Juniper extends SSG gateway appliances for branches

Latest models offer options to suit offices of many sizes

Network vendor Juniper will today launch nine new Secure Services Gateway appliances for branch offices.

“We’re introducing six fixed form factor SSG 5 models, two modular SSG 20 systems and a single SSG 140 appliance, to deal with different types of branch office,” said Juniper security strategist Dr Anton Grashion.

Grashion said the SSG 5 models would be suitable for deployment in “micro-branch” offices, normally served by just SSL VPN connections; while the SSG 20s would be suitable for smaller branch offices usually served via IPSec VPN links; and the SSG 140 would fit the bill for bigger multi-service offices, normally linked to headquarters over MPLS WAN links.

The SSG 5 has seven 10/100Mbit/s LAN connections and a single WAN interface, which can be factory configured as ISDN BRI S/T, V92 or RS232 Serial/Aux.

The SSG 20 models are differentiated into wired and wireless models having five 1Gbit/s LAN connections and two configurable mini-physical interface modules (PIMs), which could be set up for T1, E1 or ADSL2+ connections. The SSG 140 has four 10/100Mbit/s links, four 1Gbit/s links and four interface expansion slots for dual E1, dual T1, dual serial links and a single ISDN BRI S/T link.

All models can run a unified threat management (UTM) package. This is priced at £290 + VAT for the SSG5 platforms rising to £1,100 + VAT for support and signature updates, consisting of intrusion-prevention system (IPS), antivirus, anti-spam and web-filtering tools.

All SSG 5 and SSG 20 models are available, priced from £375 + VAT and £480 + VAT respectively. Costs vary depending on memory, WAN and wireless options required. The SSG 140 will be available in the fourth quarter priced from £1,440 + VAT.