness, reliability, and performance for wide area network connections to remote devices.
These features include:
• Authentication Servers
Provide a central database for networks with more than one SmartSwitch Remote Access
Module. The central database consists of manageable, informational data (referred to as the
Device List or Device Table). This data is accessed and used for authentication when a new
connection is established to the system.
• Bandwidth Agility
The system dynamically controls the bandwidth in use between itself and other PPP devices.
This is accomplished by establishing and disconnecting calls. The number of calls is limited
only by the types and number of lines available. The system monitors the connections for
utilization and will add and remove the connections based on user-configurable throughput
parameters. As network bandwidth requirements increase or decrease, the system will
automatically adjust the number of network connections. Thus, your network costs will reflect
the actual bandwidth being used.
• Data Compression
Allows the system to negotiate compression algorithms with another device on the network.
After successfully negotiating compression, data is compressed by the remote device and
transmitted to the system. The system decompresses the data, processes the information
contained in the user data, and forwards the data as required. The system can receive data
coming over a WAN or a LAN, and compress the data before transmitting it to another device
on the network. The net effect is to increase interconnect bandwidth by decreasing
transmission time. If negotiation for compression fails, data is transmitted uncompressed.