IMC Networks' StreamDaemon Data Flow Controller is designed to offer easy packet classification, rate limiting, and IP traffic shaping to control how, where, and when network traffic flows.

by Wayne Kawamoto [May 31, 2001]

IMC Networks announced its StreamDaemon Data Flow Controller. StreamDaemon is a five port 10/100 Ethernet device that performs packet classification and rate limitation based on network and transport layer protocols, which should enable device administrators to control how, where, and when network traffic flows.

StreamDaemon offers five RJ-45 ports, each of which may be configured as in/out (ingress/egress) ports as required by the application. According to the company, StreamDaemon operates based on defined logical traffic streams between its ports. Each stream has rules that are defined according to various classification parameters.

For example, the inclusion or exclusion of packets may be based on IP source or destination address ranges and TCP port numbers. IEEE 802.1q VLAN tags may also be added or deleted based on the rules. Each stream has a rate limit applied to it, and packets within the stream may then be prioritized for egress.

StreamDaemon is SNMP manageable via IMC Networks' iView SNMP management application software and is designed to be easily configured using its Graphical User Interface. iView operates as a standalone device management application for IMC Networks' products, or as a plug-in module for the most popular Network Management Systems, such as HP OpenView.

According to IMC, StreamDaemon may be utilized in a variety of networking applications. For example, enterprise network managers may deploy it in a multi-user LAN/WAN environment to limit HTTP/Web traffic to 512K, allocate 5 Mbps of bandwidth to high-priority user groups, restrict others to 1 Mbps and block certain IP addresses entirely. Similarly, service providers may be able to use StreamDaemon at service provider network access points to sell bi-directional bandwidth to customers and to ensure traffic flows smoothly through the wireless uplink.

"StreamDaemon introduces an unprecedented ease of use for rate limitation," said Michael Dailey, president and chief executive officer of IMC Networks.

"StreamDaemon differs from traditional traffic shaping devices in that rate limitation is applied explicitly to various types of traffic, a feature well suited to those selling bandwidth by the slice or those wishing to restrict use of a network by specific types of data. StreamDaemon allows you to allocate bandwidth in 1 Kbps increments, offering maximum control and helping ensure network bandwidth is utilized efficiently," continued Dailey.

"ISPs benefit from being able to enforce maximum rate limits on customer IP traffic based on packet classification," added Dailey. " Stream Daemon offers Layers 3/4 control, traffic prioritization, customer bandwidth management. It is also easy to configure for various WAN access applications."

Price and availability
Available immediately, StreamDaemon Data Flow Controller can be purchased as a standalone model, or as a module for installation in IMC Networks' PowerChassis Series. It carries a $1,720 list price for the module and $2,020 for the standalone model.

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