Aewin has turned to Via chips for its latest network security appliance. The SCB-6972 supports Via's Nano, C7, or Eden CPUs, has six gigabit Ethernet ports, includes dual serial ports, and has both CompactFlash and hard disk storage, the company says.

Aewin bills its SCB-6972 as an "economical … desktop network security appliance with excellent performance." The device can be powered by Via's Nano, C7, or Eden CPUs, and, while Aewin doesn't mention the fact, it's likely that with appropriate software, security operations may be accelerated by the PadLock engine Via builds into its processor cores.

Aewin's SBC-6972

According to Aewin, the device uses Via's VX800 northbridge/southbridge, supporting up to 2GB of 667MHz memory via a single SODIMM slot. Persistent storage is provided both by an internal bay for a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive, and by a Type II CompactFlash slot, the company adds.

Aewin says the SCB-6972 provides five gigabit Ethernet ports via Intel 82547L controllers, two of which include LAN bypass functionality. An optional module adds four switched 10/100 ports, says the company.

Front panel attributes are limited to LEDs, monitoring each Ethernet port, LAN bypass status, hard disk status, and power. In addition to the Ethernet ports that have already been mentioned, the SCB-6972's rear panel (below) includes a 12VDC power input, an RJ45 connector for a serial console, and two USB 2.0 ports, Aewin says.

The rear panel of Aewin's SBC-6972

Internally, the SCB-6972 is said to offer two additional USB 2.0 ports and an additional serial port, both via headers. Aewin's product page also refers to the presence of a Mini PCI slot, though we couldn't confirm this by examining the device's data sheet.

Features and specifications listed by Aewin for the SCB-6972 include:

• Processor — Via Nano, C7, or Eden
• Chipset — Via VX800
• Memory — up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM via single SODIMM
• Storage — 2.5-inch bay for SATA hard disk drive; CompactFlash Type II
• Expansion — Mini PCI slot (unconfirmed)
• Networking:
  • 5 x gigabit Ethernet ports, with LAN bypass on one pair
  • 4 x switched 10/100 ports (optional module)
• Other I/O:
  • RJ45 port for serial console (COM1)
  • header for COM2 (internal)
  • 4 x USB 2.0 (2 external, 2 internal)
• Power — 12VDC via 60-Watt AC adapter
• Operating range — 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 9.1 x 6 x 1.7 inches (232 x 153.3 x 44mm)
• Weight — 8.8 pounds (4kg)

Further information

Aewin did not release pricing or operating system specifics for the SCB-6972, but the device appears to be available now, and it should run most x86 operating systems, including (when equipped with the Nano) 64-bit versions. Further information may be found on the company's product page, here.

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