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.