Cisco WRVS4400N Wireless Security Router

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The main concern in building small business computer network is about the security without degrading the network performance. We know that implementing a strong secure network typically gets impact on the network and or system performance. Traditionally in home network, security is the last thing to consider. But in small to medium businesses, security must be given a more serious attention. Even for enterprises, security becomes a very serious task to do. All the security efforts are meant to protect the information assets that must be treated like other businesses assets against any emerging internet threats.

It is understandable for small businesses with lack of network security experts that security is not taken care seriously. The best way to protect the network is by implementing any types wireless security router, or any types of all-in-one network security appliances or UTM appliance. Such kind of wireless security router you can consider is Cisco WRSV4400N which is designed for small businesses.

What this Product Does

As general, Cisco WRSV4400N is an all-in-one network security device which is targeted to build a small businesses or small offices for providing both wired and wireless network. Check here for

WRSV4400N detail manufactures description and specs.

Wireless Networking

For providing the wireless access to the mobile devices, the Cisco WRSV4400N delivers high speed wireless network which is powered by the 802.11n technology and is enhanced with 3x Omni-directional 2-ddBi gain external antenna with smart MIMO antenna technology for wide range of network coverage and speed. For wireless security connection, the router supports the latest industrial wireless security encryption – WPA/WPA2 with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

In today’s businesses, segregating the network based on groups of users is very essential for some cases. The Cisco WRSV4400N wireless security router supports multiple SSIDs up to four network names you can create to meet your business security needs. You can create a secure guest access with limited access without compromising your business security. By providing internet access to your guests that frequently visit your office, you don’t need to worry of compromising the security. Your private network assets are still well protected.

Wired Networking

If you have multiple servers and desktop with gigabit NIC enabled, you can connect them direct to the router using networking Cat5e cable for reliable high speed connection which is ideal for demanding high-bandwidth applications, large data transfer, and other streaming HD video activities. The router supports 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports with autosensing.

If in the wireless network you have the options of creating up to 4 SSIDs, in the wired LAN network you have the options of segregating the network up to four VLANs. This is a good solution if the requirements of segregating the network exist based on your business security policies. Typically communication between VLANs can be performed when the layer 3 device exist. But this is the router that allows communication between VLANs. And the good thing is that you can map SSID-to-VLAN with wireless client isolation. See also VLAN tutorial for insight understanding about VLAN.

Security Features

Besides the above security features multiple VLANs and SSIDs support, this WRSV4400N wireless security router, like other home wireless routers, supports other traditional security features including ACL, MAC address control, Firewall SPI and NAT, content filtering, and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS).

We understand that the emerging internet threats are evolving to be more dangerous and more harmful which cannot just be protected by traditional firewall. Any growing unhealthy URLs cannot be just filtered or keyword blocked in traditional way. This is why Cisco provides option by supporting the router with Cisco Protect Link – a web security services. You know that t his is not free, but you have to purchase a security plan in a yearly basis. Security is expensive to implement but it is worth for protecting your business critical assets.

The newer version of this type of wireless security router is Cisco RV-120W wireless security firewall. The price is almost the same but what’s new with this router. Let’s have a look at the table below which shows you the comparison between the two routers.

Cisco WRVS4400N was originally powered by the draft 802.11n technology before the ratified version of 802.11n standards last Sep 2009. New firmware updates are available but many people experiences that the 1.1.08 version is more stable than others. Cisco RV-120W is powered by the ratified version 802.11n standards. Actually there is not much changing between the draft and the final version except some option additions.

The second difference between the two routers is about the Ethernet interfaces. WRVS4400N supports Gigabit Ethernet ports. On the other hand, Cisco RV120W supports fast Ethernet ports. If gigabit Ethernet ports are your requirements to support your high-speed server, Cisco WRVS4400N is yours.

The last difference between the routers is about the number of secure tunneling the router can support. The Cisco RV120W doubles the number of VPN tunnels and IPSec gateway-to-gateway tunnels than the Cisco WRVS4400N.

And when the requirement to have more comprehensive threats protection exists for dynamic content filtering services, you should choose the Cisco WRVS4400N with Cisco Protect Link services plan.

Providing a comprehensive security protection is expensive but it is worth of protecting your valuable business information assets like other business assets.

By Ki Grinsing

See also:

• Zyxel Xywall 35 UTM internet security appliance
• Juniper AX411 wireless access point
• RAID 5 controller – Adaptec SCSI RAID for redundant disks
• Juniper IDP Series – network security products
• Information security management for the organizations