What's the razzmatazz on RAS?
New remote access system established; Connect Account to be decommissioned
 "The Net"
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by Juli Rew
D emand on the NCAR terminal server has grown steadily as increasing numbers of staff and users dial in to NCAR via their home modems or while traveling on business. This fall, SCD upgraded its terminal service by installing a new Cisco remote access server (RAS) that more than doubles the number of available lines to 69. As of 1 December 1998, the 1-800 Connect Account service was also moved to the new RAS machine. The old Connect Account machine will be decommissioned on 31 December. Users accustomed to the terminal server will see a number of changes under the new RAS system.
For most users, using the new RAS is much easier, and the speeds are faster. Rather than dialing in via several different phone numbers according to modem speeds, users will be able to use a single number to access the RAS. All the RAS lines can handle speeds up to 56 Kbps. The RAS communicates differently than the old terminal server or 1-800 Connect Account system. The new mechanism makes it easier to configure a home machine for Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) access. However, this means you won't be able to just change telephone numbers to switch to using the RAS. In order to use the new system, all users will need to re-register for a RAS account. If you do not currently have a RAS account, you can request one at the following URL: www.scd.ucar.edu/cpg/cgi/startpppform.pl
For instructions on how to configure your system to use the RAS system, see: This site provides information on using NCAR computing systems via modem and telephone lines. Topics covered include:
A handy dial-up table puts it all together.
There are charges for use of the 1-800 lines. Information on charges for 1-800 use by staff and university users is given in the above document, or in the document "Charges for SCD Computing Resources" at |
