High-Speed, Redundant Connections
A-Link connects the building to the Internet using redundant, high-speed data connections. If the main connection fails, data is transferred over the backup to ensure delivery. If conditions permit, A-Link uses a wireless connection as the backup to prevent construction and other ground-level disturbances from temporarily interrupting the building's Internet connectivity.
The excellent performance of this shared connection results from the "bursty" nature of data transfer. A-Link allocates capacity to ensure that customers always have access to the data transfer rates that they have selected, and closely monitors usage to determine when to add more capacity to the building's network.
On-Site Server
The BUILDiNET™ system is controlled by a powerful server which is securely installed on the building premises. From this computer, A-Link's proprietary BUILDiNET™ management software controls and monitors the building's network, 24 hours a day. A battery-powered UPS (uninterruptible power supply) keeps the system running in the event of a power outage.
The local server also maintains the email accounts for the building. Having the mail server on-site makes sending and receiving large file attachments much easier and far less time-consuming, as the local mail server takes care of spooling messages to and collecting mail from remote sites. Additionally, messages are transferred between the office's network and the building mail server at Ethernet speeds — eliminating traditional bottlenecks.
Connecting to the Network
The BUILDiNET™ system connects to an office's internal LAN (local area network) using state-of-the-art, secure, switched Ethernet technology. The interface to the building network consists of a standard in-wall RJ-45 jack that A-Link wires for Ethernet. Each office simply connects a network hub to this jack. There is no need for additional hardware, such as modems or expensive Internet routers.
For offices that do not currently have an Ethernet LAN, implementing one is simple and cost-effective. Most modern personal computers have Ethernet built-in at the factory. For machines without built-in Ethernet, Ethernet cards are inexpensive and available from local computer stores and mail-order computer supply companies. Wiring an office for Ethernet is straightforward and inexpensive. Ask your A-Link sales representative for the name of a recommended, licensed wiring contractor.
IP Addressing
The BUILDiNET™ system provides several IP addressing options. If an office does not have special needs, IP addresses are supplied by the building's DHCP (dynamic host configuration protocol) server. Alternatively, customers can request a range of IP addresses to be used by their own DHCP server or for manual static allocation to the computers and other devices on their network.
Security
BUILDiNET™ uses secure, switched Ethernet to ensure that tenants are not able to see or access the data that other tenants are exchanging with the Internet. Tenants are also not able to "snoop" or wiretap another tenant's internal network traffic.
Network intrusion from the Internet is a possibility with every Internet connection. Therefore, A-Link recommends installing a firewall to prevent network break-in. Your building's A-Link sales representative is happy to discuss firewall options.
Using the System
To utilize the Internet, tenants simply launch their Internet applications, such as web browsers and email programs, and get to work. The building's high-speed, dedicated connections are always live — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.