Designed as a product for Managed Network Services (MNS), the BANDIT™ brings together a combination of legacy data protocols, security functions, and management tools into a broadband VPN access device attractive to both enterprise users and service providers.

Extensive support for legacy data protocols, such as X.25, SNA, and BiSync, together with IP data and Voice over IP, enables the BANDIT™ to handle a combination of VPN applications with its standard dual Ethernet connections and the optional serial port. IPsec encryption, firewall with stateful packet inspection, and network address translation (NAT) protect both critical enterprise traffic and servers. Remote configuration and monitoring tools, built into the BANDIT™, dramatically speed deployment and reduce operating expense.

For high availability, each BANDIT™ contains an integral V.90 modem that provides automatic dial backup and restore capability. To minimize toll charges, the BANDIT™ can drop the dialed call after the main network connection recovers from a failure or a pre-determined idle time. The operator also can configure the unit to wait for a command to return to normal operation

A slimmed down version of the standard BANDIT™ product, the BANDIT-IP™ is designed specifically for Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) applications with two Ethernet LAN/WAN ports and an optional expansion slot for either 56/64 kbps DSU or a third DMZ Ethernet port. It is a purpose-built Virtual Private Network (VPN) gateway that provides personnel in remote offices and telecommuters with access to the private corporate network while on the road or working at home. It is also a VPN appliance solution that carriers can offer to their existing broadband customers to provide value-added VPN services.

Built with security and ease of management in mind, the BANDIT-IP™ is one-box solution for IPSec VPN tunneling, stateful inspection firewall, built-in router functionality, authenticated remote user access, Network Address Translation (NAT), and comprehensive diagnostic and troubleshooting tools. Positioned between the IP core network and the Local Area Network (LAN), the BANDIT-IP™ provides the perfect solution for cost-effective, secure managed IP VPN networks over different flavors of existing broadband networks like DSL, cable, satellite, and Wi-Fi.

Designed for next generation multi-service broadband networks, the BANDIT-Plus™ broadens Encore's addressable market to include service providers and enterprises that wish to deploy more cost-effective solutions for voice, IP+Legacy VPN, security, and data over a single broadband packet-based connection. Hardware acceleration of encryption ensures high performance and minimizes latency — an important feature for secure Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) transport.

The 19" rack-mountable BANDIT-Plus™ includes two Ethernet ports in addition to a built-in V.90 modem and a universal serial interface. The modem may be configured as the primary WAN link, dial backup, or as a dial-in maintenance port. Serial interfaces provide support for dozens of legacy protocols, including ALC, X.25, and SNA over V.35, X.21, or RS-232 physical interfaces.

An expansion slot supports a variety of modules with physical interfaces such as 56/64 kbps DSU, T1/E1 CSU, Ethernet; or a second serial interface. Also, a two-port T1/E1 DSU/CSU expansion module with "drop and insert" capability allows any part of a T1/E1 access line to connect to a PBX. The total package integrates TDM voice, data, and VPN applications over a single network facility.

The combination of a high density 12-port serial module, the ability to terminate hundreds of remote locations over secure IPsec tunnels, and the support of a wide range of legacy protocols makes the BANDIT-Plus™ an ideal VPN host gateway solution. Legacy applications can migrate smoothly from leased circuits (analog or digital) to packet-based (frame relay), IP, and broadband VPN infrastructure. With the BANDIT-Plus™, Encore Networks offers end-to-end IP VPN+Legacy solutions that can satisfy the requirements of the Small-to-Medium Enterprise (SME) market.