Netstation configures ASND, CSCO routers from Web browswer
Netsation is putting the Web to work to alleviate a major headache for
corporate networkers—router configuration. Its Network Configurator
server software lets them set up and update multiple routers from any
Web browser. That can help take the effort out of the enterprise, but for
now the product only works with routers from Cisco Systems Inc. (San
Jose, Calif.).
One of Configurator's strengths is that it masks the arcane command
line interface of Cisco's routers with a simpler graphical user interface.
"The difference with this product is ease of use," asserts John Bass,
lead engineer with Vitalnet Labs, a testing facility in Research Triangle
Park, N.C. "Usually you need to use a net management system or
some sort of SNMP setup. But Network Configurator is just a
lightweight program, a few megs in size."
Network Configurator from Netsation Corp. (Research Triangle Park,
N.C.) is simpler in other ways, too. It works by importing information
about router interfaces and connections into its proprietary database
(data can be imported directly from routers or typed in). Once it has the
info, Configurator lets network managers track, set up, and update
routers. Changes can be made on the fly or programmed for a specific
time. Configurator also checks for typos and logical errors.
Network Configurator is Java-based and runs on Windows 95,
Windows NT, or Sun Solaris servers. For security, it features
password authentication, user and group privileges, and proprietary
encryption between browser and server.
Right now, Configurator works with Cisco 16xx, 2xxx, 32xx, 38xx,
4xxx, 7xxx, and Ciscopro series routers—most of the installed base. The
vendor plans to add routers and switches from Ascend
Communications Inc. (formerly Cascade Communications, Alameda,
Calif.), Bay Networks Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.), and Torrent
Networking Technologies Inc. (Landover, Pa.) next year.
Configurator has few competitors. Cisco's Ciscoworks is close—it can
set up routers, but doesn't yet have a Web interface. The Network
Configurator enterprise edition costs $15,000 for up to 50 routers,
$25,000 for 50 to 100 routers. An additional 100 nodes cost $10,000. A
smaller version of up to 25 nodes is $300 per node. Current customers
can get the latest release at a 50 percent discount or as a free upgrade. |
