Avaya SG5X, SG200 manual Introduction, Functional overview

Chapter 1 Introduction

Functional overview

The Avaya SG5, SG5X, and SG200 security gateways are VPN gateways to virtual private networks (VPNs) for small business and home office users. The security gateway allows users to connect securely to their corporate networks and intranets through always-on connections such as DSL and cable modems. Designed to provide the convenience of a firewall and a gateway all in one compact desktop enclosure, the security gateway provides a cost-effective solution to quick and easy VPN deployment while providing strong attack prevention mechanisms against common attacks and Internet security threats.

The SG5X and the VSU200 are functionally identical to the SG5, but the VSU5X includes an integrated 7-port Ethernet switch. The VSU200 introduces a cardbus/PCMCIA expansion slot for future functionality, routing capabilities, and firewall enhancements that can be managed from a central-site location.

Like other platforms in the Avaya VPN family, the security gateway adds encryption, authentication, and key management to public network data links to ensure privacy and integrity of corporate data, and to enable the efficient and secure operation of VPNs. It is designed to perform complex operations, in real time, without compromising network performance.

The security gateway supports a full suite of VPN services including: IPsec-based encryption, packet authentication, and IKE key management, Network Address Translation (NAT), and packet filtering.

March 2004 Introduction 9