As mentioned here last week, start-up NetD this week rolled out a multi-function security platform that includes VPN support. Here are some more details about the device.

The box is called SG-8 and in addition to an IPSec VPN, it comes with a firewall, QoS, routing and intrusion detection/prevention.

The box also supports SIP, which, in combination with the QoS, is the groundwork for its support of VoIP. Later releases of the device will include a full IP PBX and Power-over-Ethernet so it can directly supply power to VoIP phones in business offices.

The SG in the product name stands for security gateway, but it is really trying to become the only networking device in business branch offices. With both voice and data switching capabilities, the device can eliminate the need for separate voice circuits and phone and data wiring. With up to 48 Ethernet LAN ports, it can serve as the local switch for a sizeable site.

It can be configured to have redundant power, backplane and processors, which combined might remove fears that the box is a single point of failure - a failure that could shut down an entire branch. In addition, the software on the box is divided into three separate planes: data, control and management. The key here is that if the data and control planes get fouled up, users can still remotely manage it. The ability to deal with problems without sending a technician to the site is key for devices serving branch offices.

This type of device is becoming more popular, but this particular one has some advantages that stem from it being designed as a multi-function platform from the outset. The net result is that it addresses the potential problems faced by other vendors whose devices evolved from products such as firewalls, VPN appliances and routers. In particular, NetD says it has ample processing power to run all applications simultaneously without impairing performance.

One analyst following this type of device says he's heard of "other big companies" with similar devices on their drawing boards, so look for more announcements in this area over the next year.

Tim Greene is senior editor at Network World.