News
New Haliplex Software Features Enhance Customer Security
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Sep 20, 2003, 15:00

Haliplex customers will soon receive a range of new integrated management and security features via Service Pack 3-8 (SP3-8), the latest software release for Haliplex’s HPX-200 and HPX-300 family of Multi-Service Provisioning Platforms from Haliplex.

SP3-8 further enhances the industry-leading flexibility of the HPX-200 and HPX-300 communications shelves as integrated communications solutions that require no additional supporting infrastructure. The management network eliminates the need for and expense of operating a separate overlay management network infrastructure. Industry standard support for SNMP and syslog simplifies the process of adding the Haliplex access product solutions to your network edge and integrates with existing industry network management systems.

SP3-8 is being made available at no additional charge to customers with equipment under warranty or software subscription.

Features include:

In-Band IP management network

Replacing a proprietary protocol, the new IP management channels run over PPP links, which can be userconfigured to operate in-band, without sacrificing user bandwidth, over E1, T1, E3, T3, fibre optic, STM-1 interface modules and the console Ethernet interface. Where contention for bandwidth occurs over other vendor applications, the Haliplex PPP links may be user-modified to utilise alternative physical interfaces or overhead bits or bytes. All IP addresses are user-configurable for each link and node. PPP links support both numbered and un-numbered interfaces, with optional PAP and CHAP authentication.

Integrated management IP router

Complimentary to the IP/PPP management links, SP3-8 adds an IP router to the existing system hardware. Static routes can be automatically or manually added to support diverse network topologies and multiple network management centres. Multiple parallel links, as found in (1+1) protected trunk circuits, are supported with user configured metric values. Using the console Ethernet interface, the integrated management network can be used to access IP based network devices from other vendors systems.

SNMP private MIB

The basic SNMP MIB support has been greatly enhanced by the release the Haliplex Enterprise SNMP MIB. Fully compatible with the acclaimed graphical element manager HPXView, HPX-200 and HPX-300 configuration changes can be made with HPXView or any industry standard SNMP-based network management product. Node generated SNMP traps now contain detailed trap event information such as interface slot, interface port and detailed event information. SNMP management and alarm information is transported over the integrated IP network and router. Multiple trap targets are supported.

Syslog event output

Detailed trap event information can be optionally output in clear text format to a syslog receiver. Syslog receivers are a common industry method of logging events from multiple networked sources to a single location. Syslog files can be later analysed to produce network performance statistics. The log information is transmitted at the time of the event. Accrued performance information from SDH/SONET interfaces is automatically transmitted on 15 minute and 24 hour intervals.

Multi level user access control

Open access to the management interface over an IP network is now managed by a node based username/password control. The network administrator can create, edit or delete user logins on each HPX-200 and HPX-300 node. Each user is assigned a one of five, class of user profiles. The five levels of user classes can be summarised as network admin, node admin, technician, executive and guest. Each level controls read and write access to the node configuration parameters. SP3-8 defaults to pre-configured “admin” and “guest” profiles. User passwords are MD5 encrypted for storage in flash memory, and automatic password expiration is supported.

Configuration backup and restore

Roll out of networks common configuration access nodes is now made faster with configuration backup and restore. The complete node configuration, including all interfaces and Digital Access Cross Connect (DACCS) can be exported as a single text readable file to the element manager PC. Saved files can be imported to the target node from the PC file. Roll out of large network is simplified via the creation of a template reference configuration that requires only minor node specific address changes before being activated. Disaster recovery is supported through remote access over the management IP network to backup and restore to and from a central management location.

Auto-configured remote node initialisation

Faster network deployment, without pre-staging remote access network nodes. Direct delivery to site of HPX-200 and HPX-300, IA/OM/EM systems is now possible thanks to the factory-default remote management configuration. The default state of the PPP management interface trunk in slot 15 is enabled as an unnumbered link. Once physical trunk circuits are installed, PPP links, address negotiation and node configuration can all be configured from the central site without the need for skilled technicians onsite.

About HALIPLEX PTY LTD

Formed in 1999, Haliplex Pty Ltd is a leading manufacturer of next-generation edge access and multiplexing solutions for service providers, private fiber, and fixed wireless networks. Haliplex designs flexible and modular Multi-Service Provisioning Platform products that are the most feature-rich in their class. Haliplex platforms can be deployed as part of an existing or entirely new SONET/SDH network and allow network designers to deploy traditional or next-generation services - including flexible bandwidth Ethernet-to-PDH.

The Haliplex headquarters in Melbourne, Australia features an extensive research and development facility, and sales offices have been established in Australia and the United States. A worldwide network of distributors, system integrators and resellers ensure that customers have world-class, in-country Haliplex product customer support.

For further information, visit www.haliplex.com or email info@haliplex.com.