Billion expands SMB security portfolio with next-generation networking solution

BiGuard S100N offers 802.11n WiFi, gigabit interface, IPSec/SSL VPN, integrated wireless NAC and advanced energy saving features for greener networking without impacting performance

Billion Electric Co., Ltd. (Taiex: # 3027), a major international network communications equipment provider has launched the world’s first 802.11n SSL VPN Security Gateway. Called the BiGuard S100N, the new system is designed to meet the mobility and security needs of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs).

Featuring integrated, portal-based wireless NAC (Network Access Control), the BiGuard S100N enables employees or visitors to roam securely and seamlessly between subnets in an office building without the risk of unauthorized access to the corporate network. By establishing encrypted SSL VPN tunnels, mobile workers can securely access the intranet from any location.

With integrated next-generation WiFi following the draft 802.11n standard and Gigabit WAN and LAN ports, the system provides the speed needed for critical business applications and heavy bandwidth applications such as video streaming. “Energy efficient” features such as Smart Power Saving and Wake On LAN (WOL) allow the corporate networks to be more environmentally friendly and reduce operating costs without compromising network performance.

“SMBs today are recognizing that the deployment of WLANs can raise the overall productivity and efficiency of their business and help them remain competitive and responsive to ever-changing business issues. However, according to research from Jupiter Research, information security and unauthorized intrusions and attacks to their networks are among their top concerns, which means they are also looking for safe, cost-effective ways to protect their systems while implementing WLAN Internet/Intranet access,” said William Lee, Vice President of Billion.

“The BiGuard S100N fits the bill. It provides comprehensive security mechanisms to protect the corporate Intranet from threats. SMBs can enhance their service quality by providing their customers, visitors, or short-term staff with Internet access over WLAN while Intranet access over WLAN and SSL VPN are assured secure without worrying about uninvited intruders and attacks,” said Lee.

The BiGuard S100N includes four layers of security features: wireless NAC (Network Access Control), SSL and IPSec VPN security, standard wireless security and robust firewall security function, and One Time Password.

Portal-based Wireless NAC (Network Access Control)
The Wireless NAC (Network Access Control) technology allows IT managers to set up to four SSIDs (Service Set Identified), to separate the traffic of guests and employees with different authorised access to different parts of the network.

In addition IT administrators can control user privileges: Bypass, Authentication, and Authentication plus SSL VPN. By setting up different privileges, hackers or intruders are kept outside the authentication SSL VPN web portal even if they successfully crack the wireless encryption. This completely protects the corporate network from security treats.

SSL VPN and IPSec VPN Security
The BiGuard S100N supports a range of enterprise-class security features including IPSec and SSL encryption to ensure the security of data transmission and user access authorization. This combination provides excellent deployment flexibility to small business operations, meeting the requirements of any remote access users – visitors to the organization, business partners, branch offices or mobile workers.

Standard Wireless Security and Robust Firewall Security
Wireless Protected Access (WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK) and Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) ensures high-level data protection and WLAN access control. Integrated Firewall, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), Denial of Service (DoS) prevention and URL filtering on the S100N guard the network against malicious attacks. In addition the firewall features an e-mail alert service that is activated whenever an attack occurs.

Two-factor authentication with the optional BiGuard One-Time Password
BiGuard One-Time Password is a car-key sized dongle that can be used to enhance the security and the credibility of audit trails through strong, two-factor authentication. It can dynamically generate a 6-digit PIN. Combined with existing static passwords this results in a greatly reduced risk of unauthorized access to corporate network resources by intruders.

The challenges SMBs are facing have never been greater. The current credit crunch has had a tremendous impact on the global economy and small and medium-sized businesses will have to boost their productivity and reduce operational expenses to survive.

The wireless NAC features built in to the BiGuard S100N provide staff with more flexibility and secure wireless connections to the corporate network, and raise productivity and efficiency of the business. The guest account setting allows visitors to the organization to access the wireless network, creating a professional and positive image of the company with customers, partners and visitors.

In addition, the BiGuard S100N integrates cutting-edge SSL VPN technology. SMBs can establish private encrypted tunnels, without the need to pre-install VPN software on client PCs, enabling staff to securely access corporate resources from any location through the public Internet.

The new solution offers corporate-class advanced SSL VPN connections such as Network Extender, and Application Proxy. Remote users using a variety of browsers, platforms and operating systems can access files in the central office.

“A business traveler using a mobile device like a PDA can access the corporate network, the SOHO or a freelancer on a Macintosh can even connect his Mac to customers’ networks to remotely collaborate on a project. Secure remote Intranet access with the BiGuard S100N is possible via any device from anywhere any time,” said Lee.

Other benefits of the BiGuard S100N include:

Optimal Wireless Speeds and Coverage and Powerful Gigabit Connectivity
With an integrated draft 802.11n, the BiGuard S100N delivers up to six times the speed and three times the wireless coverage of an 802.11b/g network device. The WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) feature prioritizes the wireless traffic and minimizes delays for time-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video conferencing. The BiGuard S100N features Gigabit capability for LAN, WAN and DMZ ports, enabling faster transmission speeds for remote access, internal connections or outbound networking.

Simple Ways to Go Green
The BiGuard S100N is designed as an environment friendly networking solution for small business and SMBs, allowing build up of their corporate network environment and turning their business green with energy efficient devices. With integrated Smart Power Saving technology features, the BiGuard S100N can reduce power usage of ports that are idle. The Wake on LAN (WOL) feature allows IT administrators to remotely shut down or wake up any devices in the network environment via SSL VPN tunnels. The significant benefits for the organization are reduction in power consumption, less environmental heat and a reduction in operating costs. Furthermore, it complies with EU’s RoHS directive and WEEE regulation to protect our environment from harmful substances.

The BiGuard S100N is ideal for a wide range of organizations such as manufacturers, healthcare service centers, airport operators, conference/exhibition centers, education/training organizations, department stores, hotels, and restaurants.

“The BiGuard S100N is a just in time a solution featuring advanced technology to address pressing SMB issues and offer an affordable all-in-one package to help them tackle these tough economic times,” said Lee.

About BILLION
Founded in 1973 and listed on the Taiwanese stock exchange, Billion Electric Co., Ltd. (Taiex #3027) is one of the leading providers of network equipment and power supply products in the Asia Pacific rim. Since its Communication Division was established in 1992, Billion has re-enforced its investment in developing next generation network equipment and Internet access devices for home, telecommuter, and SME users. We have been awarded a number of honours for our networking products and have acquired a considerable customer base across Europe, America, Middle East and Africa, and in the Asia Pacific markets. For more information, please visit us at www.billionsa.com.

For media contact: press@billionsa.com; marketing@billionsa.com

For product reviews, please contact Billion’s authorized local distributors.

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The product and technology names are the registered property of Billion Electric Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.