Tritton does convergence right

ASAP device bundles NAS, broadband router, switch and security

Sometimes convergence really is more than just hype. Tritton Technologies’ new Tritton ASAP (Advanced Server Appliance Product) puts a spin on convergence we never considered, but it all works so seamlessly it’s a wonder no one’s done it before. The device combines a 120G-byte network-attached storage (NAS ) box with a cable/DSL router, firewall, four-port 10/100 Ethernet switch and VPN — for less than $400.

The router includes a stateful packet inspection firewall, network address translation, Dynamic Host Control Protocol and VPN  passthrough features. When I plugged a test unit into my DSL modem, the router provided a username and password to my provider SBC for connection. Configuration takes place via a Web-based management utility that provides clear information, but not in great depth.

Like many network devices, the Tritton ASAP assumes it will lead the network, defining the IP address range and parceling out IP addresses to other systems as they turn on or reboot. Tritton uses an unusual private network address of 172.16.1.1-254, starting at 172.16.1.1. However, unlike other SOHO-level devices, the ASAP lets you set up additional private and public addresses so you can support multiple LANs.

The ASAP is powered by a hidden Linux operating system customized to be a router/file server. The firewall lets you block specific URLs and IP addresses, as well as permit connections to specific IP addresses. Because I had only one device, I couldn’t test IP Security VPN, which supports 20 tunnels. But remote access using Microsoft’s Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol let me easily access all files on the ASAP server from an outside network. With the proper configuration, you can perform all management tasks locally and remotely using the same Web interface.

The NAS features also cover all the bases. Since the base operating system is customized Linux, Windows Common Internet File System network support is automatic, as are AppleTalk and Unix/Linux connections. For extra security, you can define users and groups, and make some shares public and some private, for instance.

Tritton says it’s working on adding Web and e-mail servers to a future version. Adding wireless support would cover all the bases. The device is currently available via online vendors only. Check the Web site for a list.