That giant sucking sound you might be hearing is gateway appliances everywhere milking functionality away from other network appliances. Well, Cayman's Calypso I continues this trend by including standard gateway features with DSL modem and wireless access point functionality. Calypso I follows in the footsteps of Cayman's 2E and 3220H broadband gateways and provides the next level of integration and modularity. Calypso I offers broadband access, security, and network management for homes and small offices.

Calypso I includes an ADSL modem, which eliminates the need to get a separate modem for broadband access to the Internet. Unfortunately, Calypso doesn't support access through cable modems, but Cayman has plans to do so with an upcoming model. The always-on nature of ADSL is great for setting up Web or email servers, but it also compromises privacy and security, so Calypso has varying levels of security protection using firewalls and NAT. Calypso comes with a basic firewall called BreakWater, and a more advanced version (BarrierReef) is available at an added cost. The basic version also provides security monitoring and SafeHarbour VPN for network protection.

The gateway includes a 4 port 10BaseT Ethernet hub for client computer connections to the network. Optional HomePNA networking support is available with the Calypso I-C model. Calypso networking protocols include NAT and DHCP, which provide security and network management. Calypso assigns up to 253 virtual IP addresses to client computers connecting to the network. Other I/O ports include a USB device interface for peripheral attachments and a DB9 serial interface for direct console management. In addition to fixed wired networking, Calypso provides wireless networking through optional PC, 802.11b, or HomeRF add-on cards.

Calypso is managed through a Web-based console, telnet, SNMP, or a utility program using the console port. A built-in management Website allows authenticated users to modify and configure the gateway for operation. PPPoE is also available for service providers to remotely manage, upgrade, or run diagnostics.

Pricing and Availability

Calypso I is available for service providers and OEMs with pricing ranging from $200 - $500, depending on optional features.

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