Aaeon unveiled an “FWS-2360” network security appliance based on Intel’s server-class Atom C3000 SoCs. The compact, fanless device offers 6x GbE ports, 1x SATA 6.0Gb/s, 2x USB3.0, up to 32GB ECC RAM, 16GB eMMC, and a 2.5-inch drive bay.

The FWS-2360 network security appliance is the latest in a long line of Aaeon fanless desktop network appliances. Others we’ve encountered include the Apollo Lake-based FWS-2272, Braswell-powered FWS-2260, and Bay Trail-driven FWS-2251 and FWS-2250.

FWS-2360 front and rear
(click images to enlarge)

The FWS-2360 is aimed at business, home, and edge applications, according to Aaeon. The device supplies a pair fiber/copper SFP (small form factor pluggable) GbE ports along with four conventional GbE ports, plus an option for a two pair LAN bypass. A pair of mini-PCIe slots support wireless connectivity options including WiFi and 4G LTE.


FWS-2360 front and rear details
(click image to enlarge)

In contrast to nearly all of Aaeon’s prior desktop network appliances, the FWS-2360 is headless, being based on Intel’s server class C3000-series SoCs (formerly “Denverton”). The device’s storage options include onboard eMMC, an mSATA socket, and a SATA III interface associated with a 2.5-inch drive bay.

The 220 x 105 x 44mm FWS-2360 is rated for fanless operation over 0 to 40°C, and can withstand 0.5 Grms (5 to 500Hz) vibration and 10G peak shock (11ms duration), while running from an internal 2.5-inch hard drive. An optional 1U bracket lets you securely mount the device inside a server cabinet.

Although the FWS-3360’s marketing documentation makes no mention of specific operating system support, the company confirmed in an email that the device “supports Linux Kernel 2.6 or above.” Additionally, the device’s product page and data sheet both tout the benefits of Intel QuickAssist Technology (QAT), a built-in feature of the Intel C3000 processors. QAT, which is supported on Linux, enables a device to “encrypt and compress data with greater speed and security while simultaneously performing other processing tasks,” says Aaeon.

The FWS-2360 appears to compete with Axiomtek’s NA362 network appliance (pictured at the right). The NA362, which also features Intel’s server-class Atom C3000 processors, offers 4x 10GbE SFP+, 6x GbE ports, mini-PCIe, SATA, and up to 128GB DDR4 RAM.

 
Further information

The FWS-2360 appears to be shipping now, at an undisclosed price. Additional details are available at Aaeon’s FWS-2360 product page.