LRC Design Details and Technical Specs

Powered by an Intel IXP425 Network processor with an embedded Linux kernel, the software is centrally managed and upgraded. The board incorporates a 16-port Ethernet switch with powerful Vlan and QoS support. Eight ports of the switch can provide PoE for IP phones and other devices. The boards are connected to the network backbone via a gigabit Ethernet port over twisted pair or fiber. Extensive on-board features and options include 802.11 wireless access points, a four-line Analog Terminal Adaptor, enabling the use of inexpensive standard hotel telephones if and where desired with an IP Phone system, and a Zigbee radio module for communicating with in-room devices, from door locks to minibars.

The modular design of the LRC allows for simple upgrades at any time. As wireless technology advances to 802.11n, for example, changing the radio module on the LRC is easy and extremely cost effective. Zigbee and other features may be added or changed seamlessly. The Lorica Management Node centrally configures the boards and monitors them in real-time.

At every point in the design of the LRC, the special needs of the hospitality industry — from critical security considerations to power to bandwidth requirements to easy maintenance — were engineered into the network solution.

Security

Vlans isolate shared services while port privacy prevents the snooping of guests’ data. This security model extends to the wireless network through use of “Virtual Access Point” technology with security policies for different segments of the network. This allows the secure use of one network by both guests and operations eliminating the need for multiple data networks. 802.1x security is supported for special access by staff or for devices like set-top boxes and IP phones.

Power

Based on the telecommunications industry standard, -48 Volts DC, the Lorica solution uses a centralized redundant power system and wiring solution that can operate for an extended period of time on battery backup to insure high availability even in the event of a power outage. It powers all LRC boards and attached Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices including IP phones. The system can also power backbone switching equipment with a DC power option.

Bandwidth

The Lorica solution has plenty of room for growth, including support for bandwidth intensive HDTV. Services are managed through QoS and control protocols to assure they work together and receive the required network access. This is especially critical for real time streams such as voice and video including support of the IGMP protocol for effective segmentation of multicast streams. Bandwidth management for HSIA ensures network reliability and allows for tiered pricing, if desired.

Easy Maintenance

The LRC is perfect for hotels that may lack staff with in-depth knowledge of technology and networks:

The LRC is hot swappable and is easily replaced by property staff; no technical knowledge or tools are necessary to swap out a LRC.
The LRC self configures and automatically reintegrates to the network after replacement with no manual configuration required, minimizing downtime.
The LRC is solid state with no moving parts, and therefore is very resistant to failure.
The LRC does not require cooling and is totally silent in the guest room – no fans, no beeping, no buzzing.
The LRC is installed in a standard structured wiring enclosure that is locked to prevent guest tampering.

Technical Specs:

Intel IXP425 - XScale ARM processor
- Embedded Lorica Hospitality Firmware based on Linux OS
- Powerful Network Processor with Encryption & DSP acceleration
- Flash Memory based with remote firmware load for easy upgrades
Advanced Ethernet Switching with Power Over Ethernet Support
- 16 Ports 10/100 Copper Ethernet
- 8 ports support 802.3af and Cisco Proprietary PoE
- Gigabit internal switching and uplink interfaces - One Copper, One SFP slot
- Advanced QoS, VLAN, IGMP Snooping, bandwidth management & Security
Modular Options
- One or Two Mini-PCI Wireless Radio Cards
  - 802.11 b/g (a optional, n when available) Access Point Functionality
  - Central Management - Roaming, Channels, Power, Security
- Zigbee Radio Option
  - Device Bridging to Network via SOAP/XML
  - Door Locks, Thermostat, Safe, Mini-bar, Lighting
- Four Port Analog Phone Adapter
  - SIP Stack G.711, G.729, T.38 Fax
  - Allows use of Analog Phones in Room with IP PBXs
Management
- Central Configuration and Management via SOAP/XML
- Remote Software Upgradeable
- Remote Real-Time Monitoring