Remote-office roundup

N+I offers something for every network executive.

Now that we're all working from everywhere, network executives need to track technology up and down the scale.

It's not enough to be an expert in remote access, security and collaboration tools. Today, you're recommending and implementing small-office gear for home and branch offices, too. Small office/home office network vendors get it; that's why many are making a strong showing at this year's NetWorld+Interop. Here's a rundown of what's new.

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Now that we're all working from everywhere, network executives need to track technology up and down the scale.

It's not enough to be an expert in remote access, security and collaboration tools. Today, you're recommending and implementing small-office gear for home and branch offices, too. Small office/home office network vendors get it; that's why many are making a strong showing at this year's NetWorld+Interop. Here's a rundown of what's new.

Small to midsize offices

AEP Systems, which makes Secure Sockets Layer hardware security and acceleration gear, will announce a new version of SureWare A-Gate, an SSL-based VPN appliance for small to midsize offices. The device provides authenticated access to internal applications from Web-enabled devices. New in Version 1.2 is a remote desktop that lets users access Web-based applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. The device costs $5,000.

EmergeCore, which develops all-in-one network products, will announce a new version of its all-in-one network device, which it calls an "IT in a Box." The IT-100 includes 20G bytes of storage, router, four-port switch, firewall, VPN, Wi-Fi access point, FTP server, e-mail server and multiple-domain support.

Click to see: EmergeCore's IT-100

EmergeCore says nontechnical user can set up and maintain the box via the Web-based interface. The device supports PCs; Macintosh and Unix machines; and laptops, Tablet PCs and PDAs. Unlike the previous version, which cost nearly $10,000, the new version costs $1,400.

Linksys, which Cisco acquired last month, will announce support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) in its wireless gear. WPA is a standards-based security protocol that eliminates most 802.11 security issues. WPA will be offered as a software download on Linksys' site.

Netgear, which will announced its IPO earlier this month, is distancing itself from Linksys and other SOHO network vendors by offering more "business-focused" products. Netgear will announce the ME103, an 802.11b access point with enterprise security and detachable antennas. The AP includes IP Security (IPSec) VPN passthrough, support for 802.11x for use with a Remote Authentication Dial-In Service server and support for a slew of enterprise authentication protocols, and WPA via a software upgrade. Available in May, the device will cost $240. The company also will debut the ANT2405 5dbi Omni-Directional Antenna ($30), the directional ANT24D18 patch Panel Antenna ($400), and the ANT24DBC DC Power Injector ($75), products that extend the range of wireless networks.

Netgear also debuted the FWAG114, a four-port router with built-in IPSec VPN, stateful packet inspection firewall, and 802.11a/g dual-band access point. The device supports two VPN tunnels. It is scheduled to be available in June and will cost $460.