Technical
Is
EtherLock software or hardware?
EtherLock
is hardware that, as the central component of our
product line, actively monitors the physical
connectivity of equipment through the existing
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?
The concept
underlying 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 a computer or
printer. When the Ethernet cable is
disconnected from a NIC, or if the cable is cut
at any point, this loop is broken and EtherLock
immediately triggers event notification.
Even an attempt to alter or jumper the wiring
will interrupt the EtherLock signal and trigger
notification.
Where
does EtherLock install?
EtherLock
installs quickly and easily on a LAN between the
hub and the patch panel, usually 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, EtherLock requires no modification at
the individual asset level. Because the
system utilizes existing network wiring,
installation is as simple as changing a few
cables connections in the data closet.
I have
switches instead of hubs, will EtherLock still
work?
Since
EtherLock is a pass-through device, the connected
equipment does not have to operate through the
same hub or be on the same segment. A
system 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 Ethernet unshielded twisted
pair (UTP) premise cabling such as CAT3, Cat5.
Cat5e or CAT6 running Ethernet 10BaseT, 100BaseT
FastEthernet or 1000BaseT. EtherLock does
not currently protect computers on Token-Ring or
fiber-optic -based networks. However, a
goal of our new product development is the
adaptation of our technology to these and
emerging network topologies (such as: ATM).
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 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 connected
assets, so your computers and peripherals
continue to be protected when they are logged out
or 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 system is merely a piece
of wire 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.
How will
I know if EtherLock loses power?
EtherLock
provides an ‘I'm here' packet to inControl
and sets the Watcher module of when it loses
power.
Return to
top of page.
|
