Black Box AC431A User manual

Protect your network from unauthorized access.
Protect your network from unauthorized access.
Modem Data Security
© 2007. All rights reserved. Black Box Corporation.
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FEATURES
• Locks out unauthorized users.
• Issues an authentication process that
ensures user authorization before
starting a peer-to-peer or client/server
session.
• Uses real-time DES encryption.
• Encrypts your RS-232 data.
• Maintains dialup capability.
• Installs between the modem and host.
• Use in pairs.
• To program, simply plug two units
together.
OVERVIEW
Prevent unauthorized users from accessing your system
without your consent or from automatically recording
information about your computer settings. The Modem Data
Security eliminates unwelcome monitoring by manipulating
all handshakes and data exchanges with multiple algorithms
and encrypting them to keep any node-specific information
from being monitored and decoded.
What’s more, you can protect your computer, network, host,
or server without compromising simple dialup capabilities.
The Modem Data Security installs between the computer and
the modem to intercept and authenticate incoming call access
attempts before connecting to the protected device.
Simply program the Modem Data Security to establish
which nodes will be allowed access. To program, plug two units
together. A multilevel handshake occurs, and each data security
unit stores information about the other. The unit can authorize
secure connections without transmitting any compromising
information.
In a typical dialup application, you have one computer
and modem connected to the Modem Data Security at one
end of the link. At the other end of the link, you have a
second computer and modem connected to another Modem
Data Security unit.
Once the pair of Modem Data Security units establishes
an authorized communication session, each unit generates
a unique DES base-key and cipher vector and encrypts all
transmitted data in real time.
Supports full duplex serial communications.
Data is encrypted by one Modem Data Security unit and
decrypted by the other Modem Data Security unit at the
other end of the line. Either unit can encrypt and decrypt
data at the same time. The Modem Data Security units also
adapt automatically to the connected modem’s baud rate
from 300 to 38,400 bps. The Modem Data Security unit also
recognizes standard computer modem control commands,
then transfers them unencrypted. Plus, it monitors hardware
flow control (RTS and CTS) between DTE and DCE.
Computer Modem Modem Computer
Modem Data
Security (AC431A)
Modem Data
Security (AC431A)
The Modem Data Security installs between
a computer’s serial port and a modem.
2/7/2007
#14584
724-746-5500 blackbox.com

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Item Code
Modem Data Security AC431A
2/7/2007
#14584
TECH SPECS
Authorization Programming — Single connection of two Modem Data
Security units, internal handshakes and automatic proprietary
authorization protocol exchange. One-Way or Two-Way authorization
determines which can initiate session connection.
Authorized Connections — After modems connect, Modem Data Security
units establish authorized identification based on previously stored table
information. If unauthorized, modems receive hang-up commands.
Session Setup Time — Less than 1 second
Real Time Encryption Speed — >1 Mbps
Data Encryption Method — DES, plus multiple levels of algorithms, record
masking, and cipher-block chaining
Key Generation — Automatic, based on numerous coefficients and internal
factors unique to each pair. Key generation occurs independently
within each Modem Data Security and is never transmitted. Weak keys
are automatically detected and re-generated.
Active Pins During Modem Session — 1–8, 20, 22, both Active and
Defeat modes
Cable — 24-inch RS-232, two 25-pin (DB25) connectors, one male and one
female; straight-through wiring, shielded
Security Switch, Programming — Switch Position as of disconnect:
Both Active: Two-Way Authorization;
One Active, one Defeat: Defeat Modem Data Security can initiate a
session to other (Active) Modem Data Security;
Both Defeat: Authorizations between those two Modem Data Security
units are removed
Security Switch, Session — Active: Unit in full operation;
Defeat: Unit in standby, simple passthrough of all data and RTS/CTS
Modem Control Commands Passed — All “AT” modem commands are
passed without encryption. Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To Send (CTS)
are passed between DTE (computer) and DCE (modem).
Serial Speed — 300 bps to 38,400 bps, automatic detect
System Throughput Speed — The benefit, if any, of data compression
performed by modems is reduced when using encryption; Computer-to-
modem serial speeds of 38,400 bps, or even 19,200 bps, should enable
V.32 bis modems to operate at maximum speed (14,400 bps)
Authorized Address Storage Capacity — Maximum of 500 valid Modem Data
Security IDs
Microprocessor — 16-bit, RISC, on-board ROM and RAM, DUARTs, anti-
tamper firmware
Memory — Additional SRAM, backed up by lithium battery when external
power is not present
Tamper Resistance — Auto-zero up firmware, polyurethane potting, total
encryption of all external signals and handshakes
MTBF — 720,000 hours of continuous operation
Connectors — (1) DB25 male, (1) DB25 female
Indicators — (3) LEDs: (1) Power, (1) Status, (1) Encryption
Operating Temperature — 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
Power — Internal: Lithium battery, 5-year, active only when external power
is removed;
External: Transformer, output 9 VDC, 300 mA
Size — 1.8"H x 2.8"W x 4.9"D (4.6 x 7.1 x 12.4 cm)
Weight — 11 oz. (311.8 g)
Recognize any of these situations?
• You wait more than 30 minutes to get through
to a vendor’s tech support.
• The so-called “tech” can’t help you or gives you
the wrong answer.
• You don’t have a purchase order number and
the tech refuses to help you.
• It’s 9 p. m. and you need help, but your vendor’s
tech support line is closed.
According to a survey by Data Communications
magazine, 90% of network managers surveyed say
that getting the technical support they need is extremely
important when choosing a vendor. But even though
network managers pay anywhere from 10 to 20% of
their overall purchase price for a basic service and
support contract, the technical support and service
they receive falls far short of their expectations—and
certainly isn’t worth what they paid.
At Black Box, we guarantee the best value and the
best support. You can even consult our Technical Support
Experts before you buy if you need help selecting just
the right component for your application.
Don’t waste time and money—call Black Box today.
Why Buy From Black Box?
Exceptional Value. Exceptional
Tech Support. Period.
724-746-5500 blackbox.com
✦ Modem Data Security
✦ 1-foot (0.3-m) DB25 male/male serial cable
✦ Power transformer
✦ A user’s manual
WHAT‘S INCLUDED