### PortAssist Manager Architecture

PortAssist Manager consists of the following:

- One or more systems with Digi adapters that are managed by the PortAssist Manager. These can be Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 2000, UNIX, and Novell NetWare systems.
- A system running the PortAssist Manager application, which can be one of the systems that host a Digi adapter or any other system that meets installation requirements. See Installation Requirements for more information.
- Systems on which users perform PortAssist Manager tasks, which can be one of the systems hosting a managed Digi adapter, the system running the PortAssist Manager or another system that meets installation requirements.

For successful network monitoring and management, PortAssist Manager requires the following three components.

- Server: A system running an operating system supported by PortAssist Manager server that has a Java Virtual Machine version 1.1 installed. This is where the PortAssist Manager server is located, and may also contain the Digi host adapter or adapters.
- Communication Agent: The communication agent is the link between the hardware and the server.
- Client: Any system running browser software. Netscape Navigator 4.0 or greater and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or greater are required for viewing the PortAssist Manager interface.

The following figure depicts PortAssist Manager architecture: