NETGEAR First to Launch Powerful, Low-Cost Firewall Routers to Protect the Small Business Network

The FV318 Cable/DSL VPN and FR318 Cable/DSL Firewall Routers Enable Virtual Private Networks, Block Hackers and Protect Against Denial of Service Attacks

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – October 9, 2001 – NETGEAR Inc., an innovative provider of small business and home networking products, today announced the availability of the latest additions to its award-winning family of routers. The availability of the FV318 Cable/DSL Virtual Private Network (VPN) and the FR318 Cable/DSL Firewall Routers offer enterprise-level technology at prices targeted to the small business customers. Low-cost routers designed for home use do not offer enough security for business users. The FV318 and FR318 are two new editions to NETGEAR’s full line of business firewall routers. The FV318 and FR318 are the first fully capable 8-port VPN firewall routers in the market for under $400, with 168-bit Triple DES (3DES) technology, the most secure commercially available data encryption technology on the market today.

“During this time of increasing security violations, our small business customers are demanding more secure networks and the FV318 and FR318 are a direct result of listening to their needs,” said Patrick Lo, president and chief executive officer of NETGEAR. “Our new firewall routers are the first to bring the small business customer the latest VPN technology and the most cost-effective solution on the market. We’re offering a fully-capable VPN firewall router for under $400.”

According to the Computer Security Institute and FBI 2001 Computer Crime and Security Survey, over ninety-one percent of respondents detected computer security breaches including intrusion to corporate networks and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks within the last twelve months. NETGEAR’s new FV318 and FR318 are stacked with Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) to promote uninterrupted network operation, DoS attack protection and VPN protection to secure their network data, including remote identity authentication to secure private transmission of data. Both routers facilitate a distributed workforce while maintaining Internet security using the latest in 3DES encryption technology.

The FV318 initiates five Internet Protocol Security based (IPSec-based) VPN tunnels for end-to-end security between authentic remote sites or mobile users, while the FR318 is capable of initiating one VPN tunnel. The firewall routers can be used in conjunction with commonly available VPN client software, such as SafeNet/Soft-PK™, to connect to the distributed workforce, or use multiple firewall routers for router-to-router VPN tunneling, which eliminates the need for VPN client software.

"In these tough economic times, there have been those who speculate that businesses will not spend on security," said Mike Wolf, director of enterprise and residential networking at Cahners In-Stat Group. "However, as we have shown in our recent studies on network security, businesses will invest in securing their valuable information assets despite a slowing economy. NETGEAR's FV318 and FR318 are welcome solutions for small businesses looking for high levels of network protection at a reasonable cost."

The FV318 and FR318 also notify users of hacker attempts and track their source to deter future attacks. Network address translation (NAT) routing and IPSec Support also provide an extra level of security for shared resources. Cable/DSL Internet access sharing capability, an integrated 8-port 10/100 switch, an Ethernet cable and five-year warranty add to the practicality of these network essentials. Both routers enable network administrators to establish time-of-day usage limits, content filtering parameters, and access limitations to Web pages, chat and instant messenger services.

The FV318 and FR318 share the following features and benefits:

  • Ultimate Security – Delivers fast, Stateful Packet Inspection firewall, Denial of Service attack protection, NAT routing and IPSec Support.
  • Versatile – Customizable for Web access and content filtering, e-mailed logging and reporting and real-time alerts, plus optional user upgrade and CyberNOT™ Web content list subscription (both available for purchase).
  • Cost-Effective – Comes with an Ethernet cable, an integrated 8-port switch, and cable/DSL Internet access sharing capability. Expected Price from resellers: FV318 $799; FR318: $349
  • Dependable – Easy, Web browser-based setup, on-board static content filtering for faster Web page access, advanced chip sets, tested and proven technology, and compact, rugged metal construction all ensure dependable, on-going, smooth-running operation.
  • Availability – Through Catalog, Value Added Resellers, e-Commerce now
  • Warranty – Five-year warranty for unit

 

For more information on these products, please visit www.netgear.com/planetvpn.

About NETGEAR Inc.

NETGEAR was recently named to Deloitte & Touche’s “2001 Technology Fast 50” Program for Silicon Valley due to its 4,527 percent growth over the last five years. NETGEAR provides easy-to-use, reliable networking solutions for homes and businesses worldwide. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, NETGEAR designs and develops products that enable home and small business users to share Internet access, peripherals, digital content and applications among multiple personal computers and other Internet-enabled devices. The company markets and sells its products through a global network of resellers, including more than 4,500 retail stores, mail order catalogs and online retailers. Additionally, NETGEAR offers customers free support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information visit the company's Web site at www.netgear.com or call (408.907.8000).