Lanner announced a new version of a high-end, 2U rack-mount networking appliance with an Intel 5520 chipset and dual Intel Xeon 5600 processors. The “refreshed” FW-8892 appliance is equipped with a dozen DDR3 memory sockets, an optional Cavium security accelerator chip, up to 24 Ethernet ports, PCIe expansion, and four bays for SATA II hard drives, the company says.

The updated FW-8892 targets the highest performance segment of the network security and acceleration appliance market, says the company. Target markets are said to include enterprise gateway security, firewall, UTM, WAN acceleration, and VPN appliances.

Although we have covered other FW-series networking appliances — including most recently, the Intel Atom D510-based FW-7565, the Intel Core i3/i5-based FW-8760, and the high-end, dual-core Xeon C5500-based FW-8910 — the earlier, Xeon 5500 version of the FW-8892 apparently eluded our notice. The new version maintains the name, but adds the new dual-core version of the 32nm-fabricated Xeon 5600 processors announced by Intel in March.

Lanner FW-8892
(Click to enlarge)

The FW-8892 takes advantage of Intel Xeon 5600 features including Intel Virtualization Technology, Quick Path Interconnect Technology, and support for PCI Express (PCIe) Gen 2 and triple-channel DDR3 memory, says Lanner.

The networking appliance also exploits the greater energy efficiency and power regulation features of the processor compared to the older 5500 Series CPUs. Intel's Intelligent Power Technology, for example, automatically shifts processors and memory into the lowest power state needed to run applications, says the company. Further power savings are said to stem from use of DDR3 RAM.

The Xeon 5600 is paired with the Intel 5520 chipset, as well an optional Cavium Nitrox CN1620 security processor. The Nitrox CN1610 offloads high-level security processing, including IPv6, IPsec and IKE, and SSL and wireless LAN security, says Lanner. The system is also equipped with 12 DIMM sockets that support up to 48GB DDR3 memory, says the company.

Internal and rear views of the FW-8892
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The FW-8892 ships with a CompactFlash slot, as well as four SATA ports, and optional RAID support. The 2U rack-mount box, which measures 26.0 x 17.4 x 3.5 inches (660 x 442 x 88mm), also houses four hot-swappable SATA II hard disk drive (HDD) trays, says the company. Eight PCIe slots are said to be available for expansion.

The system can be purchased with up to three network modules, each providing up to eight Ethernet ports. While further details of the modules weren't provided, options apparently include gigabit and 10 gigabit speeds, with available bypass capabilities for both copper and fiber.

The FW-8892 offers up to three network modules, for up to 24 ports
(Click to enlarge)

Other I/O is said to include dual USB 2.0 ports, a serial console port, and an optional IPMI interface. The appliance ships with six swappable system fans, as well as redundant 500 Watt power supplies, and supports operating temperatures of 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C), says Lanner.

Specifications listed for the "refreshed" FW-8892 include:

• Processor — supports 2 x Intel Xeon 5600 or other LGA 1336-socketed Nehalem processors (Westmere, Gainestown, Bloomfield)
• Chipset — Intel 5520 + ICH10R; optional Cavium CN1620 security accelerator
• Memory — Up to 48GB triple-channel DDR3 800/1066/1333MHz via 12 x 240-pin DIMM slots
• Storage:
  • 1 x CompactFlash slot
  • 4 x SATA2 ports
  • 4 x 3.5-inch SATA2 HDD bays on removable tray
  • Optional RAID support
• Expansion — 8 x PCIe or optional 2 x PCIe x4
• Networking — up to 24 Ethernet ports via 3 optional modules; supports copper, fiber and bypass port options
• Other I/O:
  • 1 x RJ45 serial console port
  • 2 x USB 2.0 ports
  • Optional IPMI via OPMA slot
• Other features — front-panel status display; watchdog timer; internal RTC with lithium-ion battery
• Power:
  • dual redundant 500W power supplies
  • Input — AC 90~264V at 47~63Hz input
• Cooling — 6 x swappable system fans
• Operating temperature — 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 26.0 x 17.4 x 3.5 inches (660 x 442 x 88mm); 2U rackmount
• Weight — 48.5 lbs (22 kg)
• Operating system – Linux; Windows (2000, 2003, XP)

Stated Jesse Chiang, Product Planner, Lanner Network Communications, "Updating the CPU and utilizing the most recent Intel technology, allows the FW-8892 more functionality while leaving a smaller energy footprint."

Availability

Pricing or availability was not listed for the FW-8892, which supports Linux and Windows (2000, 2003, XP), says the company. More information may be found here.

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