3Com Corp.'s OfficeConnect ISDN router offers VARs quick installation and setup that will make a short visit to a customer location a money maker.
At the same time, it will make even the most computer-phobic end-user happy, because the router is a multifunctional unit that enables every small office user to connect his network with either the Internet or another office.
We opened the tightly packed box to find a very small, compact unit, a power pack and a getting-started guide, the only documentation provided. Also included were a 10Base-T cable and an ISDN phone jack, which was everything needed to connect to the network.
OfficeConnect has a built-in four port hub and two RJ-11 ports for the two ISDN telephone lines. You can connect two devices, either phones or fax, to the router. You can even connect an analog modem, if need be. This is a great way to maximize your customer's investment in ISDN. OfficeConnect also provides a DHCP server and Network Address Translation (NAT) on the router. There is also additional software in the package, including PC Cillin, Eudora and Webex, to name a few. We did not test any of this software.
The company offers a money-back guarantee if the ISDN LAN modem isn't up and running within 15 minutes. We weren't able to cash in, as for once a promise was true. Fifteen minutes after we figured out the documentation, plugged the unit into a power source, and connected the cables, the Internet was accessible.
As we said, the printed documentation is skimpy, but it does provide all the information needed to get the OfficeConnect up and running. Unfortunately, it takes several good reads of the documentation just to figure out how to begin the process of setting up the unit. Full documentation is available in PDF format on the included CDs.
OfficeConnect's install wizards ask a few questions and do the rest. The first wizard is the SPID wizard. You have to tell it your ISDN SPID numbers. Once it successfully verifies those numbers, it moves onto the ISP Wizard. Here you need your ISP's phone number, account and password information.
After you answer those questions, OfficeConnect tries to log into your ISP. If it's successful, you have a fully functional ISDN LAN router.
VARs or experienced users can modify many of the default setting through a Web browser interface and/or a telnet session. OfficeConnect offers password protection on those features to limit the ability of unauthorized personal from changing the settings. The Web-based interface is workable, but cumbersome.
OfficeConnect allows you to modify workstation parameters (ISP permissions and IP address reservations) and Data Call parameters (timeout values, minimum calls, bandwidth demand, etc.). It also allows the administrator to modify the ISDN values (for 3-way calling, conference calling and voicemail) and the LAN parameters (IP range, domain name). Other features include calling statistics and firmware maintenance.
So if you're looking for a simple to administer, workable solution for customers' SOHO router needs, take a serious look at 3Com's OfficeConnect.
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VARFacts Product: 3Com Corp. Office Connect ISDN LAN Modem Price: $499 (list) In Short: An easy to install ISDN router for small business. Vendor: 3Com Corp., Santa Clara, Calif. (408) 326-5000, www.3com.com |