By Kevin Reichard
With new features designed for the SOHO and ISP markets, the
latest release of the InterJak 200 Linux-based Internet server
appliance adds integrated ADSL or ISDN S/T connectivity, as well as
a software upgrade that adds content filtering, network monitoring,
traffic shaping, PPPoE support, and network printing.
Some of the new features include:
Network Monitoring
The InterJak platform proactively monitors LAN and WAN network
resources and provides real-time alerting in addition to historical
data collection and graphing for quick problem detection. With a
browser interface, the InterJak Network Monitor gives service
providers a means to access a customer network behind the firewall,
perform tests to track network-attached peripherals, show bandwidth
utilization, and report issues. Phase 1 of network monitoring is
available at no extra charge and shows CPU, memory, and Ethernet
statistics.
Traffic Shaping
The InterJak platform will shape inbound and outbound traffic to
ensure high priority applications (e.g. web-based business
applications) are serviced before lower priority applications (e.g.
file transfer). Bandwidth across a given interface (e.g. Ethernet
port) can be constrained to shape traffic across a slower WAN
interface (e.g. broadband wireless link). In addition, outbound
traffic will be tagged to enable service providers to deliver
end-to-end prioritization. With this feature, ISPs can ensure that
their customers are receiving appropriate utilization of their
available bandwidth.
Content Filtering
InterJak provides advanced content filtering by checking user web
access against a proprietary database from SurfControl that is
automatically updated at regular intervals. It blocks objectionable
and non-productive sites with profiles based on a combination of
categories specified by the system administrator.
PPPoE Support
PPPoE client support on the InterJak platform eliminates the
requirement to install PPPoE client software on individual PCs.
PPPoE is often required to obtain an IP address from ADSL service
providers. The InterJak will utilize PPPoE to obtain an IP address,
and users on the local network can share the address for Internet
access.
Network printing and spooling
Print spooling to Ethernet or USB-attached printers using the
InterJak offers the ability to print without tying up the PC for
the duration of the print job. This option requires a USB or IEEE
1394 hard drive which can be hot plugged into the InterJak platform
for temporary storage of print data. With the print spooling
feature, users can print to a network-attached or USB printer
without a special print client.
The InterJak 200 Internet service appliance is extensible in
both hardware and software using a Filanet engineered ASIC and
embedded microLinux. The InterJak 200 serves as a fully featured
LAN networking device, supporting IP routing, network address and
port translation, DHCP client and server capabilities, and file and
print sharing. Using dual USB ports and dual IEEE 1394A (FireWire)
ports, the InterJak 200 supports instant Plug and Play capabilities
with printers or hard drives. The InterJak 200 supports a wide
range of WAN options from V.90 and cable modems to ADSL, SDSL, and
ISDN. In addition to these options, the InterJak 200 also provides
dual 10/100 Ethernet ports that can be used for internal Ethernet
LAN, optional WAN connectivity and DMZ support. Pricing for the
InterJak 200 series ranges between $645 and $795, with add-on
capabilities like VPN and content filtering available for an
additional price.