U.S. Robotics unveiled a small Linux-based router with VPN (virtual private network) and NAS (network attached storage) capabilities at SuperComm 2003 in June, 2003. The device is the first member of a new family of secure storage/router products based on Intel's XScale network processors running embedded Linux, according to U.S. Robotics strategic development manager Frank Sugino.

The Secure Storage Router Pro is based on an Intel IXP422 network processor and runs Jungo's OpenRG residential gateway software stack on top of a Jungo-provided embedded Linux kernel (currently version 2.4.19), along with several additional software components that were developed by U.S. Robotics, Sugino said.

The IXP422 includes a built-in hardware encryption engine that is faster and more efficient than software-based encryption technologies, he noted. In addition to its gateway/router functions, external USB and FireWire hard drives, memory card readers, or other “storage class” devices (such as USB Flash “keys”) can easily and instantly be shared on the local network, he added.

The device includes 64MB of Flash and 16MB of RAM memory, and provides the following interface ports . . .

• One RJ-45,10/100 Mbps auto-sensing and auto-switching Ethernet WAN port (for connection to the outside world)
  
• Four RJ-45,10/100 Mbps auto-sensing and auto-switching Ethernet LAN ports (for connection to local resources)
  
• Two USB 2.0 ports (powered)
  
• One IEEE 1394 (FireWire) port (powered)

An easy-to-use web-based administration interface combined with support for universal plug and play (UPnP) of USB and FireWire devices is intended to make installation and configuration an easy process. For example, using the device to share a USB or FireWire hard drive is as easy as plugging it into the USB connector, and then activating it on the local network using the web-based control program, according to Sugino.

Software capabilities of the device include . . .

• DHCP server (LAN) and client (WAN)
• Static and dynamic IP addressingm
• PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE) support
• Embedded PPTP Client and Server
• VPN support for PPTP and IPSec Package Contents
• Support for up to 254 clients (with additional hubs or switches)

The combination of embedded Linux, Jungo's OpenRG residential gateway middleware, and USB/FireWire expansion ports have resulted in an upgradeable, customizable, expandable design, Sugino said. To make use of that capability, U.S. Robotics plans to release a software developers kit (SDK) later this year, enabling Linux programmers to create custom “software modules” for the device, he added. The SDK will probably include the source code to one or more sample apps, such as an embedded ftp server, to show developers how to write programs that run on the device, he said. Future extensions to the family are likely to include the addition of printer sharing and wireless access point features.

Why Linux?

“Our choice really stemmed from the network processor selection,” recalled Sugino. “We chose the Intel IXP422, then looked at the various OSes we could use. The choice came down to Linux or VxWorks, and we chose Linux for the cheap license fee and availability of source code. Also, we knew from the start that expandability was a very important goal, and there are far more Linux developers than VxWorks.”

“As for the future, we've had a good experience so far, and I see no reason to change for future items in the Secure Storage Router product line,” Sugino added.

What does Sugino think about the overall future of Linux in the embedded market? “HUGE,” he replied. “One of the first things you'll see available for any new platform is a version of Linux ported to it. What's not to like when Linux is almost everywhere you want to be?”

Availability and price

The Model 8200 Secure Storage Router Pro is expected to be available in July, at a suggested retail price of $349.

 
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