XPORT NetBIOS Router
Overview
XPORT connects together a virtually unlimited number of NetBIOS based LANs via X.25, Asynchronous, ISDN or
leased lines. Once connected, a client workstation on one LAN can transparently access
a server on a different LAN. XPORT is easy to install, and requires no changes to
existing servers or workstations.
XPORT provides a very high performance, achieved through data compression and a low overhead
protocol. It is installed in over 1200 sites in 15 countries.
XPORT is a software router. A router transmits only a known interface or protocol; in the case
of XPORT this is NetBIOS. Intelligent routing "understands" the LAN protocol and prevents LAN timing problems in
the WAN environment.
Shared Resources
Once two or more LANs have been connected together via XPORT, a workstation can access
all the servers on all of the LANs.
The workstation can "USE" the shared DISK and PRINTER resources on the other
LAN as easily as if it were connected to the same LAN. This "USE" is transparent to
the Network Operating System, and can be set-up when the PC boots, when the user
logs on or at user request (typically the NET USE command).
XPORT can be used to connect LANs distributed throughout a city, throughout the
country or throughout the world. When connecting LANs together via XPORT they do not
need to be of the same topology. For example, one could be Ethernet, one Token-ring
and one Arcnet.
SQL and Terminal Servers
Shared resources in the LAN are not only disks and printers but also include SQL
databases and terminal servers. In common with the other NetBIOS LAN resources,
both an SQL database and a terminal server can be accessed throughout the WAN via XPORT.
An SQL client on one LAN can transparently communicate with an SQL server on another
LAN.
A workstation on a LAN can run a terminal emulator and connect via the LAN to a terminal
server running in a mini or mainframe computer. The host connection can either be
directly to the LAN or via a gateway PC. In both these cases, XPORT can be used to
connect PCs at remote locations.
A PC 3270 workstation connecting to a mainframe computer normally uses a gateway
function in the Local Area Network. The connection between the terminal emulator and
the gateway can be through XPORT.
A POWERfusion workstation that emulates a UNIX terminal can connect remotely via
XPORT.
Enhanced Security
XPORT adds additional security features to those provides by the Network Operating
System, allowing the restriction and monitoring of remote access and the prevention of
unauthorized access.
Incoming Access Verification:
This facility allows the administrator to set up a list from which calls can be accepted.
This list can contain either X.25 addresses or the names of the remote Async and
ISDN XPORTs. Wild card characters (* and ?) are permitted in this list. Calls will not be
accepts from remote sites not in this list. This list can be changed dynamically during
run-time without needing to restart XPORT.
SMB Resource & File Access Log:
This feature allows the administrator to log all remote accesses to resources and files
on an SMB server (such as LAN Manager). Both successful and unsuccessful (e.g.
bad password) accesses to resources are shown. This feature can be enabled/disabled
dynamically during run-time without needing to restart XPORT.
Other Features
Non-Dedicated Use
XPORT does not require a dedicated computer.
When running in a DOS PC, XPORT runs in background as a Terminate Stay
Resident (TSR) program.
When running in an OS/2 PC, XPORT runs as a process in background.
A base configuration for DOS requires 82 KB internal memory for the default of 16
simultaneous sessions. For OS/2 is the requirement 100 KB internal memory.
Time Cutting
XPORT can be configured to perform time cutting. This enables XPORT to
automatically terminate a Wide Area Network connection after a specified idle time has
elapsed. The connection will automatically be re-established when either side starts
sending data on this connection.
The idle time will depend upon the time taken to re-establish the connection. This can
be quite short for X.25 and ISDN connections but will be longer for Async connections.
X.25 PAD
The X.25 version of XPORT had built-in support for a 3-X PAD. This is a Packet
Assembler Disassembler that conforms to the X.3, X.28 and X.29 standards.
This allows XPORT to act as a 3-X PAD for all NetBIOS terminal emulators in the LAN.
A remote network can use the XPORT 3-X PAD function together with a NetBIOS terminal
emulator to connect over X.25 to a host computer with an in-built pad host. At the same
time, another PC on the same remote LAN can use the XPORT NetBIOS routing function to
connect to a disk server on a different network.
Administration
The network administrator is provided with tools to monitor and administrate the
Wide Area Network, giving traffic and compression statistic and error reporting.
XPORT routers can be administrated not only from their local LAN but from
accross the WAN.
XHELP
XHELP is an add-on tool, for the central administration of a large number of remotely
located XPORT routers. An administrator situated at the head office can easily
administrate the XPORT routers in the regional offices, and can provide support and
maintenance to the remote users.
XHELP includes:
- Functions for the distribution of software and data files to remote systems.
- The ability to monitor and obtain status and activity reports from remote routers and servers.
- Functions for the execution of batch files on remote system.
- A database providing the administrator with an overview of all remote routers and LAN resources connected to the WAN.
- A user friendly menu driven command interface, with pull-down menus and an
on-line context sensitive help.
- Both interactive and unattended over-night operation.
- A log of all WAN activity.
Environment
Network operating systems supported:
- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups (WfW).
- Microsoft LAN Manager.
- IBM LAN Server.
- Performance Technology’s POWERLan & POWERfusion.
Transports supported:
- X.25 packet switching network protocol. X.32 dial-up access to X.25 is also supported.
- Asynchronous communications via Hayes-compatible modems.
- ISDN.
- Leased lines.
Xport run is a PC with one of the following operating systems:
- DOS version 3.30 or higher.
- OS/2 version 1.21 or higher.
