i3 micro technology is shipping a new Linux-based residential gateway for broadband service providers wishing to extend VoIP (voice-over-IP) features to existing broadband customers. The VRG 321 includes a NAT router and firewall, with VoIP features that work in conjunction with i3 management and provisioning software.

(Click for larger view of the stylish i3 Vood Box)

The “competitively priced” VRG 321 is the entry level model in i3's 300-series residential gateway line. It is intended for use with the company's i3 Centre Element Manager VoIP management and provisioning system.

i3's Vood gateways work with the company's operator management software
(Click to enlarge)

The VRG 321 connects to an analog touchtone phone or fax through its FXS RJ-11 port, and to a DSL or cable modem router through an Ethernet WAN port. It also includes an Ethernet LAN port, and network address translation (NAT, or ip masquerading) software enabling multiple home computers to share the same broadband connection. The Vood also includes a stateful, packet-inspecting firewall, with built-in quality-of-service (QoS) features to ensure excellent voice quality, according to i3.

Additionally, the device includes a DHCP client and server, and supports pass-through IPSec, PPPoE, UPnP, and DMZ (de-militarized zone, for running home Internet servers on a separate network subnet). It supports remote secure webserver-based or SNMP management. It uses open standards including SIP (session initiation protocol), H.323v4/H.450/H.235 compression, and supports supplementary PSTN services. It also includes an address book and supports click-to-dial and call lists, with voice mail support optional.

According to i3, the DSL Forum estimated in 2003 that there were 64 million DSL subscribers, while In-Stat/MDR put the number of cable modem users at 34 million.

"Broadband networks have finally reached a state of maturity that allows independent service providers to build services that compete with incumbents and early IP telephony service providers. The final issues to solve are in the end-user premises, and there is no other product in the market today that solves these problems as well as the VRG 321," stated CEO Jan Werne.

All of i3 Micro's products use Linux, and the Swedish company has embarked upon a product strategy to capitalize on a number of emerging XoIP applications.

 
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