|
| Connect
Polled Async Lottery Networks
to the New Packet-based Networks — Quickly
and Inexpensively |
|
THE
CHALLENGE
Upgrading lottery networks to keep up with new technologies
in networking presents a major challenge for both the lotteries
and their suppliers. Most lottery networks in use today require
support for polled async and legacy packet protocols, such
as X.42 and X.25, which are incompatible with today's newer
packet-based protocols, such as IP, Frame Relay, and ATM.
While it is possible
to upgrade existing networks to support
new lottery terminals or host sites using
IP, the time and cost to execute such a
project is often a deterrent. A phased
approach may make sense, but supporting
both the old and new systems until the
new central system is fully implemented
can be cumbersome. The question is, how
can you continue to use your existing equipment
and protocols, while at the same time connecting
to new packet-based networks?
Monitoring the status
of a large network is a large task. When
lottery terminals are down, revenue is
being lost, and the network administrator
is under extreme pressure to quickly resolve
the issues. A monitoring system that lacks
the tools to quickly locate the source
of an obscure problem can cause"finger
pointing" between local loop providers,
carriers, terminal equipment providers,
and other lottery equipment suppliers because
the ownership of the problem is unclear.
A comprehensive monitoring system is needed
to reduce troubleshooting time and minimize
finger-pointing incidents. |
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THE
SOLUTION
The ideal solution is to introduce inexpensive conversion
devices to handle the communication between a polled
async network and an IP or Frame Relay network. That's
why Encore Networks' Frame Relay Access Device (FRAD) line
of products makes the most sense for applications that need
a bridge between legacy protocols like X.42 and the newer
packet-based networks constructed around Frame Relay, TCP/IP,
and ATM.
The Encore Networks
Access Devices also provide extensive monitoring
capabilities, with the ability to watch
for traffic disruptions on all ports. The
troubleshooting capability extends to Layers
1–4, giving you the ability to drill
down and locate the source of problems
that would otherwise be hidden.
Why is the FRAD approach the right one
for a lottery network?
The Encore Networks FRADs
offer many attractive features that make
including these devices in your network
plan advantageous. |
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| FEATURES |
| |
| ► Conversion
of polled async protocols to Frame Relay or
TCP/IP where needed |
| |
| ► Extensive
monitoring of all ports, which allows you to
view Layer 1 through 4 activity on every port
within your network |
|
| ► Internal
56/64 kbps CSU/DSU |
|
| ► Ability
to support four lottery terminals or ITVs on
one unit |
|
| ► Ability
to assign redundant paths |
|
| ► Increased
bandwidth for new applications |
| |
| ► Modem
backup |
|
| BENEFITS |
| |
► New
and legacy terminals can exist on the same
hybrid network, giving more options to "last
mile" providers of IP, DSL, wireless
services, etc. View a basic
lottery network. |
| |
►Monitoring
capabilities via SNMP with MIB II support
allows for fast and effective troubleshooting
at all points in the network, thereby reducing
the need for truck rollouts. Monitoring tools
include remote configuration, port capture,
ping, trace route, statistics monitoring,
triggers, telnet terminal, and craft port. View
sample statistics screens. |
|
| ►The
need for multiple types of equipment is eliminated. |
|
►The
EtherFRAD supports both lottery terminals
and ITVs. Multiple protocol support allows
for versatile interface with vendor equipment
and for running multiple applications simultaneously. |
|
|
|
►Packet-based
protocols allow unused bandwidth for other
applications. You can offer expanded services
and new applications, or hold in reserve for
future growth. |
| |
►High
volume retailers will appreciate the automatic
modem backup feature. If the connection to
the network goes down, no need to disrupt
service. Traffic is automatically sent via
modem over a standard phone line. View a modem
backup diagram. |
