NetGear Launches ProSafe Gigabit VPN Firewall

Networking solutions company NetGear announced the release of ProSafe 8-Port VPN Firewall (FVS318G) aimed at small to medium-size businesses (SMBs). The compact firewall, which delivers network security, remote access and Internet access, can support up to 10 users. Providing IPsec VPN for secure remote connections and firewall functions to protect small business networks from hackers, the FVS318G offers eight gigabit ports, one gigabit WAN port, and up to 25 megabit per second broadband throughput. The appliance also features a software-configurable hardware DMZ port to provide for server and other externally facing connections.

The company said the FVS318G is ideal for small businesses that need externally facing network resources like a Web server but have strict internal LAN security requirements. The DMZ port can be activated or deactivated using a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) and adds an additional layer of security to an organization's Local Area Network (LAN); an external attacker only has access to the external-facing equipment in the DMZ, rather than the whole of the network.

Jason Leung, senior product line manager for security at NetGear, said with this VPN firewall, the company continues to provide solutions that are affordable to the small business but offer the same sophisticated security functionality enjoyed by larger businesses. “We’re proud to deliver secure platforms that push the boundary of what’s considered ‘standard’ security fare for small businesses,” he said. “With the FVS318G, we’re offering features never seen before at a small business price point.”

The FVS318G incorporates the Web-based ProSafe Control Center configuration screen and install assistant to reduce initial setup time, and is compatible with Windows, UNIX, Macintosh, and Linux OS. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the FVS318G is immediately available via direct marketers, e-commerce sites and value added resellers (VARs) at a U.S. street price of $139.

NetGear is positioning the appliance the FVS318G for organizations that need more advanced protection than that offered by consumer-focused firewalls, but that also require tools available at a lower price point than units designed for the medium-sized business. It features eight gigabit LAN ports and one gigabit WAN port to allow for fast, secure connections at a rate of up to 25 megabits. In addition, RFC compliant IPSec VPN tunnels enable as many as five client-based remote access VPN tunnels to connect branch offices securely.

Johnny Chin, president and chief executive officer at Onesimus Enterprises, whose company participated in the beta test program, said his company’s experience with the FVS318G on the network has been very positive. “For the price, we were impressed with the level of features offered along with enhanced security measures against outside attackers,” he said. “Best of all, it’s fast enough to keep up with our high-speed broadband Internet connection, so we’re both protected and running at top speed.”