SoftRouter Plus is a powerful solution for TCP/IP WAN connectivity. The SoftRouter enables the interconnection of remote networks to Local Networks with the minimum of fuss, the maximum security, scalability and flexibility.

With full Remote Access Server support, SoftRouter Plus has the easy answers to many complex network questions: Remote sites can connect to head offices for access to central information or email services; a supplier can have access to Intranet information; Internet access can be shared between offices. Different methods of connecting networks are supported, from Modem & ISDN connections through to leased line, offering expandability for solid future proofing.

Host access controls allow for restriction of local and remote access to certain facilities on networks, adding security features.

SoftRouter Plus offers dial-on demand networking, resulting in the connection only being opened when required. When the connection has been idle for a chosen time, the connection is closed, until required again. This will save on considerable call costs in areas where telephone call pricing may be an issue.

As SoftRouter Plus follows standards for connectivity it can be used to connect to any existing TCP/IP hardware routers and PPP based dial-in servers.

The Remote Access Server allows for more than just connecting remote offices. Individual users can be supported, such as home workers. See the Remote Access Server information page for more information.

This example shows a head office network with remote access from a branch office using two modems.Two copies of SoftRouter Plus allow communication between the two sites when necessary. Any TCP/IP services available on the head office network can be made available to the branch office, such as email facilities or Intranet servers. Note that the Head Office network is in two segments, a feature that is described more fully in the LAN configuration section. Remote office access can be controlled to only allow access to certain machines on the Head Office network, using host access rights.

This example shows a head office network with remote access from two branch offices. Three copies of SoftRouter Plus control connections between the three sites. Any TCP/IP services available on the head office network can be made available to both branch offices, such as email facilities or Intranet servers.

As the larger branch office uses a leased line connection offering a permanent connection to the head office, whilst the smaller branch office uses an ISDN connection for a dial-on-demand connection. Both remote offices' access can be controlled to only allow access to certain machines on the Head Office network, using host access rights if required.

This example shows a head office network with remote access from two branch offices. Three copies of SoftRouter Plus control connections between the three sites. Any TCP/IP services available on the head office network can be made available to both branch offices, such as email facilities or Intranet servers. As the Head Office uses SoftRouter Plus to occasionally connect to the Internet, this facility is also available to both the remote branch offices.

As the larger branch office uses a leased line connection offering a permanent connection to the head office, whilst the smaller branch office uses an ISDN connection for a dial-on-demand connection. Both remote offices' access can be controlled to only allow access to certain machines on the Head Office network, or not to have access to the Internet, using host access rights if required.

Wide Area Networking and Local Area Networking can be combined to provide a solution to almost any combination of Local and Wide Area Network applications. Further examples of different SoftRouter Plus configurations can be viewed in the SoftRouter Plus Examples section, or more information on Local Area Networking and Remote Access functionality is available.

For further specific information on any of the features of SoftRouter Plus, choose a section below or return to the SoftRouter Plus main information page, and choose a subject there.