Copyright (c) 1996 Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
PC Magazine -- April 9, 1996
Les Freed
Don't let their unusual appearance and low price put you off. Symplex Communications' DirectRoute DR-1 and DirectRoute Remote RO-1, which cost a little less than the other products here, take a different, more transparent approach to ISDN routing. But that difference pays off. DirectRoute is a capable system that provides high-level performance and flexibility.
The four-BRI-line DR-1 router costs $2,999 with S/T interfaces and $3,799 with U interfaces. Apparently targeted at multiple-router remote locations, the companion RO-1 was the only product we tested that did not include a POTS jack--a feature that appeals to the SOHO marketplace. The RO-1 remote router costs $1,299 with an S/T interface and $1,399 with a U interface . Comparable products from other companies, such as Ascend, cost upwards of $1,695.
As true routers--not bridges--Symplex's products employ a clever technology that takes the hassle out of routing. If you've ever configured a router, you know that you usually need to compile a detailed list of IP and network addresses, since each router in your organization needs to know the address and location of every other router. With most products, someone has to enter the routing table data manually, updating it as new routers are added and old ones are removed.
Symplex simplifies this process using a technique called Silent Routing. This system automatically learns the address and route of every device on the network, then builds its own routing table. Thus a single remote user can automatically connect to any of several host LANs without knowing the phone number for each individual host router.
The RO-1 remote router can connect to two host routers simultaneously. RO-1s can also connect to one another to provide branch-to-branch routing.
The DR-1 main-office router comes with four BRI ISDN-line interfaces, an auto-switching 10Base-T/AUI Ethernet port, and an RS-232 serial port for the configuration console. The DR-1 also has two serial ports for connecting frame-relay or leased-line equipment.
Configuring the DR-1 was a pleasure: we had the it up and running in 10 minutes. The first time you start it up, the unit's software walks you through the configuration process. You need enter only minimal information, such as the phone number and SPID of each ISDN line, and the name and phone number of each remote router. If you're using TCP/IP, you need to know the IP address and network mask for the DR-1.
The RO-1 remote router is a modem-size black box. Its rear panel has connectors for its external power supply, an ISDN line, a configuration port, a 10Base-T connector, and one AUI port. Although the product supports multiple users--which makes it ideal for multiple-PC remote offices--it also comes with a 10Base-T "crossover" cable for connection to a single workstation. You can also connect the RO-1 to an Ethernet hub.
The RO-1 is operationally similar to the DR-1, and has the same first-time configuration screens. We had the RO-1 up and connected to our test LAN within minutes.
The DR-1/RO-1 combination performed very well. Although the Symplex products didn't lead the pack on any of our performance test runs, they weren't significantly behind the others. If you're looking for a remote-access solution for just a few users--and you don't need voice support--Symplex's routers could be your best option.
DirectRoute DR-1. List price: With S/T line interfaces, $2,999; with U interfaces, $3,799.
DirectRoute Remote RO-1. List price: With S/T interface, $1,299; with U interface, $1,399. Symplex Communications Corp., Ann Arbor, MI; 800-327-9926; http:// www.symplex.com.
Copyright (c) 1996
Ziff-Davis Publishing Company