Asante Technologies today announced a new addition to its award-winning line of cable/DSL routers: the Asante FriendlyNET FR3004C. The FR3004C takes the best features of its predecessor, the FR3004, and adds a back-up modem -- for the same price. "Weire pleased to add this versatility and value to our popular router line," commented William Hang, Product Manager at Asante.
Unlike software-based routers, the FR3004C provides a natural firewall that protects local area networks from outside intruders. The router swiftly directs all in-bound traffic directly to a computer and allows customers to share a high-speed modem with up to 253 users. A packet filtering firewall with network address translation (NAT) lets the useris computer network appear as one IP address to outsiders -- reducing costs while increasing security. The FR3004C also includes complete access control for up to three groups (based on TCP and UDP ports), physical security hooks/mounting holes, and a 4-port 10/100 Fast ethernet switch.
A special feature is the FR3004Cis redundant modem port -- enabling customers to upgrade from a v.90 56K analog modem and still keep it as a back-up modem. So when a broadband connection is not available, customers can still dial out to an ISP or free Internet service provider. "You no longer have to be out of luck when your DSL or cable service is down," added Hang.
The FriendlyNET FR3004C is available for US$159. You can find more information at Asanteis site.