What is a PAD/NAC ?

To keep it simple let's consider that PAD (Packet Assembler / Disassembler) and NAC (Network Access Controller) refer to the same technology. PAD is the terminology used in France, whereas NAC is the terminology used in other countries.

A PAD/NAC can be either hardware, or software.

Its role consists in splitting a data stream into discrete packets, for transmission over some medium and then reforming the stream at the receiver. The term is most often used for interfaces to X25 lines or to IP networks.

Lyra Network's PAD/NAC, LyraNAC™, allows computers, or dumb terminals, to communicate across an X.25 or an IP network and so provides a method for exchanging credit card transaction information between a transaction terminal (a swipe card machine or PC based emulation) or back office server and a credit card authorization service. The servers or terminals normally dial the PAD, which handles the special X.25 protocols or the IP protocol on their behalf.

If I already have a NAC from another supplier, can I replace it ?

Yes. Our LyraNAC™ has the same features as the best NAC suppliers. Its replacement is very easy and quick.

What kind of product is LyraNAC™ ?

LyraNAC™ is best described as an interface gateway between a POS and a bank, credit card or loyalty card company. It is often defined as a network communication controller or a network access controller.

With what type of connection can LyraNAC™ connect to when interfacing with banks etc ?

All the common: X25, IP, HDLC...

Which type of modem technology is accepted by LyraNAC™ ?

Most of them: V21, V22, V22bis, V22FC, V29, V32, V32bis, V34, V90, V90a.

Can LyraNAC™ accept native ISDN POS ?

Yes. X25 and V120 modems on a data channel (64 kbd) are supported by LyraNAC™.

What kind of management tools does LyraNAC™ deliver ?

LyraNAC™ provides real time activity, performance statistics, alerts (e-mails, SNMP traps, Windows Event Logger).

How can I analyse the traffic of a specific POS ?

Any data transferred between the POS and LyraNAC™ is logged. Any data transferred between LyraNAC™ and your transaction acquisition system is also logged. You can at any time analyse the contents of the messages and quickly and easily detect any failures.

How can I match a specific call with a specific retailer ?

LyraNAC™ knows about the content of the messages (CB2A, EMV, CHPN, CHPR, ZVT, Amex). When it receives a message, LyraNAC™ will extract from the incoming message your retailer ID, the version of the POS software... This data will be logged as input for the statistic process.

What information is logged ?

For any call, the date, the duration, the speed of the connexion of the call, the type of POS, the retailer ID, the numbers of exchanged bytes, the number of simultaneous calls, the type of operation (clearance call, uploading of operations, downloading of parameters, ..), the software version when provided (ITP in France for example), the caller phone number, the calling phone number, the X25 address provided by the POS is your link between the POS and your system is X25.

What benefits does LyraNAC™ provide compared to a X25 public network ?

LyraNAC™ has a native IP connection with most of the TMS (terminal management systems). Using an IP connection (if provided by the TMS provider) optimises the duration of the call and simplifies your network.

How many channels can LyraNAC™ accept ?

From 2 to 120. Most common configuration are 8, 30, 60, 90, 120.

Is there any daily maintenance required on LyraNAC™ ?

LyraNAC™ is as reliable as any equipment in your network. Once installed LyraNAC™ accepts almost 1 million calls a day. No reboot is needed.

How can I define the number of channels I need ?

The size depends on the number of POS that you want to accept simultaneously, in how many hours and also depends upon the length of your calls. In most cases, we consider that 100 channels can support 10 000 POS.

Can my GSM POS be connected to LyraNAC™ ?

Most GSM use a V42 protocol. LyraNAC™ automatically recognises this protocol. The modem can be a V32 modem or a V110 modem.

Can GPRS and xDSL POS be connected to LyraNAC™ ?

Yes. LyraNAC™ also acts as an IP gateway between the POS and your system.