General Information

The problem with RADIUS and TACACS

Routers installed in the field are all connected to a network. When this network fails, the only way to reach the router is to dial into the console port for remote maintenance. This opens up a “back door” to the network which many network managers lock with RADIUS or TACACS. The problem with these protocols is that they require the network to be functioning in order to contact the security server. This is in direct conflict with the purpose of the console port which is only used when the network is “down”. Therefore RADIUS and TACACS provide inadequate security for router console port protection.

The Solution

The Port Authority connects directly to up to eight console ports and provides the highest level of protection regardless of the state of the network. This is done by maintaining an internal security database that is updated by a central database on an “as needed” basis. This internal database provides fast, reliable, two factor authentication and encryption every time a technician accesses the router. By using switching to connect one modem to eight routers, The Port Authority saves line and equipment cost continually. An optional network connection allows in band access and management for an enterprise solution.

User Profiles, Control Access to Specific Firewalls or Routers

Each user profile contains a permission list that limits port access to only those devices associated with that user ID. Some Users can have access to all devices while others may have access to only one or more devices.

DDM Central Management Console

DDM, Distributed Database Manager, can maintain an unlimited number of UniGuards and or Port Authority devices remotely from a single or multiple workstations (SQL). This eliminates the need to update each unit individually when there is a database change. This software program automatically maintains the database of each remote device and is capable of down-loading the entire database of units manually or automatically at preset times. Reports can also be extracted automatically.

Power Reset Ports (4)

The Power Reset Ports connect to Power Modules and can be used to power cycle a locked up device. Computer equipment that locks up can often only be cleared by disconnecting and reconnecting the power. Power Modules are ordered separately.