IoT and edge connectivity systems provider Transition Networks (Minneapolis) on June 24 announced its Secure Remote Access (SRA) platform, billed as "an innovative approach for rapid deployment of encrypted bi-directional VPN tunnels between a network operations center (NOC) and remote sites, to provide organizations with a simple and secure way to access and manage distributed network devices and endpoints, such as switches and IP cameras."
Per the company's announcement:
SRA removes the disruption usually caused when a third-party monitoring and management company needs access to manage remote security cameras or other network-attached equipment for installations, monitoring, or troubleshooting equipment.
Typically, this requires configuration and advanced planning to get through a customer's firewall. Transition Networks' Secure Remote Access devices simplify this by enabling instantaneous, secure access to one or many remote sites without changing or configuring the firewall.
"When implementing and managing physical security solutions, gaining access to a customer's network through a firewall can be time-consuming and disruptive. Our Secure Remote Access devices simplify the process by removing the need for reconfiguration," explains Curt Carlson, senior product manager at Transition Networks. "Security integrators will be able to reduce costly truck rolls by enabling real-time, proactive health monitoring and remote maintenance from the NOC."
As further explained by the manufacturer, the Secure Remote Access solution consists of the Management Access Portal (MAP) device installed at the network operation center (NOC) and a Remote Access Device (RAD) device at the customer site(s). Transition notes the small form-factor devices are easily mountable in an IT closet due to their size.
Once the RAD connects to the network at a remote customer site, it will automatically seek out the MAP and initiate the negotiation to set up a secure communication tunnel. This link between the MAP and RAD uses advanced 256-bit encryption to establish the secure tunnel between the NOC and remote customer sites.
Because the connection is initiated from within the customer network, there is no need to reconfigure the perimeter firewall, so non-technical employees can easily complete the zero-touch deployment process. To provide operational flexibility, SRA can be configured to provide either complete local network access or limited access to specific devices.
According to information from the Technology Service Industry Association as cited by Transition Networks, the average truck roll cost is over $1,000. Instead of sending a technician to the site, the company notes integrators can now instantaneously troubleshoot and resolve the issues remotely using the Secure Remote Access platform.
The company contends this capability stands to "create significant business value for organizations by lowering operating expenses, reducing network downtime, and increasing customer satisfaction."
For more information, visit www.transition.com.