Remote Dial-in Access is one application that provides a big advantage to telecommuters, business people on the road, SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises), and branch offices. The services provided by remote dial-in access include the ability to exchange information with a central database, and the freedom to connect to a corporate LAN from any phone line. Remote Access is convenient, and increases a business's competitiveness and survivability.

Many remote access solutions are expensive and difficult to implement, but Moxa's data communications expertise allows us to provide SMEs with Remote Access solutions that are cost-effective and easy to set up. Two categories of solution are available. The Moxa Multiport Serial Board Family of products, which plug directly into a PC's expansion slot, provides a proven remote access service technology, whereas the standalone Async Server is a newer option that ensures straightforward maintenance, and extra scalability.

Operating System Support

Two popular operating systems, Windows and UNIX/LINUX, are commonly used for remote access services. The UNIX/LINUX system uses the TCP/IP protocol for remote access, whereas Windows can employ either IPX, NETBEUI, or TCP/IP protocols. Since a PC-based multiport board is OS dependent, it can take full advantage of the latest technology that the OS offers. On the other hand, a standalone Remote Access Server is a good candidate for the multi-server environment since its own dedicated firmware gives it the capability of operating across OS platforms.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

A PC-based multiport serial board is configured and maintained with the PC to which the board is attached, whereas a standalone Remote Access Server can be maintained remotely over a TCP/IP network. This ability to connect to a network makes the standalone option ideal for applications that require maintenance from a remote location.

Scalability

Standalone Remote Access Servers have proven to be a perfect solution for larger remote access user groups. A Remote Access Server can be placed anywhere on the network, and is easily configured to meet special requirements.

The benefits provided by these two Remote Access solutions are summarized below.

Using PC-based Multiport Serial Boards for RAS Applications

Third-party APs (Windows NT RAS Server for example) can be used to turn a PC-based multiport serial board into a FAX server. With this type of serial board RAS application, FAX messages can be transmitted over a network, resulting in tremendous savings on long distance and international phone bills. FAX data is transmitted between the PC and FAX machines through the board's serial ports, and between the PC and TCP/IP network via the PC's Ethernet card.

Standalone Remote Access Server

Moxa Async Server can be connected to different types of servers, such as Alpha, X86, and Sun, and run on various operating systems, including Windows NT, UNIX, and LINUX, provided the OS has the TCP/IP protocol stack installed. Async Server is suitable for any scale of network environment and can be maintained either locally through a console port, or from a remote terminal. Moxa Async Server has a proven reliability for large user groups, and is widely used by today's ISP businesses.