Remote Access Architecture

The remote access software provides an open platform for third-party development. Figure 2 illustrates the remote access architecture and its primary components.

Figure 2
Remote Access Architecture

The remote access components shown in Figure 2 include the following:

• Asynchronous Input/Output (AIO) ---AIO.NLM controls a group of NetWare Loadable Module^TM (NLM^TM) files that provide an interface between the serial port (COM or other AIO port), the communications drivers, and the remote access services, and is independent of the hardware used. You install and configure the AIO software as part of the remote access configuration. AIO facilitates port sharing, independent modem control, logical port management, and automatic port acquisition. AIO.NLM. When AIO drivers load, they register their capabilities and the number of ports with AIO.NLM. All AIO drivers automatically load AIO.NLM.

• NetWare Connect Service Selector (NWCSS) ---Because remote access supports diverse client types, it features NWCSS.NLM, which automatically routes incoming calls to the appropriate service. The Service Selector interfaces with AIO and monitors ports on behalf of the registered services. The Service Selector determines the appropriate destination of the incoming data, then relinquishes port control to the appropriate service. In a remote control dial-in connection, the Service Selector queries the caller for the available session (network workstation) to which the caller wants to connect.

• NetWare Connect Supervisor (NWCSU) ---NWCSU.NLM provides configuration and dynamic reconfiguration support. It also supports security, license checking, and network management, and it updates port status. NWCSU.NLM provides a library of functions, including dialback, audit trail, and alert logging.

• NetWare Connect Configuration (NWCCON) ---NWCCON is a utility that is launched by NIASCFG, which you use to configure and manage remote access.

• NetWare Administrator (NWADMIN) snap-in for remote access ---Novell Internet Access Server 4.1 contains Windows 3.x , Windows 95*, and Windows NT* snap-ins for NetWare Administrator that enable you to set remote access configuration information for users and servers.

• Point-to-Point Protocol Remote Node Service (PPPRNS) ---PPPRNS provides PPP support for remote Windows clients using the Internetwork Packet Exchange^TM (IPX^TM ) protocol or Internet Protocol (IP).

• NASI ^TM Connection Service (NCS) ---NCS establishes a logical connection between a remote access port and a network workstation. This connection enables network workstations (PCs and Macintosh computers) to dial out of the network with third-party applications using a pool of modems on the server.

  Similarly, dial-in users (PC or Macintosh) can use third-party remote control applications to remotely control a dedicated workstation or an application server on the network through NCS. NCS manages the connection between the calling PC and the network workstation.

• AppleTalk Remote Access Service (ARAS) ---ARAS supports remote Macintosh clients using Apple's ARA 1.0 or ARA 2.0. The Macintosh clients dial in to become remote nodes on the network.

• AIOPAD ---Remote access supports the transmission of asynchronous data over synchronous protocols such as X.25. With remote access, network workstations can use an X.25 packet-switched network to dial out to host computers, and remote users can dial in and access network resources. This module provides an AIO interface to an X.25 driver.

• Remote Access Management Agent (RAMA) ---RAMA (NCMA.NLM) enables you to manage remote access from any Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-based console on the network. RAMA interfaces with other management consoles through SNMP. It provides all remote access information to the ManageWise^TM software or to any SNMP-based console on the network.