TITAN

Titan has been optimized to self-manage details that are vital to creating connections — something no other management software does. When connect ing multi-rate devices, TITAN automatically identifies and selects the highest rate common to both devices. The system will also check for compatibility between the devices, assuring they share a common rate and a matching data protocol.

TITAN Scheduler
Click to enlarge


TITAN CLI
Click to enlarge

The Topology Scheduler enables users to create a calendar for running saved topologies. It offers time-based scheduling, where topologies can be activated and released at set times and dates. Built-in security measures enforce user permissions – preventing users from superseding schedules set by others and precluding a single topology from being used in overlapping schedules.

The Command Line Interface (CLI) has also been updated in newest release of Titan. Users have long been able to run topologies with the CLI, but now they can now create, edit and delete topologies and schedules as well.

Titan’s CLI has always offered output in formatted mode, and now offers users the choice between formatted and delimited output – which is readily adaptable for scripting and automation.

APCON offers a library of sample automation scripts for common applications. Customers also have access to a knowledgeable professional services team that can provide assistance with scripting and automation applications. Tcl, Perl, Java, and PHP are a few of the more widely used scripting languages used in conjunction with scripting.

Titan Tapping
Click to enlarge

APCON switches have always allowed connections to be "tapped," so data streams can be processed by analyzer devices or software. Now Titan offers an enhanced graphical interface that makes it easier to identify and manage tapped connections. A stylized icon makes locating Taps quick and easy. (fig. 1) Addition ally, labeled device icons identify where those Taps are directed. (fig. 2)

Titan also offers users the ability to create an unlimited number of Taps — setting it apart from the competition, which is limited to 12 Taps.

Titan is a full-featured software system, offering many processes that are performed in a variety of ways. To speed up the execution of repetitive actions, Titan offers a customizable task menu where frequently used tasks, other local processes and external links can be grouped for ready access. Each user may also define his or her own task menu.

Titan Canvas
Click to enlarge

Through an easy-to-navigate graphical user interface (GUI), Titan eliminates the need to map physical layer connections between multiple Acon switches — offering a device-centric view of the network, as opposed to a port-centric view.

The active network tool gives users a drag-and-drop canvas to visually connect devices in real time. Additionally, complex offline topologies can be created, saved and recalled for on-going use.

Titan Security
Click to enlarge

Titan increases security by eliminating the manual process of accessing the test lab or production network to change patches. Offering secure, remote, multi-user access leads to a reduction in manual errors and lower MTTR (mean-time-to-repair). To access the virtual switch matrix, users need only login into Titan and begin making changes electronically.

Titan supports a wide variety of applications, including data center and Enterprise monitoring. With these applications in mind, Apcon offers its Security Blade and corresponding SPAN port safety logic. These combined tools prevent the accidental creation of a SPAN port loop — eliminating fatal conditions that can cause catastrophic network failure.

To streamline user logins, Titan supports RADIUS and TACACS+ directory authentication. As a result, users with multiple Apcon switches will be able to use a single login for multi-switch access.

In situations where user-selected devices do not share a common rate and matching protocol, Titan provides an error message when the checks fail. Titan also automatically checks for a clear path through the switch matrix and assures that the desired port is available. For additional examples of error checking services offered by Titan, contact your Apcon representative.