PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

From the November 2003  issue of Communications News

VPN solution

The new Alteon SSL-VPN Software Release, version 4.1, is designed for companies that utilize SSL VPNs as their primary means of remote access. The solution offers dynamic access control to intelligently assess the security level of a client and restricts access accordingly. The ability to process applications reliant on user datagram protocol (UDP) enables SSL 4.1 to support real-time collaborative environments securely. Enhanced tools enable Web-based management–easing configuration and maintenance. Also, auto log-off is used to automatically time-out a session and purge all cached information after a period of inactivity from a secure connection.
—Nortel Networks
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Remote sites route optimization

The Proficient Network Policy Engine (NPE) model NPE210A enables enterprises to deploy mission-critical applications across IP VPNs without fear of poor application performance, achieving frame relay-like performance with lower costs and improved resiliency at remote VPN sites. For predictable and reliable delivery of VPN traffic, the company’s Pathfinder software on the NPE offers performance management functionality that delivers improved end-to-end application performance by measuring latency, jitter and packet loss. By moving traffic to the path with the most appropriate characteristics for each application, private line transport quality can be achieved in an IP VPN.
—Proficient Networks
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Software solution

Reducing complex configuration requirements for clustered firewalls, StoneGate version 2.2 is a high-availability firewall and VPN that provides drop-in firewall clustering to simplify configuration and reduce installation time. The software incorporates fully integrated centralized administration for easier management, including support for distributed network environments. Built-in load-balancing capability eliminates the need for external load-balancing devices. New features include category filtering, support for SmartCard-based authentication and increased application security for mobile VPN clients.
—StoneSoft
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SIP enable a firewall

Made specifically for small businesses looking to SIP-enable their network quickly, the SIParator 20 is a device that connects to an existing network firewall to seamlessly enable the traversal of SIP-based communications. Once connected to the existing enterprise structure, the device allows companies to utilize SIP applications, such as Internet telephony or VoIP, instant messaging, presence, video or any number of SIP-based real-time communications. Measuring 1.7" x 10 x 8.7", the unit has a VIA C3, 533 processor and two ports at 10/100 Mbps, and comes with 10 SIP user licenses, scalable to a maximum of 400.
—Ingate Systems
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Unified switching platform

The NetScaler 9000 Secure Application Networking System now features secure, remote access for Web-based and client/server applications, terminal access and files through integrated secure socket layer virtual private network functionality for encryption, as well as authentication, authorization and auditing. Optimization features, such as TCP offloading/buffering, compression and in-memory caching, unburden Web and application servers from connection processing and content delivery overhead, improving end-users’ response times. Switching functionality has been enhanced with link load balancing and dynamic route-learning capabilities.
—NetScaler
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Intrusion protection upgrade

FortiOS 2.5, a new release of the firmware available for all FortiGate antivirus firewalls, adds significant new features, such as intrusion prevention, as well as more than 50 enhancements to the firewall, VPN, antivirus, intrusion-detection and content-filtering capabilities of the FortiGate line–without requiring any hardware upgrades. The new intrusion-prevention features stop attacks in progress, protecting networks against more than 30 of the most prevalent and damaging threats, including denial of service (DoS/DDoS) and buffer overflow attacks. User-configurable thresholds and alert mechanisms provide system administrators with fine-grained control and comprehensive, real-time reporting. Enhanced VLAN and zone support allows zones to include VLANs and/or physical port(s), and inter-zone policies enable granularity and control. Also, one FortiGate unit can now serve multiple departments/customers.
—Fortinet
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Integrated VPN/firewall

The iForce VPN/Firewall Appliance offers both enterprise-class and mid-market business customers higher levels of security, easier deployment and manageability. The solution integrates Check Point VPN-1/FireWall-1 Next Generation (NG) with Application Intelligence software for protecting against both network- and application-level attacks–all integrated with a hardened version of Linux. The appliance is available in five different configurations, in 1-U and 2-U form factors, offering from four Gigabit-Ethernet ports on the base single-CPU machine, up to 14 on the dual-CPU top configuration. The appliance comes with a redundant hot-swap power supply in the 2-U configurations and increased performance with up to two 2.8-GHz CPUs. The units feature a peak firewall throughput of 3.1 Gbps on dual processor configurations and a peak VPN throughput of 1 Gbps.
—GE Access
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