ManageLinx
Remote Access Solutions for Firewall Protected Equipment
ManageLinx is a powerful M2M (machine-to-machine) communications solution that provides secure remote Internet access to virtually any piece of IP-enabled equipment – even behind remote firewalls or VPNs. With this unique solution, service organizations at OEMs or MSPs can implement or enhance a Remote Product Services model to:
- Save time, increase profitability and improve customer service
- Deploy with ease – no client software; no network configuration
- Maintain customer IT policy and firewall integrity
- Reduce technician service calls
- Overview
- Order Info / Part #'s
- Features & Specifications
The “Virtual Device Network”
ManageLinx is a secure and easily managed solution that joins equipment across the Internet to create a “Virtual Device Network (VDN).” More flexible and easier to deploy than a traditional VPN, the ManageLinx Virtual Device Network restricts access to only the specific IP addresses of authorized equipment and does not allow visibility to any other part of the network. It does not require any changes to network hardware or configurations. This makes it ideal for service organizations which need to remote access equipment on customers’ networks for remote product support.
OEMs without an existing remote product service model can easily create a new, recurring revenue stream. Those with existing service programs can broaden their reach, accelerate service revenues, improve efficiency and offer a competitive advantage. And end-users benefit from a simple and highly secure remote access solution that provides better product service while maintaining the integrity of their network firewall and IT policies.
ManageLinx can host existing software applications enabling OEM/MSPs to remotely:
- Monitor product performance
- Receive notification of operational or status changes, service outages or anomalous user activity
- Diagnose failures
- Trigger corrective workflows
- Perform proactive maintenance
- Carry out remote repairs
The ManageLinx Solution –
Components of a Virtual Device Network
The ManageLinx VDN is an affordable solution that works with existing corporate network infrastructure to provide highly secure remote access to equipment through firewalls. The VDN hardware consists of a publicly accessible Device Services Manager (DSM) capable of managing individual Device Services Controller (DSC) appliances at each location. Together, these components enable the VDN administrator to discover remote devices, set up and manage individual Virtual IP (VIP) addresses and routes to allow access to individual devices from anywhere on the Internet.
Device Services Controller (DSC)
The Device Services Controller resides on the remote network and mediates communication onto that LAN. In Device Controller mode, it provides simple remote access as well as end-point encryption for all traffic. To provide secure end-to-end communications, a DSC sits on the LAN at each service center location. Operating in Host Controller mode, they provide a secure, scalable entry point into the ManageLinx Virtual Device Network system. Once enabled, the Host/Device Controllers provide encrypted communication through the firewall.
Device Services Manager (DSM)
In addition to serving as a proxy connection point for participating DSCs, the publicly addressable DSM offers a complete Web 2.0-based management system for all system configuration and control. The DSM administrator can configure individual devices, set up automated device discovery on remote networks, perform automated monitoring and enable secure remote access to any device visible to a participating DSC.
How it Works
Many enterprise IT departments do not allow unauthorized third party applications to be installed onto their systems, so for many users current remote access solutions that require dedicated client agents, such as IPSec or SSL VPNs, are not an option. Another problem arises if the application involves remote M2M communications - dedicated VPN clients are simply not available for most appliance-based devices.
ManageLinx is different! Our patent-pending Virtual Device Network technology enables users to create dedicated TCP/IP connections between any two points on the Internet using low cost, easily deployed hardware appliances. With no client software to install and no changes required to either the network configuration or application software at either end of the connection, ManageLinx provides a secure and totally transparent remote access solution.
The heart of the system is the DSM, a dedicated appliance that relays connections between user hosts and destination devices. Individual DSC appliances serve as a low cost point of presence on participating LANs. Each DSC is capable of acting simultaneously as both a Host Controller (which originates connections from host systems) and a Device Controller (which receives and manages incoming connections to individual remote devices).
Manufacturers are looking to remotely monitor customer product performance, diagnose part failures, trigger corrective workflows and perform service repairs. Research shows that Remote Product Services (RPS) or “smart services” reduce service calls by 30% or more.
With an average cost of $209, an organization with just 50 technicians making three calls a day can save $2.3 million a year. With 250 technicians, the savings jumps to $11.3 million! Other benefits include:
- 13.5% increase in asset uptime
- 17.6% increase in service revenues
- 14.1% decrease in mean time to repair
- 7.5% increase in service profitability
Source: AberdeenGroup
To the remote network, a newly installed DSC functions like a newly installed computer. To access devices on a remote network the DSC just needs to establish a single out-bound connection to the DSM controlling the VDN. Once this connection is established, all system configuration, commands and network traffic can pass through the encrypted channel. When the DSC successfully authenticates to the DSM, it can immediately begin providing secure access to individual pieces of pre-authorized equipment.
Fast… and Easy Deployment
Deploying ManageLinx is simple with Lantronix patent-pending Virtual IP (VIP) Access™ technology. No networking knowledge is necessary. No end-user configuration or software installation is required – simply plug in the power, plug in the Ethernet connection and insert a USB flash drive with the appropriate bootstrap file. That’s it! The Auto Discovery service finds networked equipment on the LAN and establishes an instant point of presence. After setup, the service provider can access authorized remote equipment without changing the network configuration or their customers’ existing software. The Web 2.0 interface and built-in “Directed Navigation” system provides graphical views for easy navigation and control.
Bulletproof Security
- Equipment hosted on other companies’ networks (can’t install a VPN…limited on-site networking expertise)
- Many sites, but have relatively few assets at each location (more cost effective than high port count VPNs or switches)
- Access “non-traditional” embedded resources (automation and control equipment, security panels, VoIP phones, etc.)
- More advanced level of network security not offered by a VPN
ManageLinx maintains IT security policies and corporate firewall integrity. As a proxy between administrators and networked devices, access is well-defined and strictly controlled. Devices on the network that are not specifically authorized are invisible to the user. And to ensure accountability, audit logs maintain a record of both device configuration changes and user connections. To prevent snooping, all ManageLinx VDN traffic is encrypted from point of origin until delivery to the end device.
Remote Access Firewall Protected Products and IT Equipment
ManageLinx provides firewall access to any networked device, including IT infrastructure equipment such as servers or PBX systems. It can seamlessly integrate with other Lantronix products, including our SecureLinx remote IT management family, for a complete ‘end-to-end’ remote services solution.
The SecureLinx Branch Office Manager enables users to remotely manage Linux™, Unix® and Windows® 2003 servers, routers, switches, telecom and building access equipment over the Internet via their console ports. Built-in power management controls the power individually to all IT equipment for reboot, ensuring safe power distribution and reducing in-rush overload. This unique 1U appliance also includes an 8-port 10/100 unmanaged Ethernet switch.
SecureLinx Spider™ provides secure remote KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) BIOS-level server management over an IP network. It is a flexible, scalable and affordable KVM -over IP solution in a compact, cable-friendly package. Spider guarantees non-blocked server access from any web browser and offers one of the lowest ‘cost-per-remote-user’ server management solutions available. And no client software or external power supply is required.
ManageLinx Customer Evaluation Program
Lantronix offers a comprehensive ManageLinx customer evaluation program. For qualified companies, Lantronix will provide up to three DSCs, capable of connecting to and remotely managing individual pieces of equipment. During the course of the program, the evaluating company will have access to a DSM server hosted at Lantronix headquarters in Irvine, California. The evaluating company will have a unique login and secure access to their managed equipment.
For more information, contact Lantronix at (800) 422-7055.
Order Information & Part Numbers
Lantronix products are available from a wide variety of leading technology vendors.
Click here to use our Partner Locator
To speak with a Lantronix sales representative in North America, call +1 (800) 422-7055. For a full listing of Lantronix worldwide offices, please see our Contact Information page.
| Model Number | Part Number | Description |
| DSM2000 | DSM200002-01 | ManageLinx DSM (Device Services Manager) |
| DSC2204 | DSC2204P2-01 | ManageLinx DSC (Device Services Controller) |
| VIPACCESS | DSMVIPACCS-01 | VIP Access Application |
| VIPPACK10 | DSM0010VIP-01 | VIP Pack-10 - Pack of 10 VIP Access Application licenses |
| VIPPACK50 | DSM0050VIP-01 | VIP Pack-50 - Pack of 50 VIP Access Application licenses |
| VIPPACK100 | DSM0100VIP-01 | VIP Pack-100 - Pack of 100 VIP Access Application licenses |
| VIPPACK500 | DSM0500VIP-01 | VIP Pack-500 - Pack of 500 VIP Access Application licenses |
| VIPPACK1000 | DSM1000VIP-01 | VIP Pack-1000 - Pack of 1000 VIP Access Application licenses |
| Specially priced bundle packages are available. Contact Lantronix for details. | ||
Features & Specifications
| Device Services Manager (DSM) | |
| Processor | Intel® Pentium® 4, 3.0 GHz |
| RAM | 512MB |
| Hard Disk | 160 GB |
| Ethernet | Two (2) 10/100/1000Base-T (RJ45) |
| Console | RS-232 (DB9) |
| USB | Four (4); front (2), rear(2) |
| Power Requirements | 100-240VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 250W |
| Physical | |
| Physical Dimensions (LxWxH) | 1U, 35.6 x 42.4 x 4.3 cm (14 x 16.7 x 1.7 in.) |
| Weight | 7.7 kg (17 lbs.) |
| Shipping Weight | 10.5 kg (23 lbs.) |
| Environmental | |
| Operating Temperature | 10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40° to 70°C (-40° to 158°F) |
| Certification | |
|
|
| Warranty | |
|
|
| Device Services Controller (DSC) | |
| Processor | Intel Xscale IXP420 Network Processor @ 266MHz 256MB SDRAM (can be configured with 32MB to 256MB) 32MB Flash (can be configured with 8MB to 32MB) 8kb EEPROM |
| Peripherals | 2 x DB9M serial ports (RS-232/422/485) at 300 – 230 kilobaud 2 x 10/100 Ethernet 1 with PoE (Power over Ethernet) 1 x USB 2.0 1 x device Configuration/Reset button |
| Input Power | 9 - 30 VDC – barrel connector 802.3af compliant PoE |
| Physical | |
| Physical Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.7 x 17.65 x 3.81 cm (5 x 6.95 x 1.5 in.) |
| Weight | 0.86 kg (1.99 lbs.) |
| Shipping Weight | 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs.) |
| Environmental | |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 55° C (32° to 132° F) |
| Storage Temperature | -40° to 70°C (-40° to 158°F) |
| Certification | |
|
|
| Warranty | |
|
|
