NetGear debuts 802.11g router/print server

NetGear is first to the small business market with security-rich wireless 802.11g firewall router with print server.

NetGear announced the launch of the FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Firewall with USB Print Server, a powerful feature-packed all-in-one business-class wired and wireless networking solutiondesigned to meet the demanding flexibility and security requirements of small businesses. Compliant with the IEEE 802.11g wireless standard, the FWG114P enables the wireless support ofbandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming, large file transfers and video conferencing.

The full-featured FWG114P networking solution enables companies to easily connect to a broadband Internet connection to establish and maintain a secure Ethernet-based and wireless network for sharing Internet access, printers and other network resources. The FWG114P combines a router, four-port 10/100 switch, 802.11b/g compliant 54Mbps wireless access point, USB print server, an SPI firewall, and advanced industry-standard wireless security features soon to include Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), via a free firmware upgrade, making it one of the most secure, complete networking products available for small businesses.

“Networking solutions targeted at fulfilling the needs of growing small businesses require a unique blend of flexibility, functionality and security,” explained Lianne Caetano, Product Line Manager at NETGEAR. “Small businesses need their network infrastructures to be cost-effective, easy-to-manage, secure, and able to accommodate rapid growth, because they don’t typically have large IT budgets and dedicated network administrators. The FWG114P is a powerful all-in-one wired and wireless networking solution for small businesses that incorporates a powerful business-class security suite and includes NETGEAR’s browser-based Smart Wizard for ease-of-installation and management.”

NETGEAR’s feature-rich ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Firewall with USB Print Server also incorporates an RS-232 serial port to accommodate many popular ISDN or analog modems. With the ability to add an ISDN or analog modem, users can have Internet access where cable or DSL service is not available or simply use the additional modem for an automatic fail-over backup connection. Available via a future firmware upgrade, the serial port will also support single-user remote access server (RAS) functionality, enabling a remote user to access resources on the LAN.

A powerful detachable 5dBi antenna optimizes wireless performance and is compatible with NETGEAR’s line of antennas and accessories. Easy-to-install and manage, the FWG114P includes the browser-based Smart Wizard Install Assistant, which automatically detects the ISP connection type and guides users through each step of the installation process.

The secure FWG114P incorporates a host of security features including Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) available via a free firmware upgrade (expected December 2003), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall, Network Address Translation (NAT), Denial of Service (DoS) attack protection, intrusion detection, 40/64 and 128-bit WEP encryption, and Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through.

The NETGEAR FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless Firewall with USB Print Server is backed by a three-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, and is scheduled for release in October 2003 via leading retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers at a list price of $276.