Transcript ScanNet vs. Element!

Element in a Network Environment
Element Network/IT Terms
• The “Enterprise” –
o A collection of all instances of the Element Platform communicating through a
common synchronized DB
• Database Synchronization –
o The capability of the Platform to synchronize data in one DB instance throughout
all other DB instances in the Enterprise
o The process is optimized by the Platform (why we do not use a commercial app)
TCP/IP – Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
o Standard language of the Internet
o Transparent to OS security upgrades (i.e., they won’t break the application)
o Not platform specific (unlike Named Pipes which is a Windows IPC protocol)
• Thin Client –
o The relationship between the Element client and the Server Platform
o Minimal processing is performed by the client
o Minimal footprint on the client Windows PC
o Access is totally controlled by the server
o Talks TCP/IP to the server
Element Network/IT Terms
• Load Balancing –
o The capability for multiple instances of the Platform to run on multiple servers,
each server servicing a discrete number of devices
o Servers can be local or remote
• Network Segment –
o A segment of a network isolated through a router or switch
o Typically cannot be accessed by users on another segment unless authorized by
the network admin
o With Element, would be used to isolate certain services such as credit card in
order to comply with PA-DSS/PCI standards
• Ethernet –
o The hardware transport medium through which data packets flow from one
point to the other on the network (TCP/IP is the protocol)
• Fiber/Cat5 –
o Typical cabling required to transmit data at Ethernet speeds through the network
• VPN (Virtual Private Network) –
o A method of connecting the client to the server through a secure “channel”
o Provides the client the capability of getting through the firewall and accessing
the server from virtually anywhere an Internet connection may be established
Element Network/IT Terms
• Static IP –
o A fixed IP address
o The Element server must have a static IP to which the EAC attempts connection
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) –
o A protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network
• Domain Name Systems (DNS) –
o Maps the computer name (a descriptive name) to a systems-internal identifier
o Supported by Element (the System tab shows the server names)
• Virtual Server o An application that creates multiple servers within the same physical PC
o Element may be operated within a virtual server environment
Architecture
Browser
3rd
Party
Interfaces
CC
Clearinghouses
Synch
Synch
XML
XML
Report
Access
…
Invoicing
…
Element Platform
Element
Platform
Report
Access
Invoicing
Element Platform
Win 7
Win SVR 2008
TCP/
IP
Element
Thin Client
Win 7
VM Ware
Win 7
Server
Physical Computer/Server
Computer
Off-Site
On-Site
Off or On Site
TCP/
IP
Element Area Controller
Device
Device
Element Area Controller
Device
Device
Hosted Services
• Ability to deploy multiple servers in multiple locations
• Servers may be on-site, remote or a combination
• Ability to create:
• Hosted service center
• Hosted data center
• Centralized system support
• Critical services may be fully isolated – like Credit Card!
• Profit centers developed using Platform hosting capabilities
Enterprise Value
• Ability to create a centralized point of control
• Critical aspects are managed including:
• Standard method of data exchange
• Automating local data collection
• Creating real time reaction to facility status
• Ability to integrate into existing central infrastructure
• Ability to integrate into existing local facility infrastructure
Architectural Value
• Fully scalable with any number of servers
• Any module (service) may be installed on any server
• Capable of supporting the smallest facility to the largest airport
• Backwards compatible to FAPD legacy lane equipment
• High fault tolerance with automatic area controller failover
• Interoperable with 3rd party application development
• Additional Element modules may be developed without modifying
the foundation Platform code
The Element Client
• The Element client Is Web enabled
• May be installed in any Windows PC
• TCP/IP protocol to the target server
• All user capability accessible from the Client
• All security managed through the Client