EION Introduces Powerful New Features to its Tidal Product Line

Tidal Version 4.0 Software supports Ethernet Bridging with Firewall

Ottawa, Canada; November 24 2005 - EION Wireless today released Version 4.0 software for the Tidal line of broadband gateways. New features supported by the Tidal 350, Tidal 350-WG, and Tidal 1000, include; Ethernet Bridging with Firewall, effortless switching between Cable Modem, DSL Modem or LAN, wireless operation (Tidal-350 WG only), strengthened remote management, updated EION Theme with context sensitive help, a soft reset option and an option to restore factory settings. These features complement existing Tidal features such as; VPN pass-through, DHCP, DNS, NAT, multilink trunking and port forwarding. The Tidal product line combines with EION’s Ranger products to form EION’s Rugged Wireless Communication Solution (RWCS), delivering robust, reliable and secure wireless networking solutions.

Ethernet Bridging
Tidal can now be configured to operate either as an Ethernet Router, or an Ethernet Bridge. The Ethernet Bridging option allows users to connect multiple Ethernet interfaces on a single Tidal while sharing a single IP subnet. Traffic from one network is sent straight through the Tidal to another network, with no routing involved, independent of any protocol being used. Ethernet Bridging via Tidal is more powerful than an ordinary hardware bridge since it can filter the traffic and control the flow of packets - forming a firewall, protecting the network and enhancing the security of end users.

ADSL Client
Tidal can be configured to connect the LAN4 port to use a DSL modem (PPPoE), a cable modem or a LAN connection. Previously, this configuration was accomplished tediously, via a command line interface. With Tidal Version 4.0, this configuration is now done automatically by simply clicking on one button that indicates the connection type. Tidal Version 4.0 also allows users to easily configure the ADSL connection with a user-friendly graphical interface. Users can enter the ADSL username and password, the size of the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU), and whether the ADSL connection should be "on demand" or always be available.

Wireless Access Point
The Tidal 350-WG provides all of the same features as the Tidal 350, and includes an 802.11b/g wireless access point. The access point creates a wireless LAN with up to 128-bit WEP encryption, allowing users to connect to the network securely without the need for cables.

In order to manage the Tidal 350-WG’s access point, there is now a "Wireless" tab in the web management system. The modules in this tab allow fast and simple management of the wireless interface. The configuration options include; ESSID, mode, channel, transmission power, MAC address filtering, and encryption settings.

Remote Management
The Tidal can be managed from anywhere on the globe via the internet using EION’s powerful Remote Management Suite. This feature allows users to manage a network spanning hundreds of kilometers from a single location.

EION Theme
Tidal Version 4.0 introduces a new EION Theme, bringing a simpler look-and-feel to the web-based management system. The use of graphics has been reduced to help the web-based management system load more quickly over a slow connection.

Context Sensitive Help
A brand new Context Sensitive Help feature provides assistance to users exactly when and where it is needed. With Context Sensitive Help, users are able to click on field names and a help menu will appear.

Soft Reset
The Soft Reset feature allows users to reboot the Tidal system without performing a lengthy hardware reset. With the Soft Reset feature, the Tidal can be rebooted without any interruption to the end user.

Restore Factory Settings
Tidal Version 4.0 introduces a new feature allowing clients to restore their Tidal to the original factory settings. If a user decides to restore the initial configuration of their Tidal, the altered settings will be overwritten with the factory defaults.

Tidal broadband gateways are an integral part of EION’s Rugged Wireless Communication Solution, enabling last-mile broadband connectivity for remote communities, defense and security agencies, hospitality services, energy exploration, and video surveillance systems. The Tidal product line provides highly scalable network capacity serving up to 2000 users per system, with proven ROI.