Portwell has announced a “desktop” network security appliance that measures 9 x 8 x 2 inches and includes six Ethernet ports. The NAD-2100 comes with Celeron M or Pentium M processors, offers Compact Flash or DOM (disk-on-module) storage, and supports a serial-interfaced system console, says Portwell.

(Click here for a larger view of Portwell's NAD-2100)

The NAD-2100 is available in two configurations:

• The NAD-2100-621 uses a Celeron M ULV processor clocked at 600MHz and a 910GMLE chipset. Capable of running fanlessly, it has four gigabit and two 10/100 Ethernet ports.
• The NAD-2100-601 requires a fan but, with a 915GME chipset, supports Celeron M and Pentium M processors clocked at up to 2GHz. In addition, all of its Ethernet ports run at gigabit speeds.

Otherwise identical, both NAD models have dual SODIMM slots, and accept up to 2GB of 400MHz or 533MHz DDR2 RAM. For mass storage, they present a variety of options. For example, a 40-pin IDE connector and dual SATA connectors allow a 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard drive to be installed internally. The devices also include CompactFlash slots and accept solid-state DOM (disk-on-module) storage.

The NAD-2100 is set apart from ordinary desktop PCs not only by the number of Ethernet interfaces, but also by the fact that front-panel LEDs track the speed and link status of each of these. Further, an included RJ45 connector permits connecting a serial-interfaced system console.

Features and specifications published by Portwell for the NAD-2100 include:

• Processor — 600MHz Celeron M ULV (fanless), Celeron M, or Pentium M up to 2GHz (fan required)

• Chipset — 910GMLE (NAD-2100-621) or 915GME (NAD-2100-601)
  
• Memory — up to 2GB of 400/533MHz DDR2 RAM on dual SODIMM sockets
  
• Storage — 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch HDD, or DOM (disk-on-module)
  
• Networking:
  • 6 x gigabit Ethernet (NAD-2100-601)
    
  • 4 x gigabit Ethernet and 2 x 10/100 (NAD-2100-621)

• Other I/O:
  • 1 x IDE
    
  • 2 x SATA
    
  • 2 x USB 2.0
    
  • RJ45 serial port for system console
    
  • VGA (internal, via 2 x 5 pin header)

• Expansion:
  • CompactFlash
    
  • 4 x 1-lane PCI Express

• Operating temperature — 5 to 40 deg. C
  
• Dimensions — 9 x 8 x 2 inches
  
• Power — external 84W power adapter

Portwell also offers the NAR-2200, a device whose specifications and capabilities are identical to the NAD-2100, but which is designed to fit into a standard 1U equipment rack. The NAR-2100 incorporates an optional LED panel for displaying status messages.

Portwell NAR-2200
(Click to enlarge)

Though the NAD-2100 and NAR-2200 are apparently available now, Portwell provided no information about pricing or operating system compatibility. However, the devices should be compatible with hard-disk or flash-based installations of Linux and Windows XP Embedded.

 
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