Technical Discussion
Is
EtherLock software or hardware?
EtherLock
is hardware that, as the central component of our
product line, actively monitors the physical
connectivity of Ethernet equipment through the existing xBaseT
wiring of the LAN. EtherLock includes the ability
to convert physical information to logical
information and provide it to software tools.
How does
EtherLock work?
EtherLock
is that of a closed-loop alarm system, similar in function to door
contact sensors in home alarm systems. EtherLock injects a
stealth signal on the existing Ethernet wiring to create a continuous
loop through the Network Interface Card (NIC) in any networked computer
or other physically connected device. When the Ethernet end
device (DTE) is physically disconnected from the network, EtherLock
immediately triggers event notification.
Where
does EtherLock install?
EtherLock
installs quickly and easily on a LAN between the
Ethernet hub (e.g., Ethernet switch) and the patch panel, usually located in a data
closet.
What
must I do to each asset? Do I run extra
cables or load some software on each computer?
For
security applications, EtherLock requires no modification at
the individual asset level. Because EtherLock utilizes existing xBaseT network wiring,
installation is as simple as adding and changing a few cables
connections in your data closet.
I have
switches instead of hubs, will EtherLock still
work?
Since
EtherLock is a pass-through device, the EtherLock does not have to operate through the
same hub/switch. A EtherLock can protect widely dispersed computers
connected through multiple hubs and switches in a
single closet.
Does
EtherLock work for any network type?
EtherLock
operates over any xBaseT Ethernet utilizing unshielded twisted
pair (UTP) premise cabling such as CAT3 or better cabling, running Ethernet 10BaseT,
100BaseTX or 1000BaseT (Gigabit).
Does
EtherLock send any packets? Does it
interfere with the network traffic?
EtherLock
operates at the physical layer of the network and
is a pass-through device for data traffic.
It is fully IEEE 802.3 compliant; network
performance is not affected by its use.
- EtherLock
does not transmit data packets across the
network
- EtherLock
does not generate excess noise on data
communication lines
- EtherLock
does not intercept or alter existing
network traffic
What
happens if I turn the computers off?
EtherLock
provides its own signal to monitor all physically connected
assets, so your computers and peripherals
continue to be protected when they are powered on, logged
off, turned off, or even if the network is
down. As long as power is being supplied to
EtherLock, protection of your computer hardware
is assured. We do recommend the use of an
uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for continuous
power to EtherLock.
Can
mobile users remove their computers without
administrator intervention?
Laptop
users may be granted access to protect and
release specific assets through the inControl
browser-based client. The browser interface
avoids training costs and makes access easy from
any platform. The user merely enters their
authorized ID and password to record the transfer
of the asset from EtherLock control to their
responsibility.
What
happens to the network if EtherLock loses power?
From a data
communications perspective, EtherLock is a
pass-through device: the EtherLock is a device that does not impede the flow of data
packets. Even if EtherLock does not have
power, data traffic will travel normally from
source to destination.
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