Q. Can my end-users receive Qwest® Remote Access nationwide? Worldwide?

A. Yes, Qwest provides expansive dial coverage across the globe. Domestically, Qwest provides coverage to more than 85 percent of the U.S. population with a local call. Internationally, Qwest provides dial coverage for global travelers in many strategic business locations in Europe, Mexico, Asia, South America, Russia and more.

Q. In addition to the Qwest Dial Access Network, does Qwest Remote Access offer additional access methodologies to end-users?

A. In addition to dial access, Qwest Remote Access provides Wi-Fi connectivity through select partners available with the use of the premium client software. The premium client software can also be used with other, customer-provided broadband access types (DSL, cable, ethernet).

Q. Are there multiple service offerings under the Remote Access umbrella?

A. Yes. Features available within the Remote Access offering include:

• Access flexibility
  • Dial-up access from over 2,600 U.S. points-of-presence (POPs), and global international dial coverage from more than 65 countries.
  • Wi-Fi access (802.11) from multiple business venues. The complete Wi-Fi deployment will include extensive coverage in hotels, airports, and other high-traffic business locations.
• End-user client options
  • Standard dial-up client for basic dial-up access only
  • For customers with enhanced remote access functionality needs, the premium client software offer provides an integrated access and VPN client (customer- or Qwest-provided VPN) in one single application. This enhanced client offers access flexibility (supports dial + broadband), VPN security enablement, personal security and firewall integration, end-user control, grouping, messaging, tracking and reporting.
• Support services
  • Web-based customer portals (Qwest Control® and Premium Administration Portal)
  • End-user customer care—24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • Multiple authentication options (RADIUS)

For opportunities that require a Qwest-provided VPN solution you are able to integrate the above access and client options for those solutions, as well. The end-user client software is an application that performs IPsec encryption and decryption on the actual data transmitted and received by the remote user’s PC. Remote access users connect to their network through a secure “tunnel” using any kind of Internet connection.

Q. What features are available with the premium client?

A. By integrating a user-friendly client with a powerful intranet portal, the premium client helps organizations take control of their remote access VPNs to make them cost effective and easy to use. The integrated client and portal perform many functions, all geared toward three simple objectives: dramatically reduce the cost of corporate remote access, enable easy metrics and success monitors for remote access projects and provide an easy to use experience for the remote access user base.

Q. How does the total solution work (client and customer portal)?

A. The customer receives the associated premium Web portal, which can be accessed by users to download the premium client. The portal allows you to keep all the latest security, personal firewall, anti-virus, and VPN software up-to-date on all your end-users’ machines through a few easy keystrokes. Since upgrades happen dynamically through the Qwest system, your network and administration personnel are free helping each user through a time-consuming upgrade. In addition, you can execute end-user grouping, messaging and management, phonebook control, access rights and policy enforcement. Detailed reporting and invoicing tools allow your administration personnel to view the entire record of access and VPN sessions, receive feedback from end-users, and proactively diagnose and address session problems before they escalate.

Q. How do I deploy the premium client to all my end-user machines?

A. It’s very simple.

1. The System Administrator establishes software setup within the premium customer portal
2. End-users visit the portal and enter their information
3. End-users install all software necessary for a remote access VPN session with a single click (premium client, VPN “shim”, firewall, and more).

There is no need for technicians to visit an end-user or to produce and mail software CDs. This methodology makes it possible to deploy up to tens of thousands of desktops in a single day.

Q. How does an end-user use the premium client software?

A. The end-user only launches one client—the premium client from Qwest—all other applications are integrated. The user does not need to launch any other applications, such as the VPN "shim," or other security applications.

Q. What VPN shims are supported?

A. The premium client can be customized to work with any shim; but we have existing modules integrating with all the Cisco®, Nortel®, and Microsoft® VPN clients. The client is supported on multiple operating systems including Windows® 95, Windows® 98, Windows® NT, Windows® 2000, and Windows® XP are all supported.

Q. Does the premium client support broadband access?

A. Yes—all features work over broadband, cable, and Wi-Fi, the same way they do over the dial-up Internet access capabilities provided to you by Qwest Remote Access and the Qwest Dial Access Network. Qwest provides dial access as well as Wi-Fi connectivity through the Remote Access offering.

Q. Does my customer have to make changes to my security infrastructure? VPN hardware? Firewall solution?

A. No. You will get a build of the premium client that is tailored to your organization and its chosen platforms. No retrofitting of your networking infrastructure is necessary.

Q. Does Qwest Remote Access offer enhanced online tools to manage end-user accounts?

A. You can manage your end-user base with state-of-the-art account management tools via Qwest Control®. The tools are available 24 hours a day through a Web-based user interface and allow your company-assigned account administrator to add or delete users, temporarily deactivate users, change passwords, modify end-user account information, view usage flags, retrieve usage records, access billing information, view invoices and make online payments. You can manage all aspects of your Remote Access service on your own.

Q. Can I get fast answers from customer care?

A. Qwest offers live customer care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can quickly receive answers regarding end-user accounts and technical support.

Q. Is Remote Access eligible to contribute towards my commitment level and receive discounts under Qwest Total Advantage®?

A. Remote Access is part of Qwest Total Advantage. As an Remote Access customer, you are eligible to have your monthly spending for this service contribute towards the overall monthly commitment level you establish when you sign up for Qwest Total Advantage. As a contributory service, Remote Access monthly recurring charges help you increase discounts on other services under Qwest Total Advantage. For more information on Qwest Total Advantage and a summary of all contributory and discount-eligible services, refer to the Qwest Total Advantage Web site.

Qwest® Remote Access is available throughout the domestic United States and internationally. Additional fees, including installation, inactive user, international roaming, overage and toll-free access, may apply depending on plan. Other restrictions may apply.

Back to Qwest Remote Access