The Vanguard product line is centered around their multi-service routers and provides for customers a base IP WAN platform with support for the network connection and intercommunications of both IP applications and non-IP communications; including BSC, SNA, SDLC, AS400 (i-Series) communications, serial data, SCADA applications, and SIP services.

Driving each of the routers is the vendor's Applications Ware software, which is licensed to the customer based on specific needs. The base licensing package includes support for multiple IP services and applications, including routing (DVMRP, OSPF, BGP-4 routing, NAT, VRRP, IP payload compression, more), 802.1 VLAN tagging, IPX, and AppleTalk. On top of this IP base license can be purchased the SNA+ package, which adds IBM specific features including support for BSC 2780/3270, SNA/SDLC, and IBM LLC2 conversion; and on top of this can be purchased the Multi-Service license which adds support for voice communications. Individually licensed upgrade licenses include those adding support for voice (offered in standard, premium, and advanced flavors; the latter of which adds SIP), security (IPsec, hardware-based encryption, RADIUS and PAP/CHAP user authentication, network authentication, etc.), AS/400 (provides conversion between LAN connected AS/400s), and QoS.

The Vanguard router product line ranges from the 242D desktop model, providing serial-over-broadband communication features and targeted to remote offices, retail outlets, and ATM terminals (2 10/100 and a single Universal Serial Port are included), to the high-end 4U 7300 series, a modular router (accepting 5 or 8 daughter cards) with dual-redundant power supplies.

New to the router line is the 3410 model, with no moving parts and targeted to mid-range deployments. The 3410 is a desktop model with a single external expansion slot (options include 56K DSU, fractional T1/E1 or T1/E1 fully channelized data-only, or a 3DES/AES encryption) and dual internal slots; an RS-232 high-speed serial port, and dual 10/100 ports.

With the exception of the new 3410, the Vanguard multi-service router portfolio is available now. The 3410 is expected to generally available at the end of April.

Visit the Vanguard Networks Solutions Web site for further information.