Firebox Keeps a Watchful Eye on Networks

By Michael Foley
iApplianceWeb
(06/26/01, 08:11:43 AM EDT)

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. continues its line of firewall appliances with the release of the Firebox III Model 1000. The specialized appliance is a firewall that protects networks from harmful hacking and viruses. It offers firewall and Virtual Private Network (VPN) protection, as well as remote centralized management to small and medium-sized enterprises.

The new firewall supports up to 1000 simultaneous authenticated users and over 300 simultaneous connected branch office or mobile user VPNs while delivering a dynamic packet-filtering throughput of over 185 mbps.

The Firebox's software is based on the Linux operating system. It uses solid-state architecture to remove the risk of hard drive failure and disk crashes and dual-image flash memory in case of flash memory problems. Three independent network interfaces separate the office network from the Internet while providing an optional public network for hosting Web, e-mail, or FTP servers.

Firebox 1000 consists of:

• 300mhz processor
• 64MB RAM
• 64-bit bus architecture
• 185 Mbps firewall throughput in dynamic packet filter mode
• Hardware VPN acceleration designed for speeds of up to 45 Mbps

The Firebox 1000 includes the WatchGuard Control Center, the WatchGuard Security Suite, and a one-year subscription to the LiveSecurity Service. Suggested list price of the Firebox 1000 in the U.S. is $4,990. The optional VPN Accelerator Bundle has a suggested list price of $995. The Firebox 1000 is available now through certified WatchGuard resellers.