Juniper Releases SSG Security Appliance

eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.

Juniper Networks unveiled a new integrated router and security appliance on Feb. 6: the Secure Services Gateway 500 Series.

The SSG is a LAN/WAN router that sports an integrated firewall, VPN, and will eventually support anti-virus, anti-spam and Web filtering features, according to Adam Conway, product line manager for Junipers Security Products Group.

The SSG will help enterprises secure branch- and medium-size offices where Web-based applications are driving high-speed broadband adoptions, said Conway.

The appliance comes in two models, the 520 and 550, and uses Junipers ScreenOS.

The 520, which starts at $6,000, comes with 600M bps firewall and 300M bps VPN and IPS.

It can support 64,000 simultaneous sessions and 500 VPN tunnels.

The 550, which starts at $10,000, has a 1G bps firewall, 500M bps VPN and IPS.

It supports 128,000 sessions and 1,000 VPN tunnels, according to information provided by Juniper.

The SSG is designed to plug a hole in the companys product line between the NS 5GT Firewall/VPN appliances and the enterprise-class Juniper NS 200 and NS 50 series appliances, Conway said.

The new platform sports four 10/100/1000 interfaces and six I/O expansion slots that can accommodate T1/E1, DS3, serial as well as copper of fiber gigabit Ethernet connections, Juniper said.

The platform is built to accommodate additional security features. Juniper plans to add an anti-virus and anti-spyware engine from Kaspersky Labs, anti-spam technology from Symantec and Web filtering technology from WebSense and SurfControl in 2006, Conway said.

/zimages/6/28571.gifFor advice on how to secure your network and applications, as well as the latest security news, visit Ziff Davis Internets Security IT Hub.

A central management console allows administrators to remotely manage firewall, VPN and routing across multiple SSG appliances.

Role-based user access allows the SSG to be used by a wide range of IT support staff, Juniper said.

The SSG will compete against integrated appliances, including Cisco Systems ASA and ISR appliances, as well as Fortinet Inc.s FortiGate 500 and 800 series appliances, Conway said.

/zimages/6/28571.gifClick here to read more about Junipers plans to tackle malware.

Juniper is betting that increased demands for bandwidth by applications like VOIP (voice over IP) and the continued demand for robust security will drive demand for the new platform.

The SSG 550 and 520 are available immediately from Juniper and ship with ScreenOS Version 5.4.

/zimages/6/28571.gifCheck out eWEEK.coms for the latest security news, reviews and analysis. And for insights on security coverage around the Web, take a look at eWEEK.com Security Center Editor Larry Seltzers Weblog.