Small companies need network protection, too. Firewalls and gateways have been scaled down in both size and cost so that smaller companies can have the networking and security capabilities that they need, and the SnapGear family of VPN router devices is part of this movement. The SnapGear LITE is the most basic device in this family, but it still packs in everything a small company would need.

The SnapGear appliances are based on Lineo's SecureEdge server appliance kit. This provides a customizable framework for developing server appliances. SecureEdge wraps up server component modules along with Lineo's Embedix Linux OS. This technology allows the SnapGear appliance to give businesses secure networking and Internet access.

Speaking of secure access, firewall capabilities are resident on the SnapGear LITE, which typically supports a network of 30 computers. While basic firewall capabilities are currently available, stateful firewall enhancement will be available in the future via a free downloadable software upgrade.  In fact, all firmware updates are free. For VPN security, the LITE uses standard IPSec VPN and PPTP 128-bit client and server VPN technology.

General networking functions include DHCP for client and server, PPPoE, static and dynamic NAT, broadband or serial connection sharing, and port forwarding. Users can go through the browser interface and Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator to manage the device. It functions on Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000, Apple Macintosh, Linux, and Unix operating systems.

Connectivity methods include a RS-232 serial port, a 10BaseT WAN port, and a 10/100BaseT LAN port. The 12-ounce LITE measures 7 x 4.6 x 1.7 inches. LEDs indicate WAN/LAN link and activity, COM activity, heartbeat, and Internet connection.

Pricing and Availability

The SnapGear family is currently available through resellers, with the pricing beginning at $249 for the SnapGear LITE.

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