HP Expands Network-Security Offerings

Hewlett-Packard's ProCurve Networking unit on Tuesday introduced a line of branch-office routers designed to provide secure communications with a headquarters site and unveiled so-called "virus-throttling" technology to stop the spread of malicious code throughout a business network. It also rolled out the ProCurve Switch xl Access Controller Module to provide secure access to mobile users seeking to connect to a ProCurve switch at the edge of a network.

"Companies can now turn to ProCurve for a complete, end-to-end networking infrastructure that can easily grow and evolve with their business needs," John McHugh, VP and general manager of ProCurve Networking by HP, said in a statement. The company "takes a more strategic approach than other networking providers by delivering a built-in, not bolted-on, solution that provides greater security."

The virus-throttling technology aims to slow the spread of viruses by watching network traffic to spot unusual behavior caused by previously unknown threats, and then slowing or blocking suspect traffic until network managers have to take action. It has stopped viruses in less than a second in internal tests, the company says. It's available via a free download for HP customers.

ProCurve also introduced two routers in the 7000dl line that include security features to restrict unauthorized access, prevent denial-of-service attacks, and provide remote access to mobile users through IPSec termination. The routers provide a variety of slots for WAN interface cards and other connections. List price is $1,499 for the 7102dl router chassis and $2,999 for the 7203dl router chassis.

The access controller module works with ProCurve switches to securely identify mobile users seeking access to a business network by moving authentication software from a mobile device to the edge of the network. The module provides Web-based authentication, bandwidth control, and configuration management; it has a list price of $5,499.