The Access Controller indepth

It is an advanced IP tables based firewall that has been specially adapted to be able to handle many users, all served individually and instantly at all times. Normally it takes the Access controller less than 250 ms (milliseconds) to implement a new set of rules.

It is the capability of implementing unique personalized rules for each user in real time that makes AmazingPorts technology truly unique. For every user that the access controller detects it asks the LDS for Valid rules to apply to this specific user - this is how every user can be served individually and instantly at all times.

The Access controller can run on many different physical platforms and you will meet access controllers in the form of routers, PCs, Access points, Residential gateways etc, etc... Even though it is easier to "imagine" the access controller as a "thing" it is really a service provided by an intelligent software.

Normally the access controller is placed "as far out" in the network as possible, but sometimes it can be more convenient to place it centrally - for example when it acts as a provisioning system for ADSL and VDSL networks. The placement is depending on local network architecture and requirements.

Support for centralised and distributed architectures

You typically find three architectures: The access controller in the Access Point (Ultra distributed Architecture), the access controller as gateway in a LAN (Distributed architecture) and finally the access controller at the NOC (network operating center (centralized architecture).

Example Access Controller

This Example is based on a standard small form factor PC with an extra network adapter fitted. If you require more than one public network you can add several extra network adapters. This can be the case if you forexample have one network for Staff and one for guests.

 

Recommended specifications

• Standard PC ( x86) with a bootable CD
• Preferably better than Pentium II 350 MHz
• Preferably with a HD (Hard Drive) with at least 1 GB capacity
• Preferably 256 MB RAM or more

We recommend you to use even better hardware, but for your information we have successfully installed and run an access controller on a Pentium 100 with 32MB RAM. Make sure the access controller has two working network adapters, almost any type of network adapter will do including mother board mounted ("Standard in the example above"), but network adapters using the RTL-8139 chipset are preferred for stability and performance.

You can find detailed instructions for how to install and configure your Access Controller in the Support & Download section