ActionTec Announces Home Networking DynaNAT Technology

Business Wire, Nov 17, 1998

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1998--

Available With ActionLink Home Networking, DynaSyGate Software with DynaNAT Technology Eliminates the Need for a Dedicated Gateway Server

in Home Networking Environment

COMDEX BOOTH L4832 -- ActionTec Electronics Inc. a leading manufacturer of data communications and wireless products, today announced the revolutionary DynaSyGate Software with DynaNAT(TM) Technology. Using DynaSyGate Software with DynaNAT Technology, every PC on an ActionLink(TM) Home Network can simultaneously surf the Web over one Internet connection with just one ISP account.

Unlike alternative solutions, the unique DynaNAT Technology dynamically enables any PC with a modem on the network to operate as the Internet gateway, eliminating the need for a designated server. The DynaNAT Technology automatically determines which computer on the network is best suited to operate as the Internet gateway and dynamically reassigns the gateway function as networked computers are turned on and off.

By automatically self-configuring the network system as needed, the user-friendly DynaNAT Technology eliminates the need for a trained network administrator and brings the installation and setup of home networks within the reach of virtually all PC users.

"Home networks are, by their very nature, unmanaged. There is no system administrator, no dedicated server, no control over when individual machines are switched on and off, and no control over system crashes caused by unstable consumer-level applications," points out Elliot Hadaegh, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for ActionTec. "DynaNAT Technology overcomes these challenges, bringing the promise of shared, high speed Internet access to everybody on a home network without necessitating duplicate phone lines, ISP accounts, or hardware."

For maximum security, DynaSyGate Software with DynaNAT Technology includes a secure firewall that prevents unauthorized access from the Internet to the connected computers. The software also provides for user-selectable URL filtering to manage and control Internet usage for individuals or groups. Other advanced user management features allow designated administrators to manage and optimize their Internet connections. DynaSyGate maintains a history log of Internet activity that can be used to monitor Internet access.

How DynaNAT Technology Works

The DynaSyGate installation module automatically installs the DynaNAT Agent on every home network PC, and installs the DynaNAT Server on every PC with a modem or other Internet access. After installation, anytime a PC is powered up, the DynaNAT Agent automatically searches the network to see if a computer is already acting as a gateway. Anytime the currently selected server is shut down, the DynaNAT Agents among the remaining computers determine which possible DynaNAT Server has the highest performance and reassign the network traffic through the new gateway.

Operating in the background, DynaNAT Technology makes all network operation transparent to the users. The software automatically handles all of the details of selecting a server, connecting to an ISP, routing traffic between computers on the network, and dynamically switching between servers. The DynaNAT Technology is transparent to TCP/IP applications on the network. DynaSyGate Software with DynaNAT Technology automatically sets up the TCP/IP parameters without any user intervention, eliminating the traditional challenges of network setup.

DynaSyGate Software is the unique combination of ActionTec's innovative DynaNAT Technology with SyberGen's SyGate solution, one of the world's most popular Internet gateway software products.

ActionLink Home Networking

Affordable and easy to use, ActionLink uses existing telephone lines to simplify connecting multiple PC's and peripherals to each other and the Internet. The ActionLink Home Networking system eliminates the expense and inconvenience of running dedicated networking cables. The Plug-n-Play Home Networking cards are fast and easy to install, and work over existing home telephone wiring without interfering with telephone service.

ActionLink give families and small offices the ability to share files, software, and peripherals and interact with one another. By eliminating dedicated network wiring, the phone-line-based ActionLink products make small networks affordable, convenient, and flexible. The easily configured plug and play system brings the installation and setup of home networks within the reach of virtually all PC users.

About ActionTec

ActionTec has earned an enviable list of awards worldwide, including the prestigious Best of Show award at this summer's Retail Xchange, and the Editors Choice award from CNET's computer.com. ActionTec is also collaborating with Lucent Technologies Microelectronics Group in the recently announced "The Lucent Edge" campaign.

ActionTec Electronics, Inc. is a significant global player in the data communications marketplace. ActionTec's technically sophisticated products target the needs of SOHO and consumer users of mobile and desktop computers. The company has a track record of growth, attributed primarily to strong relationships in the data communications product marketplace. ActionTec's product line includes a complete line of phone-line based Home Networking products, Mobile and Desktop Fax/Modems, and Ethernet cards, as well as Internal and External PC Card Read/Write Drives for SmartMedia, CompactFlash and ATA Flash PC Cards. ActionTec's broad range of connectivity and storage products enables desktop computer users to increase productivity and allows mobile computer users to communicate effectively from non-traditional locations.