Each physical port of the IR-9000 series of element managers is software-configurable to perform console, discrete alarm (input and output) or sensor management functions in any combination, depending on an administrator's needs.
The IR-9000 enables corporate network administrators and operations support systems (OSS) managers to gain out-of-band serial port access to a variety of network elements (NEs) such as UNIX, Windows NT servers, switches, CSU/DSUs, routers and multiplexers. In addition, with appropriate port configurations, the IR-9000 allows administrators to manage discrete alarm devices such as door alarms and aerial lights of cellular towers and monitor environmental conditions using temperature/humidity sensors.
Using IR-9000 products, corporate network administrators can configure, troubleshoot and manage geographically dispersed NEs from a central network operations center (NOC), thereby reducing costly on-site visits, service disruptions and skilled personnel requirements.
OPERATION
Console Management
IR-9000 ports that are configured for console management connect to the console or craft ports of NEs. This serial connection allows administrators to manage and configure the NEs and perform software upgrades via the Command Line Interface (CLI), as if attached locally.
The console management ports of the IR-9000 support script-based automated provisioning of NEs, enabling scheduled, unmanned and efficient installation.
Either through the IR-9000's 10Base-T Ethernet port or through an optional secure modem, the IR-9000 can be connected to a separate network through which the administrator can gain out-of-band access to mission-critical elements in the in-band network.
Alarm Management
The IR-9000 ports that are configured for alarm management are connected to the relay interfaces of discrete alarms. This connection enables corporate network administrators to monitor and control alarm devices from a central NOC. The In-Reach software enables each IR-9000 alarm management port to represent pairs of scan (input) and distribution (output) points.
The scan points accept discrete input signals generated when contact closure devices such as aerial lights or door alarms change state.
The distribution points send output signals to activate devices such as generators or fire alarms in response to any alarm signal the scan points receive. Typical output current levels do not exceed 25 mA at +/- 2.5 Volts (min) or +/- 6 Volts (max).
Sensor Management
The IR-9000 ports that are configured for sensor management are typically connected to temperature and humidity sensors. These ports monitor the temperature and humidity readings of factory environments or data centers. Whenever a measured parameter changes beyond pre-set thresholds an alarm signal is transmitted to the IR-9000.
HIGH PORT DENSITY
The IR-9000 series consists of cost- and space-saving desktop, 1U rack mount and 2U enhanced rack mount standalone models that have between 4 and 40 ports. In addition, the IR-9000 series offers models with AC/DC power, integrated modem, flash card and NEBS-compliant combinations.
Further, the In-Reach 6-slot and 15-slot chassis-based models offer console/alarm/sensor management modules that provide the highest port densities (up to 280 console ports, 280 sensor ports or 560 alarm points) available in the industry.
VIRTUAL MANAGEMENT PORTS
The IR-9000's console management software offers 9 virtual ports that can be used to establish concurrent Telnet or Secure Shell sessions to the IR-9000. This feature allows multiple management users to perform system administration or troubleshooting operations simultaneously.
SNMP COMPATIBLE
The SNMP-compatible IR-9000 operates efficiently in heterogeneous network environments and can be managed by any industry-standard, SNMP-compliant network management system (NMS).
Further, the IR-9000 can be configured to send SNMP traps to the NMS in response to alarm events and thereby alert the administrator to perform time-sensitive remedial operations.
SCALABLE SOFTWARE
Feature-rich In-Reach console/alarm/sensor management software offers extensive scalability by using the same operating system image across all standalone and chassis form-factor models, resulting in the simplified management of thousands of console, alarm and temperature/humidity sensor devices. Further, the In-Reach software is equipped with an intuitive CLI for installation, configuration, maintenance and troubleshooting.
The In-Reach software also includes a variety of command and data logging features that offer network administrators the ability to track previously entered commands and events from a system log file. With this feature, security breaches and last change events are well-documented and much easier to isolate.
SUN BREAK SOLUTION
The combination of an innovative circuit design and console management ports prevents the break signal from being generated when the IR-9000 is powered off either intentionally or unexpectedly. Such break signals will halt the normal operation of the Sun servers and workstations and potentially disrupt network operations.
Providing a combination of hardware, software and firmware solutions to the Sun Break problem, the IR-9000 guarantees significant cost savings through reduced personnel visits and undisrupted operation of Sun devices.
SECURITY
To add to your peace of mind, the IR-9000 offers a variety of built-in security features such as per-port and multi-level password protection, access control lists (ACLs), IP filtering, SecurID, RADIUS, dial-back and PPP (PAP, CHAP). In addition, support for the industry-standard Secure Shell (Ver 1.5) serves as a highly secure alternative to non-secure Telnet access and prevents unauthorized intrusion during out-of-band access. This package of robust security features comes standard with the In-Reach software and is unmatched in the industry.
INTELLIGENT SELF-HEALING
The intelligent self-healing feature in the In-Reach software facilitates timely, intelligent and unmanned alarm and sensor device management. Using this feature, network/(OSS) managers can define specific alarm trigger conditions and associate them with corresponding remedial actions. Consequently, any defined trigger condition that occurs at an alarm point automatically activates the corresponding action. With provision to define as many as 255 trigger conditions and 255 actions, the self-healing feature enhances the reliability and availability of mission-critical networks and ensures predictable fault management.
OUT-OF-BAND MANAGEMENT
Wherever you are, you can be in reach of your network using the extensive out-of-band management features of the IR-9000. The IR-9000 allows you to perform installation, configuration, management and troubleshooting of your network elements (NEs). The IR-9000 connected to your out-of-band management network can be accessed through a variety of standard interfaces, including 10BaseT Ethernet (RJ-45), PPP-compatible integrated (or external) V.90 modem or synchronous WAN. These interfaces allow network administrators to gain out-of-band access to their NEs quickly and reliably via TCP/IP Telnet, Secure Shell and PPP dial-up.
SERVICE AND SUPPORT
iTouch Communications provides worldwide service and support through a highly trained team of dedicated field engineers and channel partners. Service offerings include pre- and post-sales support, 24-hour telephone response, 24-hour parts replacement, on-site technical support, and software and documentation update services.
