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DESIGNING A DSP-BASED RAS SERVER

Part 1: RAS Server Background
by Shawn Arnold

Start ý The Little Picture ý RAS Port ý Host Controller Service Details ý RAS Port Design ý Sources and PDF

In Part 1, I present introductory material on RAS servers. This material begins by taking a general look at RAS servers and introducing the most basic concepts and terminology. I include a discussion on where RAS servers are used and what services and functionality they provide. I then look specifically at the Port block of a RAS Server presenting its most basic concepts and terminology. Finally, to help solidify our thoughts, I present some common examples of were RAS servers are used and in what context certain services and functionality are required and used.

The acronym "RAS" stands for Remote Access System. In the simplest terms, a RAS server is a network gateway used specifically for remote access to a network. The RAS server provides remote access to LANs, WANs, and the Internet.

Some of today's RAS servers go beyond providing just access services to remote network users. Some RAS servers also provide off-network services (i.e., they provide the local network user off-network access services).

Note that when I use the general term "network," I am specifically referring to either a LAN, WAN, or the Internet. Also, when I use the term "gateway," Iým referring to a network's access point or port.

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