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What kind of Broadband/ADSL connection do I need?
You would require an always-on broadband/ADSL connection. It has to be non-authenticated, in the sense that a user does not have to navigate to the ISP webpage and login, to start accessing the Internet. The ISP should provide you a public IP and (dynamic or static) and not block any ports.

What equipments does the ENPAQ Unified Gateway replace?
Usually, at locations that terminate a few ISP links, the ENPAQ Unified Gateway has functionality that can replace the ISP router, firewalls, content filters, web proxies and VPN servers.

Can I do away with expensive MPLS and replace it with broadband/ADSL?
Usually yes. This really depends on how critical the link is. Usually the ISP does not provide guaranteed bandwidth and uptime of ADSL links, which is why organizations prefer MPLS. As long as you have a good team that can interface with ISPs for link issues and rectification, this should not be a problem.

Is the ISP router really required?
NO! Most ISP routers, including ones for MPLS, are edge routers that do not participate in MPLS or routing protocols. The edge router is a vestigial functionality and is relegated to simply do an interface conversion - from V.35 to Ethernet. And you a lot fo money for this functions! Most ISPs drop Ethernet on their links today and the edge router can be completely eliminated.

Do I need a static IP at each location?
At branch locations, no. We recommend static IPs only at the headquarters location.

How do I reach my branch office, if it does not have a static IP?
There are two methods - a) The branches are connected to the HQ over a site-site VPN and the VPN end-points have static, but private IPs. You reach the branches through these private IP addresses. b) Elina hosts a public DNS server for its customers and each ENPAQ Unified Gateway is assigned a DNS name. The Unified Gateway updates its DNS records each time its IP address changes. You access the Unified Gateway / branch office through a DNS name, not an IP address.

Which are the supported interface cards?
ENPAQ Unified Gateway supports Ethernet, V.35, T1/E1, ISDN, dialup and standard USB CDMA dialup modems. All of these interfaces can be enabled simultaneously. For example, a leased line with V.35 interface, broadband with Ethernet interface and a USB dialup can be connected and act as failover options for the other links. Elina engineers can provide you with a list of supported cards - which you buy from the open market. Driver support and such is Elina's problem, not the customers. As far as you are concerned, the interface card just works!

Does ENPAQ Unified Gateway run on any PC/server?
Yes, as long as it is a x86 based processor - which most PCs and servers are. ENPAQ has been deployed from Via 1GHz processor based motherboards to multi-core/multi-chip Xeon based motherboards.As mentioned earlier, hardware and driver support is Elina's problem, not the customers. For you, the software just works!

What are the minimum hardware requirements?
Nothing much. Any PC, with 512MB RAM and 40 GB hard disk would do just fine. CD-ROM drive, keyboard, monitor and mouse are required only for installation.

When do I use virtualization?
At small branch offices, where you do not want to invest in a new hardware for enabling security and networking. Typical scenarios are retail, where there are usually a couple of PCs at each location.

Are PCs stable enough? Are not network appliances better?
When was the last time you saw a PC/server go down? And if it does indeed go down, the replacement unit is a PC, that your local vendor can supply! Reduce spares, reduce AMCs and free yourself from the tyranny of custom hardware! Most of the network appliances that you see are packaged PCs - they use Via or Intel Atom processors, and you can even load Windows on them, if required.