Axiomtek has launched a new, high-end model in its line of off-the-shelf network appliance platforms. The NA-1801 is based primarily on Intel silicon, supports Linux, and targets VPN gateways, network bandwidth controllers, SSL appliances, firewalls, and IDS/IPS (intrusion detection/prevention systems).

(Click for larger view of NA-1801)

According to Axiomtek, the NA-1801 offers “incredibly higher” performance than traditional Pentium 4 (Prescott) based systems. It is available with a Pentium 4 processor clocked up to 3.4GHz, and uses Intel's 875 northbridge, as well as Intel's 6300ESD southbridge. Two 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets support up to 2GB of ECC RAM (DDR266/333/400).

The NA-1801 includes a CompactFlash Type II socket, for embedded applications (it also supports Disk-On-Module Flash memory-based booting, Axiomtek says), as well as two SATA 1.0 channels, and two ATA-100 channels. The case has space for a 2.5-inch (laptop-sized) drive, “for software porting by third party software solution providers,” the company says.

The standard NA-1801 includes eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, with 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-port configurations also available. A “teaming” feature supports load sharing, balancing, and fail-over, according to Axiomtek. A LAN bypass feature supports shutting down the first and second LAN ports upon detection of abnormal conditions, such as power, BIOS boot, OS, and application program failures, Axiomtek says.

Additional I/O includes one RS-232 serial port, two USB 2.0 ports, one 64-bit 66MHz PCI-X slot, and one mini-PCI slot. The PCI-X slot supports VPN encryption/decryption cards, while the mini-PCI slot supports an optional DES (data encryption standard) accelerator card, or an optional VGA card. The USB ports can be disabled through the Phoenix-Award BIOS, which can be directed to a serial console.

The NA-1801 also includes a small LCD module, which can be controlled via the RS-232 port, Axiomtek says.

The NA-1801 is available now in a 1U rackmount case, or in a desktop case. It includes a 300 Watt ATX power supply. According to Axiomtek, it supports Red Hat Linux, FreeBSD, Unix UX Works, and Windows 2000.

Additional features, such as SMBus EEPROM, are available as firmware upgrades from software providers, Axiomtek says.

 
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