New access server from Compatible Systems lets ISPs support VPNs for multiple customers with duplicate IP address ranges.

by Wayne Kawamoto

Compatible Systems Corporation announced new Virtual Router capabilities in its line of IntraPort Carrier VPN Access Servers. The Virtual Routers will give service providers flexibility and scalability by allowing separate routing domains for customers.

Compatible Systems' Virtual Routers let network administrators create a unique context for each customer, which includes a choice of routing protocols, routing update policies, VPN tunnel mapping, and logical interfaces to the platform's physical interfaces.

Since each customer effectively has his/her own virtual router, the carrier platform now lets the service provider seamlessly support numerous customers that have duplicate IP address ranges (which is common today due to the depletion of the public IP address availability and the subsequent adoption of RFC 1918 private IP addressing by many customers). This initial upgrade to the Carrier product will support up to 256 virtual routers per platform.

"Virtual Routers enable service providers to customize VPN services to meet the specific needs of each and every one of their customers," said Matt McConnell, president and CEO of Compatible Systems. "Service providers are faced with the continual challenge of improving margins and our virtual routing/IntraPort Carrier combination allows them to generate incremental revenue and increase customer loyalty by offering well differentiated services."

Availability
The IntraPort Carrier is available in either a two or eight-slot chassis. The IntraPort Carrier 2 supports up to 10,000 VPN Client sessions and up to 1,000 site-to-site VPN tunnels. The IntraPort Carrier 8 supports up to 40,000 VPN Client sessions and up to 4,000 site-to-site VPN tunnels. Compatible Systems Virtual Router's for Carrier VPN Access Servers will be available some time in the first quarter of 2000.

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