HP's ProCurve tightens network security

HP's ProCurve networking division has unveiled a range of branch routers and an access controller module that it claims can boost wireless security.

Marking the first HP ProCurve wide area network (Wan) hardware, the routers are designed to connect branch offices to a headquarter site at the Wan edge.

HP said that the devices can allow SMEs to provide a secure and reliable connection to the internet in addition to offering remote virtual private network access for employees.

The newly developed routers in the ProCurve Secure Router 7000dl series include a stateful firewall to prevent denial of service attacks, and offer access control list and virtual local area network support to restrict traffic flow.

The 7102dl and 7203dl routers, the first two products to be introduced as part of ProCurve's Wan portfolio, are expected to be available in April. The 7102dl router chassis has an European list price of €1,273, and the 7203dl router chassis is priced at €2,548.

"Companies can now turn to ProCurve for a complete end-to-end networking infrastructure that can easily grow and evolve with their business needs," said John McHugh vice president and general manager of ProCurve networking at HP.

The company has also unveiled an Access Controller Module for the ProCurve Switch 5300xl. HP said that the module, centrally managed from the ProCurve Secure Access Server 740wl, frees users from having authentication software on their machine, moving the functionality to the edge of the network and providing hassle-free access while maintaining a high level of security.

The Switch xl Access Controller Module for the ProCurve 5300xl switch is expected to be available in April and has an estimated EMEA list price of €3,999.