The Frame NAT

The Frame NAT is the version of our NAT product that has a built-in 56Kbps RFC 1490 Frame Relay interface complete with CSU/DSU, in addition to one or more ethernet interfaces. We have shipped versions with one or two ethernets. The one-ethernet version performs pure NAT functions, eliminates an extra Frame Relay router and CSU/DSU, while extra ethernets give the administrator the ability to segment the local network for IP traffic without having to buy an expensive multi-ethernet IP router from another vendor.

The drawing at left illustrates the use of the Frame NAT with one ethernet interface. The Public interface uses 56Kbps Frame Relay to connect to your Internet Service Provider. On that interface, you have a fixed, assigned IP Address that is given to you by your Internet Service Provider.

The Private interface is on your private Intranet. The devices on your Intranet use the NAT as their "default gateway" to the outside world. The topology and computer makeup of your private Intranet are invisible to all in the Internet.

Frame NAT Specifications

The Single-Ethernet model contains:

Full Net NAT Firewall features
One 56Kbps serial port with RFC 1490 Frame Relay
Built in CSU/DSU for the Frame Relay Interface
One combination Ethernet interface, with coax, AUI and TP connections
Dynamic Mapping for 256 simultaneous client sessions
Fixed and Port Mapping for 64 virtual host services
Syslog logging of significant events and traffic volumes
Hardware watchdog timer
Online manual via builtin WWW server
Substantial Cost Savings
One year free software upgrades

Substantial Cost Savings!

Besides the Firewall, NAT and Service Mapping features, the FrameNAT saves you money. Here are the things you don't have to buy because they're built in:

A 1-ethernet IP Router with Frame Relay capability for around $2000
You'll pay at least $350 for a low-end CSU/DSU

Public vs Private Interfaces

We call the interface that the Internet can see the "public" interface. This is the one with a registered address, usually loaned to you by your Internet Service Provider. We call the interface or interfaces that attach to your local Intranet "private" interfaces. Private interfaces may use most any IP Network Addresses that you wish, including those registered to others, although we encourage the use of those specified in Internet Standard RFC 1597. No addresses from your "private" Intranet will be seen by the outside world. If desired, and if you have multiple private ethernet interfaces on your FrameNAT, IP users on your private networks may "see" each other without restriction. This feature allows you to subnet your Intranet very inexpensively.

Competition Comparison

There is no other NAT package anywhere that gives you the functionality of the FrameNAT. There are other NATs around, though. In the NAT world our competition is Network Translation Inc, which manufactures the Personal Internet Exchange (PIX). We have each been shipping since 1994, except that our products have evolved with the needs of the Internet community. A feature and price comparison is provided for your reading. Be sure to add the cost of a Frame Relay router, CSU/DSU, and extra physical LAN hardware.

Model Lineup

Current Models of the FrameNAT product are:

The NN1-1E1S56-Enterprise with 1 combo ethernet. Ideal for the user with no existing Internet connection.
The NN1-2E1S56-Enterprise with 2 combo ethernets. Ideal for the user with no existing Internet connection that wants to segment the local Intranet.

This page was last modified on April 18, 1996.

This information is proprietary to Network Safety. Network Safety, WebElite, FrameNAT, DialNAT and NetNAT are trademarks of Network Safety. For information on our products and services, please contact our sales department. This page was prepared using WebElite, our professional editor for the Web.