Network appliance roundup for small offices

When it comes to adding to or upgrading network appliances for remote workers or small offices, the options are plenty.

Most remote or small offices have Internet access or security appliance boxes that combine three or more of the following functions:

Broadband link -- either for cable modem or DSL (if not both, as in many models from D-Link Corp., Linksys, Belkin Corp., Netgear Inc. and others) along with a network bridge to Ethernet (usually 10/100);

Multiport switch -- (most common) or hub (less common nowadays, but still available), with four or more ports;

Various security or networking services -- usually including a firewall, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and Network Address Translation (NAT). This could also have content filtering, URL filtering and/or intrusion detection or prevention.

Product Sampler

Below is a selection of products that you can either plug into an existing network periphery or use to replace existing gear at the network boundary. I've identified items as in-line when they plug into an existing periphery or replaceme

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nt when they are intended to replace existing equipment. Likewise, small indicates the product is for networks with fewer than 20 nodes; medium indicates the product can handle networks of up to 100 nodes; and large indicates the product can handle 100 nodes or more. Keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list of vendors and products.

Bottom line: Convenience has a lot of value. If small office/remote users are often willing to pay up to $1,000 or more for the convenience of network appliances that are easy to install, configure and use, then the value of convenience only escalates with size. (Appliances that target medium and large networks generally cost $2,000 to $15,000 and up.) The value of intelligently configured, self-updating and reasonably secure network add-ins or replacements cannot be overstated or oversold.

Ed Tittel is a full-time freelance writer and trainer based in Austin, Texas. He specializes in markup languages, information security and IT certifications. Ed has also contributed to a recent book on home theater PCs and is currently working on books about gaming PCs and MythTV.

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