Netgear Releases Pro Threat Management Device
August 30, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Hardware, Networking
Netgear has announced the introduction of the Netgear ProSecure UTM50 Unified Threat Management Appliance (UTM50). The UTM50 is the latest addition to Netgear’s award winning ProSecure UTM line, which is designed to protect businesses from the exponentially growing number of virus and malware threats, dangerous websites, spam emails, and hackers that threaten business environments today. Optimized for larger businesses and built with scalability in mind, the UTM50 enables businesses to protect themselves through a wide array of tools including firewall, SSL and IPSec VPN, URL filtering, network antivirus, and antispam. Widely lauded and recognized worldwide in 2010 by leading security publications as a producer of industry-leading UTMs, Netgear continues to outpace the competition and challenge the existing order of small and mid-market business security solutions.
The ProSecure UTM50 is an extension of the award-winning ProSecure UTM10 and UTM25 Unified Threat Management series. In addition to the benefits of these appliances, the ProSecure UTM50 integrates with Microsoft Active Directory enabled environments for single-sign-on security policies – an almost universal requirement for larger businesses around the world.
In recent testing during August 2010, The Tolly Group in partnership with AVTest GmBH evaluated the ability of the UTM50 to stop malware threats entering over web traffic via the HTTP protocol. The test found Netgear ProSecure to be particularly effective at stopping zoo malware, threats that appliance manufacturers often choose not to concentrate on for reasons of cost and complexity. Netgear ProSecure UTM50 dominated the test at 92.29 percent efficacy, followed by SonicWall with 50.19 percent and Fortinet with 39.43 percent. Other test case scenarios are ongoing and a complete report on the findings will be available in September 2010.
“Our test results determined that Netgear’s ProSecure UTM50 surpassed the other UTM models in this test in stopping threats. Because the malware universe is huge, most appliance vendors concentrate on a limited subset of threats. UTM vendors typically do very well against such wildlist threats – Netgear included,” said Kevin Tolly, founder of the Tolly Group. “However, zoo malware, which often mutates into new forms that threaten networks worldwide, is a clear and present danger, a danger that vendors often ignore at their customers’ peril. Netgear shows exceptional strength at stopping both wildlist and zoo malware threats.”
The Netgear ProSecure UTM50 is available now in the US for $899.00 MSRP and includes one year of web and email subscription services, 24/7 technical support and an advanced exchange warranty. It is available from leading value-added resellers, direct marketers and e-commerce sites with a novel risk-free 30-Day trial program that allows customers to try the appliance in their specific environment first before purchase.
For more information, please visit: http://www.Netgear.com/products/business/proSecure-brand/UTM-series/UTM50.aspx
Netgear’s New Powerline Networking Kits
August 25, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Networking
Of the Powerline adapters, the 200 and 500 kit will ship first, arriving at the start and end of October respectively for $169 and $159. The regular 500 and the AV+ 500 kit ship in early November for $89 and $179 each, and the stand-alone AV+ 500 will ship at the end of that month for $99.
Western Digital’s New Livewire Powerline AV kit
August 24, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Home Electronics, Home Theater, Networking
Western Digital has introduced the Livewire Powerline AV kit, a HomePlug AV-compatible networking system that sends data throughout a home via electrical outlets. The system provides a way for users to configure a high speed network without running wires or relying on Wi-Fi signals.
The company claims its Livewire kit is capable of supporting connection speeds of up to 200 megabits per second in ideal conditions. The bandwidth can be used to share a broadband Internet connection between multiple computers, while also transmitting 1080p video to a television.
The kit ships with two Livewire adapters, each fitted with four Ethernet ports that can be connected to Internet-compatible TVs, storage systems, computers, or other devices. Data is automatically protected using 128-bit encryption, without requiring users to remember a password.
WD’s Livewire Powerline AV kit is now available with an MSRP of $140
Buffalo Adds New Affordable Wireless Routers
August 9, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Hardware, Networking
Buffalo Technology has announced the newest additions to its wireless line-up, aiming to provide consumers cost-effective networking solutions that are designed to be easy-to-use and simple to install.
The Nfiniti Wireless-N Dual Band Ethernet Converter, Access Point and Bridge WLAE-AG300N is a multifunction dual-band solution that can be configured to operate in three different modes. When configured as an Ethernet converter, the WLAE-AG300N simultaneously connects up to two wired devices to a wireless network; ideal for multimedia devices like gaming consoles, DVRs, video streaming hardware, etc. Additionally, WLAE-AG300N can be configured as an access point to create a wireless network or two units can be used to create a dedicated, high-performance 11n bridge or repeater, great for video streaming and extending the range of wireless networks. The WLAE-AG300N chassis has been streamlined for easy installation into just about any environment and dual-band 802.11n ensures high-performance data rates, whichever mode you configure the product in.
Buffalo’s new compact N-Technology Wireless N150 Router and Access Point WCR-GN is a router and access point that offers a sleek and convenient way to add high-speed wireless connectivity, up to 150 Mbps, throughout a house or home office simply and conveniently. With faster wireless data rates and more coverage than legacy 802.11 products, Buffalo’s WCR-GN wireless solution provides sufficient bandwidth, range, and reliability for checking email and web surfing to streaming voice and music. Support for AirStation One-Touch Secure System (AOSS) and Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) allows users to set up a high-speed, secure wireless network.
The N-Technology Wireless-N Ultra-Compact USB 2.0 Adapter WLI-UC-GNM, a follow-up to Buffalo’s highly popular WLI-UC-GN, provides the smallest possible footprint in a wireless client. The WLI-UC-GNM is a lightweight, compact USB adapter that complements consumers’ active lifestyles and easily upgrades any notebook or netbook to 802.11n. Measuring in at a quarter of an inch, the WLI-UC-GNM helps prevent accidental disconnection or damage by virtue of its unique and compact design.
Pricing and Availability
Buffalo wireless solutions are all backed by a limited one-year warranty that includes toll-free 24/7 technical support. The WLAE-AG300N, WCR-GN and WLI-UC-GNM will be available in August at estimated street prices of $74.99, $39.99 and $39.99 respectively.
Hawking’s Outdoor Wireless-N Dual Radio Smart Repeater
August 3, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Networking
Hawking Technologies announced today that it has begun shipping their outdoor Wireless-300N Dual Radio Smart Repeater.
The HOW2R1 is the rugged outdoor equivalent to the HW2R1 Smart Repeater. The HOW2R1 is engineered with two Wi-Fi radios, one for picking up signals from your wireless source and one for repeating wireless signals. With up to 64X the power output and 8X the distance of a standard Wireless-G device, the HOW2R1 effectively eliminates wireless dead spots. For added performance, the HOW2R1 is designed with three antennas, one built-in antenna dedicated to receiving wireless signals and two 5dBi external antennas dedicated to rebroadcasting wireless signals.
Installation for the HOW2R1 couldn’t be easier with Hawking Technologies in-browser setup guide. All you need to get your HOW2R1 running is a computer with Wi-Fi and a web browser! The user-friendly guide is a simple way to set up your HOW2R1. And with wireless security features, such as MAC access control, IEEE 802.11 x authentication, WPA, WPA2, hidden ESSID, and basic WEP encryption, your information will be secure.
Features for the HOW2R1 Hi-Gain Outdoor Wireless-300N Dual Radio Smart Repeater:
- Connects and repeats any 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi network
- Up to 64X power output and 8X wireless distance compare to a standard wireless 802.11g
- Provide wireless Internet access to hard to reach locations
- Eliminate wireless dead spots at your home or office
- Fast and easy setup
- Heavy duty, waterproof design
- Built-in Hi-Gain 11dBi directional antenna connected to a receiving radio
- Two 5dBi directional antennas connected to a rebroadcasting radio
Pricing and Availability
The HOW2R1 Hi-Gain Wireless-300N Dual Radio Smart Repeater is available now via retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and distribution channels at an MSRP of $349.99 and an Estimated Street Price (ESP) of $299.99
Cisco Wants to Help You Be a Better Host
July 30, 2010 by Laura
Filed under Hardware, Networking
If you are hosting family and guests this summer, information from Opinion Research from a consumer survey conducted for Cisco’s Consumer Products group might interest you. The survey data indicated that:
- 59 percent of adults plan to use a computer or Wi-Fi device while visiting family and friends this summer, and 37 percent said they will tap into their host’s wireless network to access the Internet.
- 73 percent of young adults ages 18-34 say they plan to use a computer or Wi-Fi device while traveling, and nearly one-half (47 percent) plan to access the Internet through their host’s home network.
As the summer travel season kicks into high gear, more families going on vacation plan to use a wireless Internet connection on a computer or Wi-Fi-enabled device, such as a smart phone or video game player.
Cisco’s Valet wireless router is designed to make it easy for everyday consumers to set up, use and manage their home wireless. For guests, a home equipped with Valet means an end to the frustration of trying to connect to someone else’s wireless network. For hosts, the simple controls of Valet let them set up a separate wireless connection for their visitors without the hassles of lengthy passwords or security protocols. The guests are free to use their laptops or mobile devices around the house while the host’s home network remains highly secure and private.
The summer travel survey was conducted by Opinion Research in June 2010, with 1,000 adult respondents, 48 percent male and 52 percent female, representing all regions of the U.S. Overall, the results showed:
- 88 percent of those surveyed plan to visit friends or family this summer.
- 71 percent of respondents said they plan to bring a laptop or Wi-Fi device when traveling.
Seagate Debuts GoFlex Home
July 25, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Networking, Storage
Seagate has unveiled the newest addition to its GoFlex family of hard drives—the GoFlex Home network storage system. When this device is connected to a wireless router, an entire household can centrally store, easily access and continuously back up files wirelessly from both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems on the home network1. The new centralized storage system simplifies the backup process by being compatible with Apple Time Machine, as well as including a version of the backup application for both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.
With the GoFlex Home storage system, you can also wirelessly stream photos, movies and music to most network connected DLNA devices, such as game consoles or a GoFlex TV HD media player, from any room in the house.
Its modular design also enables the included drive to be upgraded when needed by simply removing the drive from the base (no tools required) and replacing it with a higher capacity GoFlex Desk hard drive. Families can also add more storage to the GoFlex Home system by simply connecting additional drives to the USB port. Additionally, this same USB port can be used to wirelessly share a USB printer with every computer on the network.
Using the included remote access and file sharing service on GoFlex Home system called Seagate Share service, you can easily access movies, music or photo files stored on their GoFlex Home system from any internet connected computer in the world. The Seagate Share service also allows you to share photo albums, home movies and documents with friends by simply selecting the files or folders they want to share and typing in an email address. Those friends will receive a notification with a direct link to a customized webpage where they can view the shared files.
The GoFlex Home system also offers a premium service option—the Seagate Share Pro remote access service—that allows families to access content stored on the drive from mobile devices such as an iPhone, iPad or BlackBerry, integrate photos or files with Facebook and Flickr, and keep friends and relatives updated with the latest shared files using Integrated RSS (Really Simple Syndication) notifications.
Plus the GoFlex Home network storage system has been designed with the cost and environmentally conscious households in mind. The GoFlex Home system also includes a power saving (idle) mode that automatically runs after 30-minutes of inactivity and a power switch that allows it to be shut off while families are away for extended periods.
The new GoFlex Home network storage system can be purchased on Seagate.com and retailers for a suggested retail price of $159.99 for 1TB and $229.99 for 2TB.
Devon IT Introduces Citrix HDX-Ready SafeBook
May 11, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Networking
Devon IT today announced the availability of the SafeBook Vostro mobile thin client, built on the Dell Vostro laptop platform. The company will demo the new laptop in booth #430 at Citrix Synergy 2010 in San Francisco from May 12-14.
“Devon IT has once again collaborated with Dell to provide advanced alternative desktop technologies capable of transforming the way IT pros think about computing”
The SafeBook Vostro is compatible with all Dell Vostro laptop hardware and accessories, but has no hard drive to prevent against data theft, loss, or corruption. The thin client laptop is available with Windows Embedded Standard to give users a traditional user experience, including the ability to view rich media, video, and other powerful applications. The SafeBook Vostro is also Citrix HDX-ready, a designation reserved for thin clients that have been verified to work with the advanced HDX technology in both Citrix XenDesktop and XenApp.
“Devon IT has once again collaborated with Dell to provide advanced alternative desktop technologies capable of transforming the way IT pros think about computing,” says Joe Makoid, President, Devon IT. “The SafeBook Vostro is the latest thin client to offer the best in durability, security, and performance, all at an extremely competitive price point. We continue to develop new thin client hardware and software innovations with IT leaders to advance thin client technology, and are excited to show this latest success at the Citrix Synergy trade show.”
The SafeBook Vostro features an Intel Celeron 743 1.3GHz low voltage processor and a small form factor with a 13.3” WLED display. This is Devon IT’s fourth generation of SafeBook mobile thin client model.
Bigfoot Networks Shoots for the Hearts of Gamers with Killer 2100
May 10, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Networking, PC Games, Video Games
Bigfoot Networks today announced Killer 2100, its next-generation network interface card (NIC) for online gaming. Killer 2100 is aimed at gamers with major throughput and latency enhancements via an innovative and software interface. Killer 2100 promises speed and maximum performance as the fastest Gigabit NIC on the planet for gamers.
At the heart of Killer 2100 is Bigfoot Networks’ groundbreaking Game Networking DNA Ttechnology, comprised of a dedicated network processor (NPU), Advanced Game Detect, Windows stack bypass, Visual Bandwidth Control and other optimisations designed to deliver the best online gaming experience possible. Game Networking DNA accelerates latency-sensitive game traffic while reducing stuttering, freezing and other symptoms of lag, giving online gamers a competitive edge.
Using the Gaming Network Efficiency test, a new benchmark that measures network latency during gaming scenarios the Killer 2100 was more than ten times faster than standard network interfaces on multicore gaming PCs with high-end graphics cards. The additional speed provided by Killer 2100 means players can achieve quicker response times, better in-game performance and higher scores.
Killer 2100 is a plug-and-play card that enables gamers at every level of experience to improve their online gaming with minimal setup. But for those who want to tune their PC, Killer 2100 offers powerful tools for monitoring and optimising network performance. Visual Bandwidth Control provides real-time feedback about how Internet bandwidth is used on a per-application basis, making it easy for gamers to limit or block network-hungry applications. The Online Gaming PC Monitor feature gives players at-a-glance graphical displays and detailed logging so that they can track performance statistics such as CPU usage, memory usage and frame rate along with networking activity.
Killer 2100 Specifications
- 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- PCIe interface (x1 form factor)
- 400 MHz dedicated network processor
- 128 MB DDR2 RAM
- Visual Bandwidth Control
- Online Gaming PC Monitor
- Windows network stack bypass
- Optimized for use with voice chat applications
- Support for Win7, Vista & XP 32
Pricing and Availability
Killer 2100 products will be available in coming weeks in retail and online stores in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Pricing is $129 US, 86 pounds in the UK.
Netgear Adds Ethernet to Wi-Fi and 500Mbps Powerline Adapters
March 1, 2010 by Doug
Filed under Hardware, Networking
Netgear used CeBit to add more products to its network hardware line-up.
First is an Ethernet to Wireless Adapter. Netgear pitches the WNCE2001 as the smallest wireless bridge of its kind and it can be powered entirely by a USB port if the attached device has one. It supports 802.11n and uses WPS for security. There is also a Push ‘N’ Connect function to secure a connection to the existing network at a push of a button.
It will ship in May for $79.
New HomePlug Products
Wire-only users in turn get two powerline networking options. Both the Powerline AV 500 and Powerline AV+ 500 are some of the fastest networking devices to use a power line for connection- transmitting up to 500Mbps. Most other power line adapters max-out at 200Mbps or less.
The adapters still support any non-Netgear adapters that support HomePlug and have LEDs that can indicate the quality of the signal before users commit to using a wall outlet for the network. The AV+ model separates itself from the regular version by including a filtered pass-through plug for other devices that might need power from the same outlet.
Neither powerline adapter ships until summer and pricing will be known closer to that point.









