3Com's SuperStack Adds Net Edge Security

By Bernard Cole
iApplianceWeb
(01/21/03, 10:36:27 PM EDT)

Santa Clara., Ca. -- 3Com Corp. has added robust enhancements to its SuperStack 3 Firewall, SuperStack 3 4400 Switch family and its Network Supervisor software that offer multiple layers of protection at distributed points of an intranetwork, from the core to the perimeter to authorized users.

The SuperStack 3 Firewall is an ICSA-certified, high-performance, highly secure firewall that offers maximum protection at an affordable price. Preferred by enterprises looking for simple but secure security management, the firewall's advanced, high-speed virtual private network (VPN) capabilities allow encrypted communications of up to 1,000 remote workers. Key among 40 enhancements and new features:

As presently configured it eliminates the need for costly, third-party VPN software by offering interoperability with Microsoft VPN clients on Windows 2000 and XP operating systems. Support for WAN bandwidth prioritization allows case by case determination of  when and which kind of traffic moves unimpeded through the firewall out across the WAN. Prioritization can be determined through parameters such as time of day, allowing for faster overnight storage backup, or by application, to give precedence to networked telephony traffic.

It can be configured to create two secure but separate networks through a single firewall, allowing segregation of sensitive information. An internal authentication database, allows up to 100 users to be "pre-authorized" for access, commonly used in education environments for teachers and administrators

The SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 has been enhanced to include advanced traffic filtering, Quality of Service functionality and full telephony support. The latest software release for the SuperStack 3 Switch 4400 family (version 3.0) adds Network Login 802.1X support. 3Com has also integrated security support into 3Com Network Supervisor Advanced Package. Once authenticated, 3Com Network Supervisor Advanced Package can track and identify each user, including which switch they are connected to, allowing network administrators to efficiently track down user-based problems and potential hackers.

A management application that graphically discovers, maps, and displays network links and IP devices to allow monitoring of  network stress levels, setting of thresholds and alerts, viewing of  network events, and generation of reports in user-defined formats.

Amongst the added features in the software package are identification of RADIUS servers and authentication issues and the ability to schedule key tasks such as network discovery, device configuration backup and software agent updates.

Available now, pricing for new users ranges from $1295 to $3,999 for the hardware and $995 for the  Network Supervisor Advanced Package.

 For more information on these products, go to www.3com.com/security.

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