Courier® business products

The scenario

A customer deploys various Cisco Routers in their network infrastructure. Day to day management is done over the existing network (In-Band), however the Managed Services Partner needs a secure and reliable way to remotely diagnose problems even when there are network outages (in the example below Node 2 is offline).

The solution

USR Courier modems provide an ideal solution for Out-of-Band network management providing:

• A secure path to manage a remote network, without interfering with normal traffic
• An alternative route into equipment for maintenance, management and trouble diagnosis
• An extremely cost effective way to perform contracted network management or support managed services networks

Cisco specific considerations

Various Cisco routers have different capabilities for attaching a Serial Port modem, such as the Courier. Some to be aware of:

• Older Cisco Routers (like the 2800 Family) may have a DB25 or DB9 serial port option for connecting the Courier to the router
• Newer Cisco Routers typically have an RJ45 Serial Port option
  • This would also require an RJ45 to DB25 cable to connect the Courier modem (appx $10)

Key applicable courier features

• Dial Security – Remote modems prompt for a password before granting access to the attached router
• Dial Back Security – Remote modems will only dial-back into preprogrammed management locations
• Securely Reconfigure Remote Modem – Network changes, modem updates and tweaks are done from a central site

Other applications of Out-of-Band connectivity

• Any network infrastructure with remotely managed nodes that support Serial connection (DB25, DB9, or RJ45). The same key criteria would apply: Security, reliability, remote manageability, performance
• Many PBX equipment and VoIP systems fit this category

The bottom line is if you need an ability to remotely maintain, diagnose or even upgrade network equipment, an Out-of-Band solution should be part of the network plan.