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ManageLinx
	How It Works
	Secure & Easy to Deploy
	Accessing IT Equipment
	Evaluation Program
	Part No. & Specifications
	White Paper
	Brochure

The ManageLinx Solution

Simple, Highly Secure Access to Equipment Through Firewalls

ManageLinx is a powerful M2M (machine-to-machine) communications solution that provides secure remote Internet access to virtually any piece of IP-enabled equipment – even behind remote firewalls or VPNs. ManageLinx is a secure and easily managed solution that joins equipment across the Internet to create a “Virtual Device Network (VDN).”

More flexible and easier to deploy than a traditional VPN, the ManageLinx VDN restricts access to only the specific IP addresses of authorized equipment and does not allow visibility to any other part of the network. It does not require any changes to network hardware or configurations. This makes it ideal for service organizations which need to access equipment on customers’ networks for remote product support.

OEMs without an existing remote product service model can easily create a new, recurring revenue stream. Those with existing service programs can broaden their reach, accelerate service revenues, improve efficiency and offer a competitive advantage. And end-users benefit from a simple and highly secure solution that provides better product service while maintaining the integrity of their network firewall and IT policies.

Network Access and Device Management for Remote Product Services

ManageLinx can host existing software applications enabling OEM/MSPs to remotely:

• Monitor product performance
• Receive notification of operational or status changes, service outages or anomalous user activity
• Diagnose failures
• Trigger corrective workflows
• Perform proactive maintenance
• Carry out remote repairs

The ManageLinx Solution – Components of a VDN

The ManageLinx VDN is an affordable solution that works with existing corporate network infrastructure to provide highly secure remote access to equipment through firewalls. The VDN hardware consists of a publicly accessible Device Services Manager (DSM) capable of managing individual Device Services Controller (DSC) appliances at each location. Together, these components enable the VDN administrator to discover remote devices, set up and manage individual Virtual IP (VIP) addresses and routes to allow access to individual devices from anywhere on the Internet.

Device Services Controller (DSC)

The Device Services Controller resides on the remote network and mediates communication onto that LAN. In Device Controller mode, it provides simple access as well as end-point encryption for all traffic. To provide secure end-to-end communications, a DSC sits on the LAN at each service center location. Operating in Host Controller mode, they provide a secure, scalable entry point into the ManageLinx VDN system. Once enabled, the Host/Device Controllers provide encrypted communication through the firewall.

Device Services Manager (DSM)

In addition to serving as a proxy connection point for participating DSCs, the publicly addressable DSM offers a complete Web 2.0-based management system for all system configuration and control. The DSM administrator can configure individual devices, set up automated device discovery on remote networks, perform automated monitoring and enable secure access to any device visible to a participating DSC..

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How it Works

Many enterprise IT departments do not allow unauthorized third party applications to be installed onto their systems, so for many users current remote access solutions that require dedicated client agents, such as IPSec or SSL VPNs, are not an option. Another problem arises if the application involves remote M2M communications - dedicated VPN clients are simply not available for most appliance-based devices.

ManageLinx is different! Our patent-pending VDN technology enables users to create dedicated TCP/IP connections between any two points on the Internet using low cost, easily deployed hardware appliances. With no client software to install and no changes required to either the network configuration or application software at either end of the connection, ManageLinx provides a secure and totally transparent remote access solution.

The heart of the system is the DSM, a dedicated appliance that relays connections between user hosts and destination devices. Individual DSC appliances serve as a low cost point of presence on participating LANs. Each DSC is capable of acting simultaneously as both a Host Controller (which originates connections from host systems) and a Device Controller (which receives and manages incoming connections to individual remote devices).

To the remote network, a newly installed DSC functions like a newly installed computer. To access devices on a remote network the DSC just needs to establish a single out-bound connection to the DSM controlling the VDN. Once this connection is established, all system configuration, commands and network traffic can pass through the encrypted channel. When the DSC successfully authenticates to the DSM, it can immediately begin providing secure access to individual pieces of pre-authorized equipment.

Fast… and Easy Deployment

Deploying ManageLinx is simple with Lantronix patent-pending Virtual IP (VIP) Access™ technology. No networking knowledge is necessary. No end-user configuration or software installation is required – simply plug in the power, plug in the Ethernet connection and insert a USB flash drive with the appropriate bootstrap file. That’s it! The Auto Discovery service finds networked equipment on the LAN and establishes an instant point of presence. After setup, the service provider can access authorized remote equipment without changing the network configuration or their customers’ existing software. The Web 2.0 interface and built-in “Directed Navigation” system provides graphical views for easy navigation and control.

Bulletproof Security

ManageLinx maintains IT security policies and corporate firewall integrity. As a proxy between administrators and networked devices, access is well-defined and strictly controlled. Devices on the network that are not specifically authorized are invisible to the user. And to ensure accountability, audit logs maintain a record of both device configuration changes and user connections. To prevent snooping, all ManageLinx VDN traffic is encrypted from point of origin until delivery to the end device.

Lantronix DNA

Lantronix Distributed Network Access (DNA) is the underlying technology that enables the ManageLinx solution. Equipment on the network that can be accessed by ManageLinx can be “network-ready” from the manufacturer or network-enabled with a device server from Lantronix or other provider. Devices network-enabled with patent-pending Lantronix DNA Technology™ are automatically found, configured and updated. Contact Lantronix for a complete list of products with built-in DNA Technology.

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Access and Manage IT Equipment Behind Firewalls

ManageLinx provides firewall access to any networked device, including IT infrastructure equipment such as servers or PBX systems. It can seamlessly integrate with other Lantronix products, including our SecureLinx remote IT management family, for a complete ‘end-to-end’ remote services solution.

ManageLinx Customer Evaluation Program

Lantronix offers a comprehensive ManageLinx customer evaluation program. For qualified companies, Lantronix will provide up to three DSCs, capable of connecting to and remotely managing individual pieces of equipment. During the course of the program, the evaluating company will have access to a DSM server hosted at Lantronix headquarters in Irvine, California. The evaluating company will have a unique login and secure access to their managed equipment.

For more information, contact Lantronix at (800) 422-7055.

Order Information / Features & Specifications

Lantronix products are available from a wide variety of leading technology vendors.

Click here to use our Partner Locator

To speak with a Lantronix sales representative in North America, call +1 (800) 422-7055. For a full listing of Lantronix worldwide offices, please see our Contact Information page.

Features & Specifications

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