Portwell announced a desktop network appliance incorporating Intel's Atom N450 processor. The CAD-0205 supports up to 2GB of memory and a 2.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD), consumes fewer than 30 Watts, and comes with four gigabit Ethernet ports, dual USB ports, and a Mini PCIe slot, says the company.

The CAD-0205 is suitable for entry-level network security applications, including UTM (unified threat management), IDS/IPS (intrusion detection/prevention systems), content filtering, anti-virus, and firewall, says Portwell. The device can also be used as a general network appliance for non-security-based applications, including router/switcher, VPN, load balancing, network monitoring, and QoS, the company adds.

The CAD-0205 is the first network appliance we've encountered that includes Intel's new "Pineview" version of the Atom processor, called the N450. The N450 is touted as taking up less space and consuming less power than the earlier N270 Atom, primarily due to the fact that instead of requiring a separate northbridge and southbridge, it needs only a simple I/O controller.

Portwell CAD-0205
(Click to enlarge)

Portwell pairs the N450 with the Intel ICH8-M controller, and supports up to 2GB of DDR2 memory via a single SODIMM. Storage is provided via a CompactFlash socket and a 2.5-inch bay that can handle a hard disk drive or Solid State Disk (SSD), says Portwell. A Mini-PCIe slot offers expansion capabilities such as adding wireless modems, the company adds.

The CAD-0205 provides four gigabit Ethernet ports, with two pairs of bypass segments, and offers dual USB 2.0 ports, says the company. A serial console port and a VGA port are also supplied.

Measuring 7.5 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches, the fanless system supports temperatures ranging from 41 to 95 deg. F, says Portwell. Maximum power consumption is claimed to be less than 30 Watts. Semi-cut holes are provided for VGA connectors and wireless antennas, and the panel and case are said to be customizable.

Portwell CAD-0205 (rear)

Specifications listed for the CAD-0205 include:

• Processor — Intel Atom N450 @ 1.66GHz with ICH8-M northbridge
• Memory — Up to 2GB DDR2 non-ECC 667Mhz memory via 1 x SODIMM
• Flash expansion — 1 x CompactFlash socket onboard
• Storage — 1 x 2.5-inch SATA bay for HDD or SSD
• Expansion — 1 x mini-PCIe slot
• Display — 1 x VGA onboard pin-header; supports up to 2048 x 1536 resolution @ 32bits, 60Hz
• Networking — 4 x gigabit Ethernet ports (Intel 82583V); 2 x optional Gen 1.5 bypass segments
• Other I/O:
• USB — 2 x USB 2.0 ports; USB interface also possible through PCIe slot
• Serial — 1 x RJ45 connector for system console
• LEDs — Power, storage, Ethernet, bypass status
• Power — External 60W adapter; max. consumption under 30 Watts
• Operating temperature — 41 to 95 deg. F (5 to 35 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 7.5 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches (180 x 150 x 36mm)

Availability

Portwell did not provide pricing or availability information on the CAD-0205. More information may be found here.

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