Addressing a gap in network security solutions, Intel Corporation today announced the industry's first high-speed, security network adapters for mobile PCs. Intel also introduced updated LAN security connections for desktop PCs and servers. The new connections help protect confidential information, such . . .
Addressing a gap in network security solutions, Intel Corporation today announced the industry's first high-speed, security network adapters for mobile PCs. Intel also introduced updated LAN security connections for desktop PCs and servers. The new connections help protect confidential information, such as intellectual property, financial transactions, human resource records and customer demographics, transmitted across a local area network (LAN).

With Intel's new adapters, organizations can now implement comprehensive LAN security solutions, enabling mobile PCs, desktop PCs and servers to utilize Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) encryption. IPSec provides up to 168-bit, triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) protection, one of the world's highest levels of data security.

To further extend the reach of network security solutions throughout the network, Intel also introduced the first software in the industry enabling systems using the Microsoft* Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 operating system to utilize IPSec, a capability previously limited only to systems using the Windows 2000 operating system.

Protecting a network is commonly focused only on guarding against external intrusion attempts. However, according to a recent FBI/CSI Computer Crime and Security survey, 55 percent of organizations experienced security breaches or unauthorized access attempts by insiders with existing LAN access.**

"While existing firewalls, proxy servers and virus protection software help safeguard the front door of a network, a growing number of security breaches actually occur within the network itself," said Greg Lang, vice president and general manager of the Platform Networking Group at Intel. "Intel's family of security connections help organizations protect confidential information from prying eyes, while maintaining the wire-speed network performance necessary to survive in the Internet economy."

Intel's new security network connections are certified by Entrust* Technologies, a global leader in solutions for trusted business-to-business, business-to-consumer and enterprise e-Business markets.

Hardware-Accelerated LAN Security Protects Confidential Data

The Intel(R) PRO/100 S family of security connections are based on the new Intel(R) 82550 Fast Ethernet controller, which includes the industry's first integrated security co-processor. This controller offloads the encryption and decryption activities from the host PC or server processor, boosting network performance by up to three times when compared to products without hardware offload acceleration.***

To create a trusted network connection, data is encrypted as it leaves the PC and decrypted upon reaching its destination. This method protects information as it travels across the LAN, rendering it unreadable to unauthorized intruders "sniffing" the network. Providing this type of trusted network connection previously reduced network performance and slowed the rate at which information was sent across a LAN.

In addition, because of efficiencies achieved with the new integrated controller, Intel is able to offer LAN security as a standard feature of Fast Ethernet network connections at no price premium.

Advanced Management Improves Network Uptime

To help network administrators maximize system uptime, Intel's new network connections also integrate advanced management capabilities such as Alert-on-LAN* 2.0, Wake-on-LAN* and Wired for Management 2.0. The integrated management co-processor enables easier remote configuration and management of mobile PCs and desktop PCs, even when the operating system is unavailable due to system failure.

Pricing and Availability

The new security connections will be available in October through distribution channels and later this year on mobile PCs, desktops and servers purchased from original equipment manufacturers. Also, motherboard manufacturers, including ASUSTek Computer Inc*, Giga-byte Technology Co. Ltd*, Micro-star Int'l Co. Ltd* will embed the new integrated controller on motherboard products.

The mobile PC, desktop PC and server adapters will be available for the suggested retail prices of $164 (mobile PC adapter with LAN connection only), $269 (mobile PC adapter with LAN and 56K modem connection), $97 and $119 each, respectively. More information is available at https://www.intel.com/network/products/adapters_landing.htm or by calling (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or (503) 264-7354 for other international customers.

Intel is a leading supplier of high-performance, trusted and manageable network adapters and LOM solutions for desktops, servers and mobile PCs. Together with Intel(R) SingleDriver(TM) technology, which helps simplify network installations and management across platforms, the Intel(R) PRO family of network connections are critical building blocks for today's Internet economy.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at https://www.intel.com/pressroom

(*) Third party marks and brands are the property of their respective holders. Wake on LAN and Alert on LAN are results of the IBM/Intel Advanced Manageability Alliance and are trademarks of IBM Corporation.

(**) FBI/CSI Computer Crime & Security Survey, 1999

(***) Performance results based on independent testing from eTesting Labs (September 2000). The complete report can be found at

Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate performance of Intel products as measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or configuration may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of information to evaluate the performance of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on performance tests and on the performance of Intel products, reference https://www.intel.com/procs/perf/limits.htm or call (U.S.) (800) 628-8686 or (916) 356-3104.