ZyXEL Unveils New Security Appliance For SMBs

The device, dubbed the ZyWALL 70, also boasts four DMZ ports and dynamic content filtering. It was released last month and is currently shipping to channel partners.

The tool was designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, said Munira Brooks, vice president of sales, marketing and business development at ZyXEL, Anaheim, Calif.

"It is a cost-effective firewall that delivers features and performance levels often required by larger-sized corporations," she said.

The ZyWALL 70 is the latest in the ZyWALL series of security appliances. Powered by ZyXEL's ZyNOS operating system, the series has been ICSA-certified for both IP/SEC VPN and firewall. This particular product differs from its predecessors in its breadth of features.

Perhaps the tool's most sophisticated offering is its content filtering powered by Cerberian, an optional service with the appliance that employs a dynamic database with realtime site-rating technology to filter and block any kind of Web content. The ZyWALL also boasts 70 simultaneous IPSec VPN tunnels employing DES/3DES/AES encryption. Other features include dual-WAN ports, four DMZ ports, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack alert and PKI key management for the safe transfer of sensitive information.

In addition, the ZyWALL 70 allows for secure remote configuration for administrators who need to manage their networks remotely and provides 802.11b Wi-Fi connectivity through a wireless expansion slot on the back panel.

The ZyWALL 70 is priced at about $1,349. Brooks said she expects 802.11g compatibility and WPA to be available as part of the next firmware release, scheduled for later this year.