Stallion clears remote access fence with LantraServer

The problems with proprietary Remote Access Server (RAS) solutions are often substantial. They do not interoperate directly with the network operating system, and often use client software that may not be compatible with Microsoft Dial-Up Networking clients. On top of this, they are relatively expensive and can be difficult to upgrade.

Stallion Technologies has, however, developed LantraServer Extend, which extends the Remote Access functionality of Windows NT to any point on the network. This is achieved by installing the remote port driver on a Windows NT server or workstation; serial ports on the LantraServer are then mapped transparently as Windows NT COM ports.

Setting up the LantraServer was simple. After connecting it to the network via a hub, installing the drivers and setting IP addresses, the server was up and running in five minutes.

The LantraServer Extend software itself is presented in a Microsoft Explorer-style GUI. The aim of this is to make it easier to install and manage all the LantraServers on the network. It is used for tasks such as viewing activity on ports, viewing port configuration, settings and status. Port assignments can be changed, with new ports and servers being added through a point-and-click interface.

By default, Extend configures the eight ports in one continuous block, starting with the first free port. A useful feature of the product is the ability to map the local COM port to either a nominated LantraServer port, or a pool of LantraServer ports. This lets you logically group devices such as modems in 'pools'. A request from a client PC will then be directed to the first available modem, resulting in the more efficient share and management of devices.

This differs from Windows NT communications, which require dedicated modems and lines for specific purposes. RAS clients for Dial-Up Networking are supported, although to use the LantraServer for dial-out modem sharing and faxing, only Windows NT clients are supported.

The LantraServer itself is a well-built piece of hardware, and it performs its intended tasks admirably. The validity of the tasks is, however, the question that really needs to be answered.

Essentially, the LantraServer is simply a collection of serial ports that can be accessed over the network, providing connectivity for a wealth of serial devices from legacy terminals to high-speed modems.

Overall the LantraServer Extend is a useful piece of kit. Undoubtedly its greatest asset is the ability to pool the resources of modems. Although ease of upgrade is also a point worth taking into consideration. It will not, of course, appeal to everyone, although small to medium-sized businesses are likely to benefit the most from its features.

PRODUCT INFO

What is it? Stallion LantraServer Extend

What does it do? Extend RAS functionality to the whole NT network

Pros: Modem pooling, ease of configuration

Cons: Limited uses for modern networks

Availability: Stallion (0181) 786 8668

Pricing: From #1,795.