14 DAY TRIAL // Multi-Tech Systems announced a new product that combines the advantages of Wi-Fi access with the security of a full-featured network security appliance. The new RouteFinder SOHO Security Appliance is addressed to companies that need to secure access to the corporate LAN while providing Wi-Fi communications.
"Some companies utilize two routers at small offices to accomplish Wi-Fi connectivity and VPN access," said Chip Harleman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Multi-Tech Systems. "While this solution typically is more expensive, it does provide basic Wi-Fi and VPN connectivity. The problem is that this solution does not answer the separation of data issue. Being able to separate sensitive corporate data from general Wi-Fi usage can be important in any office. Without this capability, visitors cannot safely use Wi-Fi connectivity without having to manage their access. Multi-Tech's new RouteFinder SOHO Security Appliances allow for this separation of sensitive data from Wi-Fi traffic while combining the functions of a VPN and Wi-Fi router into a very robust and cost effective product for branch offices."
In addition to providing secure Wi-Fi communications, the RouteFinder SOHO Security Appliance features one or two WAN Ethernet ports for DSL or cable broadband mobile access, secure client-to-LAN and LAN-to-LAN connectivity, and a packet inspection firewall with up to 15 IPSec VPN tunnels and strong 3DES and AES encryption.
The new Wi-Fi VPN routers are available in two versions: RF820-AP, with one WAN Ethernet port, and RF830-AP, featuring two WAN Ethernet ports. They support IPSec VPN tunnels and PPTP tunnels; include dual WAN load balancing (RF830-AP) Internet and VPN Failover (RF830-AP); provide shared Internet access via PPPoE, DHCP or static IP; include a serial port for dial-backup (RF820-AP) and include a built-in 4-port 10/100 Mb/s switch. The devices feature network monitoring via Syslog, web browser-based configuration management and include advanced packet filtering rules for controlling network access.
Both the single and dual Ethernet port RouteFinder SOHO Security Appliances carry a price tag of $349 and are expected to start shipping in the next quarter.