Based on the vendor's IMUNE (Intrusion Mitigation Unified Network Engine) technology, the Symantec Network Security 7100 Series line of appliances provides attack detection identification via multiple methodologies, including protocol anomaly detection, vulnerability attack interception, signature recognition, policy-based instant messaging and or traffic flow (behavioral or use-policy based traffic) detection, and IPv6 tunneled traffic identification in an attempt to thwart both known and unknown network attacks. The appliance line will initially be offered in three versions, with throughput performance ranging from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps and from 4 to 8 interface ports. Each of the appliances can operate in either a passive monitoring mode where identified attacks can be ignored or alerted (depending on administrator defined policies) or a "prevention" mode in which the attacks can be actively blocked. According to the vendor, the appliances can be converted from passive to prevention mode in a single click.

The devices support Symantec's LiveUpdate technology, which allows them to be automatically updated with security information from Symantec personnel, and are centrally managed via the vendor's Network Security Management Console, a Windows or Linux-based software offering. The devices can be deployed in multiple inline pairs (offering failover when operating in passive mode); or both passive and inline segments can be monitored on the same appliance. Compact Flash configuration is also supported.

The three appliance models expected to be initially available include:

- 7120: Aggregated throughput of up to 100 Mbps (inline; 200 Mbps monitor) with 4 10/100 copper ports and up to 100,000 concurrent users.

- 7160: Aggregated throughput of up to 1 Gbps (inline; 2 Gbps monitor) with 8 10/100/1000 copper ports and up to 1,000,000 concurrent users. The 7160 (and the 7161 below) includes dual-redundant power supplies and a removable disk drive.

- 7161: Similar to the 7160, except with 4 10/100/1000 Copper and 4 1000 Base-SX Fiber interfaces.

The 7100 Series Appliances are expected to be available in August of 2004, with base pricing ranging from $7,995 - $26,995. Contact Symantec for further information.