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Posts Tagged ‘out-of-band access’
Thursday, May 2nd, 2013
The continued use of dial-up modems is predicated by the need for for vendor support, configuration of remote devices, and for providing out-of-band connectivity to remote systems by phone line when the primary network connection is down. However, modems represent an often overlooked backdoor to control systems and networks that can be exploited by hackers via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
In a publication by Homeland Security’s National Cyber Security Division, “Recommended Practice for Securing Control System Modems”, methods for securing dial-up modems are addressed. It states that, “In general the dial-up PSTN is the least secure as it exposes a modem to the equivalent of world-level Internet access. As a result, this communication point can be accessed from anywhere in the world by anyone with a modem and may be vulnerable to attack.“
One security method presented in the paper is a telephony firewall. All of Multi-Link’s “active” line sharing devices, in addition to cutting costs, allow the end-user to protect access to connected modems with programmable security access codes (SAC) in the form of touch-tones. These SACs can be configured differently for each device port. Our most robust product from a security standpoint is the ACP Series 2.0 with 7-digit SACs per device port that would effectively provide a stand-alone firewall for dial-up modems.
For those modems utilizing Caller ID and dial-back security measures, the ACP 2.0 will pass the incoming Caller ID to the designated modem. After the Caller ID has been authenticated and the inbound call is disconnected, the modem can then call back through the ACP 2.0 to the pre-programmed number to ensure the secure transmission of data. The ACP 2.0 Series includes models that can accommodate 3 devices (ACP-300), 5 devices (ACP-500), and 9 devices (ACP-900).
It is highly recommended to audit and document all known modems and faxes for the purpose of not only cost reduction, but for the sake of closing any back doors into a company’s telecom and IT networks.
ACP Series 2.0 Data Sheet
Tags: ACP series 2.0, acp-300, acp-500, acp-900, dial-up modems, Multi-Link, out-of-band access, remote site modems
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Thursday, November 1st, 2012
Over the past few years, our valued customers have provided insightful suggestions regarding the current ACP series, submitting enhancements and features that would make the product better, easier to install, more user friendly, and broaden the application potential. We used this input and have what we now believe is the most secure and versatile call processor available on the market.
We are proud to introduce the new ACP Series 2.0 Out-of-Band Network Switch & Call Router
(ACP-300, ACP-500, and ACP-900)*!
 |
| ACP-500 (5 device ports) |
*Available in 3, 5, and 9 device ports
New Features
- HACKER SHIELD PROTECTION – Programmable Security Access Codes, up to 7 digits per port, protects connected devices from unauthorized access for a robust telephony firewall.
- LED Status Display – Shows the following: The model of ACP on power up; Device port number in use or being rung; Visual read-back of register value during and after programming (audible tones are still generated for remote administration)
- Simplified Installation- No longer requires a T4x8 or RJ-31 jack. The new unit uses a standard RJ-11 jack for the line input and for each device port. Also, no over-under splitters for the ACP-9.
- CID Store and Forward - This option is programmable (ON or OFF). When ON, CID is captured on the incoming ring. Anytime a device port is addressed, CID is sent after the first ring.
- Assignable EBI (Emergency Barge In) – This option is now programmable (ON or OFF) for ports 1 thru 4. Ideal for VoIP PBX’s, critical IT network equipment, remote site monitoring, & security applications.
- 12VDC Input – Expands compatibility for industrial communications
- Mounting brackets are included with all ACP-300, 500, and 900 units.
ACP Series 2.0 Data Sheet
ACP Series 2.0 Application Diagrams
The ACP Series 2.0 is now shipping. Call 800-535-4651 for pricing.
Tags: ACP series 2.0, acp-300, acp-500, acp-900, out-of-band access, out-of-band network management, out-of-band switch
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Friday, August 31st, 2012
***Notice of Discontinuance of Current ACP Series***
The current revision (Rev. E) of the Polnet ACP series will no longer be in production as of 8/31/12.
Current ACP models (ACP-3, ACP-5, & ACP-9) can be purchased up to August 31st, 2012 OR until stock is depleted. Inventory is in limited supply and therefore is on a first come, first serve basis. Standard warranty and service policies remain in effect as usual.
The ACP Series 2.0 (Rev. F2), is now shipping.
Call your sales rep for more info:800-535-4651
Read Notice: ACP product upgrade and discontinuance announcement
Download: ACP Series 2.0 Data Sheet
Tags: ACP series 2.0, acp-3, acp-300, acp-5, acp-500, acp-9, acp-900, Multi-Link, out-of-band access, out-of-band switch, Polnet ACP
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Monday, August 13th, 2012
The Problem
Convenience provided by self-service kiosks brings greater user demand on each unit. Additionally, self-service kiosks are becoming more and more sophisticated to provide advertising space and even more personalized services. When your kiosk experiences a system lockup, your profits do as well. A power outage or simple software crash can leave a kiosk inoperative until a service technician can arrive to diagnose the problem, most requiring a simple cycling of power. The bottom line: a non-functioning kiosk cannot provide revenue or service and will add to your repair costs.
Costs of Service:
Dispatching a technician, especially at off hours can be very expensive. Gas, vehicle wear and tear, and labor can easily result in service cost of $150/hour or more.
The Solution
With an increasing number of kiosks deployed in-band and out-of-band within network platforms, companies need reboot solutions using one or both methods—and Multi-Link has them. Multi-Link’s remote power controllers help network support technicians improve device uptime, increase problem response time, extend equipment life, and save travel, labor, and energy costs.
The Power Stone and the IP4000 give network operations centers multiple control options by browser, phone, auto fault detection, scheduling, and even MSN chat. Affordable yet invaluable, Multi-Link puts remote networks back in your control. To find out how much money you can save by reducing service dispatches, download the Multi-Link Cost Savings Calculator ~ Remote Power Controlv.3
Tags: IP Power Stone 4000, managed network services, monitor remote assets, Multi-Link, out-of-band access, remote power control, remote reboot, the power stone
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Monday, July 9th, 2012
With an increasing number of remote devices deployed in-band and out-of-band within network platforms, companies need reboot solutions using one or both methods—and Multi-Link has them. Multi-Link’s remote power controllers help IT administrators improve device uptime, increase problem response time, extend equipment life, and save travel, labor, and energy costs. The Power Stone and the Internet Power Stone give IT departments multiple remote reboot options by browser, phone, auto fault detection, scheduling, and even MSN chat. Affordable yet invaluable, Multi-Link puts remote networks back in your control.
Tags: IP Power Stone 4000, out-of-band access, Remote Monitoring Solutions, remote power cycling, remote reboot, the power stone
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Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
The Stick Phone/Data Line Sharing Switch
The Stick (STK29112) routes any incoming analog signal to the correct telephony device. With four available ports, a wide variety of devices can be attached to the Stick including voice lines, fax machines, modems, or important business applications like credit card or PoS terminals. Devices will be detected and routed correctly and with barge in protection — uninterrupted. This line sharing device can be programmed via an attached phone, or remotely. With the need for only one phone line, costs can be drastically reduced with a ROI within months, not years.
Customer Benefits
- Plug and Play installation, no software installation or firmware upgrades
- Eliminate unnecessary phone lines, save up to $600/year*
- Pays for itself in 3 months with just 1 line reduction
- Add new equipment without paying for additional telephone lines
- Program the device via the keypad, add security access codes or even program remotely by phone
- Non-volatile memory means no reprogramming after a power outage
- Barge-in protection prevents active calls from being interrupted by another device
* Amount based off $50 per month average phone line charg
Applications
- Out-of-Band Network Access
- Energy Management Controls
- Point-of-Sale System Integration
- Modem Polling
- Fuel Tank Monitoring
- Automated Meter Reading
- Small/Home Office
- Service Port Access
- Remote Equipment Maintenance
Download The Stick Data Sheet
Tags: back-up phone lines, cost cutting, faxstick, faxswitch, line sharing, lineshare, Multi-Link, out-of-band access, thestick
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Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Are fuel costs busting your budget? At the pump, the national average price of unleaded gasoline rose to $3.962 per gallon from Tuesday’s $3.951, AAA said. If you are responsible for remote site equipment maintenance, consider a remote site power control switch.
THE POWER STONE saves time, labor, and fuel costs. When trouble arrives and critical equipment locks up at a remote site hours away, a quick fix is impossible. With The POWER STONE, one phone call can reboot equipment, reduce downtime, and save money. The Power Stone installs easily onto remote site equipment and allows you to reboot, toggle power,check current power status and past power outages. And, it’s as simple to use as a telephone.
Read The Power Stone Data Sheet.
Tags: monitor remote assets, Multi-Link, out-of-band access, power stone, PST59102, reducing service-related costs, Remote Monitoring Solutions, remote power cycling, remote reboot, remote site modems
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Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Hundreds of companies are launching initiatives to reduce the number telephone land lines and the associated cost. Many restaurant and retail store chains have 3 – 6 telephone lines per site. With broadband connections, this number can be reduced, dramatically reducing overall telecom costs. The Stick Phone/Fax/Modem switch can help you accomplish this.
- 36% of Companies are striving to reduce Telecom expenses.
- Average cost of a business phone line is $50/month nationwide.
- As IT and data acquisition improves and expands, there is less need for Analog Telephone Lines.
- Companies are reducing their number of phones lines at their remote business locations.
However, not all Analog Phone Lines can be eliminated—typically the fax line remains, as well as back up lines for POS/Credit Card Terminals. Point of Sale Systems generally use broadband connections where available for high-speed payment card processing. However, 75% or more of these systems use analog phone lines as back-up in case of network downtime or equipment malfunction. These back-up phone lines, although seldom or never used, represent recurring monthly expenses for businesses.
The Stick Phone/Fax/ Modem switch allows companies to reduce phone lines by “Sharing” the remaining Analog line(s) with devices that use the telephone line.
- The analog line can be used as an “out of band” inbound and outbound communications path for critical information exchanges.
- Over 600,000 units have been installed by companies with remote locations.
- ROI in less than 2 months.
How much can you save? Try out our cost savings calculator and find out in minutes!
Tags: back-up phone lines, comshare, cost cutting, CS5500, CS7500, faxswitch, line sharing, Multi-Link, out-of-band access, restaurant applications, telephone switch, thestick
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Friday, October 15th, 2010
Multi-Link devices have been an integral part of substation communications for over 15 years. Thousands of our devices are used by over 100 electric and gas utility companies to provide reliable communications with meters, power quality monitors, and relays.
With greater demand for connectivity to existing and new data reporting devices, more access points are required, which means more strain on budgets. With this unprecedented growth comes the ever increasing need to remotely access the control interfaces of the equipment. Engineers and technicians must be able to access their interfaces from remote operations centers or while on the road in order to assure maximum service availability.
Many utility companies are opting for the POTS line to provide a low cost and reliable means of data acquisition. However, by using the Polnet ACP, one POTS line can provide access to as many as nine devices making the ACP-9 an average cost of $60 per connection.
To find out how much money you can save, download the Multi-Link cost-savings calculator at www.multi-link.net/Phone-Line-Sharing-Calculator.
Tags: cost cutting, Cost Savings Calculator, line sharing, Multi-Link, out-of-band access, Polnet ACP, reducing service-related costs, substation communications
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Wednesday, September 29th, 2010
The majority of Multi-Link’s phone/data line-sharing devices are being installed for out-of-band dial-up modem access to communication and data networks.
When the network is down and normal in-band access is denied, how do you recover the network equipment? Out-of-band remote access to serial console ports provides an efficient back door method for recovery. This can be through the use of a backup dial-up modem via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Serial console ports are the most reliable and dependable form of communication for equipment management. That is why most high value networking devices have one. Whether it’s a router, switch, firewall, PBX, network storage device, etc, no matter what is happening with the device, the serial auxiliary or console port is always up and running. It is a trusted way to find out what is going on and the quickest way to recovery.
Polnet ACP Phone/Data Line Sharing Switch
The ACP saves money for IT departments by eliminating costly phone lines dedicated for out-of-band dial up access to remote network equipment. Fixed telecom costs are dramatically reduced and a 3 month R.O.I. is typical. In addition to savings, the ACP is engineered to provide an additional layer of security to connected devices. Vulnerable pathways to equipment via the PSTN are protected by programmable Security Access Codes up to seven characters. There are over 35 million combinations to choose from, effectively creating a telephony firewall for dial-up connections.
Furthermore, our Remote Power Control products, The Power Stone and the IP Power Stone 3000, are invaluable tools for rebooting unresponsive equipment in remote areas. The Power Stone is a phone call activated AC power controller used to reboot and power up/down remote equipment. The IP Power Stone 3000 provides the ability to reboot locked-up equipment via web browser.
Either of these remote reboot products makes a perfect complement to the Polnet ACP, providing inexpensive, secure control of remote network equipment.
ACP deployed for remote out-of-band access
Tags: console port access, cost cutting, dial-up modems, faxswitch, lights-out-management, line sharing, managed network services, monitor remote assets, Multi-Link, out-of-band access, out-of-band network management, reducing service-related costs, Remote Monitoring Solutions, remote reboot, secure remote service port access, telephone switch, telephony firewall
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