Netgear's FR114P ProSafe More Than Just A Firewall

The device is a 4-port 10/100 Ethernet switch with an integrated ICSA-certified firewall and an integrated print server. The ProSafe firewall features Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and Intrusion Detection, Denial of Service (DoS) attack protection, Network Address Translation (NAT) Routing and VPN pass-through. The unit supports DHCP (client and server) as well as PPPoE. The built-in built-in print server is an added bonus for SMBs, as it eliminates the need for a dedicated PC print server. Everything is configured using a Smart Wizard that automatically connects to an ISP. Web-based configuration screens and an Install Assistant make setup almost painless. At only $100, the unit is well within the budget of nearly any SMB. Even with the unit's low price, Netgear makes sure its VARs are taken care of. The company offers margins ranging from 18 percent to 20 percent, with front-end rebates offered based on sales volume. Platinum partners in the PowerShift program receive a 5 percent rebate with $300,000 annual sales and PowerShift Partners receive 2 percent on $60,000 annual sales volume. The high margins and rebates can help offset the low price of the unit. For integrators selling into Government or educational institutions, Netgear offers a 5 percent discount.

The ProSafe Firewall should be an easy sell to SMBs, allowing integrators to increase their revenues by selling greater numbers. The unit has four auto-sensing, switched LAN ports and includes Network Address Translation (NAT) routing, allowing as many as 253 users to share a broadband connection when additional switches or routers are added to the FR114P. A 100 Mbps WAN port is available for future high-speed broadband services, allowing for growth and creating upsell opportunities for solution providers. The unit is housed in a rugged, sturdy metal enclosure.

Though firewalls can be either hardware- or software-based, hardware-based firewalls are more secure. Hackers are not often familiar with proprietary hardware-based firewall operating systems, and hardware-based firewalls are also not susceptible to denial-of-service attacks that target software-based platforms. Netgear's FR114P is an ICSA-certified SPI firewall that also includes URL content filtering to protect users against spam and prevent them from viewing unauthorized Web content.

The FR114P is installed between the cable or DSL modem connection and the PC or server it is protecting. Before installing the unit, solution providers should make note of basic information like host and domain names, user login names and passwords, IP addresses and DNS information. TCP/IP must be installed, and Windows systems must have the Client for Microsoft Networks installed. Systems must also be set to receive an IP address automatically. With the information entered and these proper links established, the firewall can be configured easily from a connected PC's browser. After accessing the Setup Wizard, and making sure the basic network and user information is entered, everything's ready to go. Netgear supplies integrators with seed units and Not-For-Resale product discounts of up to 50 percent to help partners sell products. Online RMA, an advanced product replacement program and a dedicated 24 x 7 support line are available to solution providers is something goes wrong.

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