D-Link Middle East, the end-to-end computer network solutions provider, has launched the first high-speed small office/home office (SOHO) network firewall with unified threat management (UTM), a comprehensive security solution.

It provides a reliable, triple-protection defense against virus attacks, unauthorised intrusions and harmful content, said a statement.

The D-Link NetDefend SOHO UTM firewall (DFL-160) is a robust, yet affordable triple-protection network defense gateway that monitors network traffic and actively blocks dangerous content such as viruses and worms to help protect private information and prevent damage caused by hazardous applications, malicious hackers and other threats.

The DFL-160 offers a Web-based control panel to set up and manage a healthy and secure network. The device is housed in a compact and unobtrusive desktop chassis that is incorporated into an existing network.

By placing the DFL-160 between a PC and the Internet, the firewall keeps the network secure and reliable by ensuring that only properly verified files can reach the desktop.

With a gigabit Ethernet interface that ensures high-speed performance and facilitates interoperability with existing network hardware, the DFL-160 provides firewall throughput of up to 70 megabits-per-second (Mbps) and virtual private network (VPN) speeds of up to 25 Mbps.

Unique to SOHO class firewalls is a dedicated Gigabit DMZ port to support servers that need to appear as external facing devices.  Additionally, it can perform intrusion prevention system (IPS) and antivirus scanning functions simultaneously without delaying firewall and VPN performance.

“Today’s continuously shifting security environment presents a challenge for SOHO users with limited IT capabilities,” said Harrison Albert, regional sales director at D-Link Middle East.

“With the DFL-160, even the most novice user can set up and maintain a healthy network,” he added.

“This latest member of the D-Link NetDefend family provides a reliable and affordable security gateway with the sought-after UTM features found in more expensive Enterprise products.”

The NetDefend SOHO UTM Firewall offers users the convenience of safely accessing the network when away from the home or office by connecting to a pre-configured VPN account. Cable and DSL users can simply access the system using a dynamic IP address.

The DFL-160 also employs D-Link Green technology for conserving energy to automatically recognise port activity and cable length and adjust power usage accordingly.

The DFL-160 maintains separate databases for defense functions of intrusion prevention (endeavor security), antivirus scanning (Kaspersky Lab), and content filtering (ContentKeeper Technologies).

D-Link’s NetDefend SOHO UTM subscription service, which offers free updates for the first year, ensures that these databases remain consistent, accurate, and up-to-date, the statement added. – TradeArabia News Service