General

Networking and Sharing

Network Services

 

What does the Aries Server do?
The Aries server is a multifunction appliance providing a shared Internet connection, printers and files to small businesses or departments. It also provides common network services, such as Web and FTP server, domain name resolution, IP address assignment, and security against remote users. It can complement or replace a Windows NT Server.

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Who is the Aries designed for?
It is primarily targeted at small offices and home offices (SOHO) that do not have a full-time technical specialist to administer their network. With the Aries, system housekeeping tasks are minimal, and management is done via the all-familiar Web Browser. It is also designed for mobile users who need to move their network frequently, or have to set up ad hoc networks in temporary environment like meeting rooms and hotel rooms.

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How is the Aries different from other servers?
The Aries is designed as an "appliance", which means that it works in predictable and repeatable ways.

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How powerful is the Aries?
The Aries has a 200-MHz MediaGXm all-in-one processor, 64MB of memory, and 10GB of hard disk. This is sufficient for most small offices with less than 50 users. The server's performance in everyday tasks are generally limited by the speed of input-output components, like the disk drive, modem, and printer, rather than the actual raw CPU clock speed. Aries has optimized operating system drivers and extensive caching to make it perform on par with most mid-range servers.

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What do I need to set up my own network?
A small network for an office can be created using the Aries Server, an Ethernet hub, and a few computers with Ethernet adapters, and cables to link each computer to the hub. Each client PC needs a network-capable operating system, e.g. Windows 95/98/2000, Mac etc. All server software are included and pre-configured on the Aries.

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What about security against hackers and virus?
Once an office allows its network to be linked to the outside world through Internet, it faces threats of security breach and virus. The Aries includes an automatic firewall against intruders. Since the Aries runs on a custom Linux operating system, it itself will not be affected by PC virus that may come in through files or E-mail.

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Which Internet connection types are supported?
Aries supports an extensive array of connectivity options. You can use dial-up V.90 or ISDN connection through an external serial modem or the PCMCIA card modem, or over xDSL or cable modem using the second Ethernet port. In the future, support for USB-based communication devices will be available.

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How do I upgrade the product?
Since the Aries is designed as an appliance to server specific functions, the hardware cannot be upgraded.

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Can I load my own applications on Aries?
The Aries runs Linux operating system, so it is possible to install Linux-based applications on it, for instance database, client-server middleware, etc. You can transfer applications into the Aries over file sharing or FTP. However, be aware that the resources of the Aries has been tuned for a server environment, and as such may not give optimal performance when running user applications.

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I am using a Windows NT server at my office. Can I add the Aries server on my network?
Yes. However, certain services should not co-exist and should be disable on either server. e.g DHCP Server

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Can I share files on the Aries?
If you enable file-sharing service and assign folders for sharing on your Aries, you will be able to see the shared folders in the Network Neighborhood window on your Windows workstations. This allows you to access easily documents, programs, web pages, and other files that you store on the Aries. The Aries' Windows file sharing service provides most of the same features as file sharing in Windows NT.

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Can I set up public folders on the Aries?
Yes. Aries makes it easy to create a company intranet and web site on which you can share essential information such as company policies, procedures and contacts. If you want to restrict access to some of this information, you can set up access control rights from the configuration menu.

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Can I share files with my Macintosh computers?
Aries' Apple file sharing service allows your Aries to act as a AppleTalk router for Apple Macintosh computers. You can even share the same files between Windows and Macintosh machines, if you enable both file sharing and AppleTalk service at the same time.

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Can I setup a wireless LAN using Aries and a 802.11b wireless PC card without an access point?
Yes. You can setup a wireless network in minutes with Aries. Just install a Lucent Orinoco PCMCIA wireless LAN card on the Aries and add any 802.11b wireless PC LAN card on your notebooks. You don't need for an access point and requires no expensive MIS staff for set-up and maintenance. It is truly plug and play.

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Does Aries support Apple AirPort?
Yes. Aries support Apple AirPort. You just need to install a Lucent Orinoco PCMCIA wireless LAN card on the Aries and install AirPort PCMCIA card on your Macintosh computers. You don't need for an access point and requires no expensive MIS staff for set-up and maintenance. It is truly plug and play.

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Does Aries support CGI or PERL scripting?
No. Aries only supports PHP3 scripts.

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Should I use my Aries as a gateway or proxy server?
Absolutely! Aries was designed for that.

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Do I get web caching if I use the Aries as my gateway?
Yes. Simply configure your browser to use the Aries as your web proxy server on port 80.

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What is web proxy server and cache server?
The web proxy server and cache server belong to the same service known as Squid web proxy cache, in short we called it as the Proxy Server. The Proxy server gets the web pages from the website on behalf of the user attempting to connect to using his/her web browser. The web pages from the website is then saved into the server's hard disk (if it has not been cached before) and forwards the web pages to the user. It can also act as an authenticator to check for authorized users to surf the web. With the web pages cached, the users' subsequent requests for the pages that has already been cached will be loaded to the users' browser a lot faster than the first time.

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How many people can simultaneously surf the web over shared Internet connection?
That depends on the bandwidth of your Internet connection. If you are just sending e-mail or viewing web pages, the Aries won't be taking too much resource. If several people are downloading files simultaneously, you may notice the system slowing down. Although Aries does not require any licenses and can suppport unlimited users, it is recommended for up to 25 users.

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If I am using dial-up to connect to the Internet, do I need to dial up manually every time I want to access the Internet using Aries?
No. The Aries automatically logs on to the Internet when someone on the network wants to surf the web, or send and receive e-mail. However, a modem may take up to 90 seconds to connect which may result in an error.

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Doesn't remote access put my network's security at risk?
No. Both Aries remote access/VPN software and robust firewall are there to protect your data. It is up to you to restrict access to the system with a sound system of access control rights and passwords.

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What levels of access control are possible with the Aries?
The advantage of Aries is that access is completely flexible, but limited by login and password. For example, a given user might have:
· access to all shared printers and servers
· access to specific directories on the server only
· access to his own computer's files

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Can I set up virtual private networking with Aries?
Yes. You can set up VPN for remote access for sales personnel on the road or telecommuters and they will have access to all the resources available on the LAN.

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Does the Aries have postscript print drivers?
Aries does not required any printer drivers. Aries receives the formatted print job from a client PC/notebook and sends to the printer connected to Aries. Hence the printer drivers is only needed to be loaded on the client PC/notebook.

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How do I set up printer drivers on the Aries?
Aries does not required any printer drivers. Printer drivers is only needed to be loaded on the client PC/notebook.

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How do I set up my printer on the Aries?
All you need is connect a printer to the Aries with a standard parrallel printer cable (25 Pin D-Sub).

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What kind of printer connection does the Aries offer?
Aries supports any parallel printer via the parallel port on the back. This is a faster connection than a serial connection. All print jobs are spooled on the Aries.

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Do we need an IT professional to set up the Aries?
No. All the Aries' powerful and advanced features are simple to understand and maintain. All that is required is a local area network, basic computer addressing information and an Internet connection, which are available from your Internet service provider.

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How do I register a domain name and attach it to my Aries?
You can register domain name at www.register.com. Celestix will provide this domain name registration service at our website with effect from March 1, 2000. If you have a permanent connection to the Internet, you can list your Aries as the primary DNS server for your new domain; otherwise, you will need to make arrangements with your ISP to provide DNS service. Once you have registered the name, you must configure your DNS with the new name. See the Aries manual for more details on setting up DNS records. The registration must be renewed annually.

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How do I connect the Aries to the Internet and my network?
Your Aries has two Ethernet port: Primary Ethernet for your local area network and Secondary Ethernet for direct Internet connection. You should receive the Internet network parameters from your ISP, or instructions on how to obtain one automatically when you connect. The LAN address is determined automatically by the Aries.

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Can I disable the web server on the Aries?
The web server is the program that allows you to connect to the Aries using a browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. Because you need the web server to configure your Aries, we recommend that not to stop this service. If you do need to stop the service, you can use the LCD front panel to do so. Alternatively, you may block access to the service by specifying the firewall rules in the ARIES Administration Web Interface.

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Does Aries support telnet?
Yes, the Aries supports Telnet. Only administrators are given to access rights to Telnet to Aries. Because of potential security risks, it is disabled by default to all normal users. You can make use of the firewall to further control Telnet access to Aries from the Internet or LAN.

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Can I really administer the Aries from anywhere?
Yes. All you need to do is log onto the Aries remotely using the administration password. The Aries Office Server allows either the ISP or client to manage and monitor the network via a web browser from any computer. All Aries administrative functions provided on the ARIES Administrative Web Interface are accessible remotely via the web browser.

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What type of firewall does the Aries have?
The Aries uses IPCHAINS for its firewall. It is basically a chain of rules that controls access from inside (LAN) or outside (Internet) based on particular services (such as e-mail or the web).

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How do I set up the Aries firewall? Is it complicated?
The Aries' default firewall configuration should be adequate for most sites. Changing the firewall is easy to do, but a good knowledge of the implications of your changes is necessary to avoid opening security holes or losing contact with your server.

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Do I need to set up my firewall to protect the internal site?
By default the firewall is already set to protect your internal site, however you might want to look at the Firewall settings to see if there is any need to restrict certain services.

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Can Aries control access to the Internet based on the user?
Yes, username and password can be used to authenticate users to surf the web by using Aries as their Proxy server. You can force the users to use Aries as the Proxy Server by making use of the firewall to DENY
* From Inside - WWW,
* From Inside - DNS
In addition, the users who are allowed must be given "internet access" permission in the User settings.

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What is the difference between POP3 and IMAP?
POP3 stands for the Post Office Protocol, revision 3. IMAP stands for the Internet Mail Access Protocol. Like POP3, IMAP allows e-mail reader programs to retrieve their e-mail from the server. Unlike POP3, IMAP also provides support for keeping your mail in several folders on the server, so you can organize it more easily. If you want to allow e-mail readers to access their mail with IMAP, you should enable the IMAP service on your Aries. In that case, you will usually want to enable the POP3 service as well.

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How do I backup my data on Aries?
Go to the Configuration Menu at http://yourserver:10000 and logon as Administrator. Click on System and Backup/Restore button. Select the location to backup your files.

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How do I update my Aries to the latest release?
Update files are downloadable from Celestix Networks' website, and they are digitally signed by Celestix Networks. The release of this update file is dispatched to all Aries registered users via E-mail. Take note that some update files are only applicable to certain versions, check the README file before downloading.

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