LAN/WAN Bandwidth Control

New BandwidthManager module from IMC promises to increase uplink/downlink speeds in Web hosting, colocation, and hosted application environments. The device enables bandwidth control in 1 Bps increments up to 10 Mbps.

by Wayne Kawamoto [January 25, 2001]

IMC Networks announced its BandwidthManager, a two-port device that should enable bi-directional LAN/WAN bandwidth control in 1 Bps increments up to 10 Mbps.

Designed to suit a range of service provider application environments, BandwidthManager is supposed to provide quick and easy allocation of uplink or downlink speeds to meet and guarantee a wide range of customer bandwidth requirements. As customer requirements change, the company says that LAN or WAN link speeds can easily be throttled on the fly via SNMP.

According to IMC Networks, BandwidthManager sets a new standard for bandwidth allocation and control. And unlike policy-based bandwidth management solutions that are complex and difficult to configure and manage, the new BandwidthManager is designed to perform simple, port-based bandwidth provisioning between the uplink and downlink ports.

IMC Networks says that BandwidthManager's simple design may allow for easy installation and operation. The company claims that BandwidthManager helps ISPs, ASPsm and Metropolitan service providers to maximize their profitability by providing the ability to provision the bandwidth and offer the customer a tiered pricing plan based on their Internet usage requirements.

And its bi-directional bandwidth control may be beneficial for hosted servers and applications, as well as environments where multiple, differentiated levels of service are required, such as in business parks and multi-tenant buildings.

BandwidthManager is available as a small, table-top unit with an internal power supply, or as a module that installs in IMC Networks' iMediaCenter Series, a flexible, multi-protocol platform that includes 2-, 8- and 18-slot configurations. The company claims that BandwidthManager may be installed and easily configured within minutes.

Users should be able to input the device IP address, dial in the desired bandwidth (the device's iView software can control up to 10 Mbps in 1 Bps increments) for the uplink and each downlink port, and finish configuration.

"As hosted applications and servers are becoming increasingly popular, more effective utilization of bandwidth will be crucial for the service provider's bottom line," said Michael Dailey, president and chief executive officer of IMC Networks. "Controlling the amount of bandwidth customers can use will help service providers be more profitable, but most importantly, they will be able to offer multiple service levels to meet a wide range of customer requirements."

"BandwidthManager can be used in practically any LAN/WAN application where link speeds need to be controlled," added Dailey. "And it can be used in other Internet-related applications such as simulating WAN link speeds during Web site development, enabling developers to test site performance in real life as if they were accessing the site using a 28.8 Kbps modem."

Availability and pricing
BandwidthManager should be available now and should carry an estimated list price of $520.

It installs in iMediaCenter Series chassis, sold separately, and runs IMC's iView software, which can be downloaded for free after registration here.

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