* 24-port LAN switch supports VPNs and has its own firewall.
SonicWall is announcing this week a 24-port LAN switch that supports VPNs and has its own firewall.
Called SonicWall PRO 1260, the device is intended for small offices where one switch can serve both the WAN and the LAN.
A key security feature of the switch is that separate firewall policies can be applied for each port, effectively giving customers the ability to set up 24 separate security zones. Each zone seems as if it has its own firewall. So, for example, a small office could support a Web server that sits behind its own firewall zone and is isolated from all other devices connected to the switch.
In addition, the switch comes with a WAN port to plug in to an Internet router and an optional port that can be set up as the connection to an isolated LAN segment, which could also be used for a Web server.
The switch supports gateway virus scanning, intrusion prevention and spyware prevention services also offered by SonicWall. The device performs Layer 7 packet inspection in the firewall, as well as hardware acceleration for AES encryption.
SonicWall PRO 1260 comes with five remote-access VPN clients so individuals can tap into the network protected by the device. It also supports 25 site-to-site VPN connections to connect with other offices.
It can be managed by SonicWall’s Global Management System or can be configured as unmanaged. A large enterprise might use it in a branch office or a small business might use it at its only site and configure it directly.
The switch costs about $2,300 and is available now.
