Internet
Gateway
The concept of the Internet Gateway is simple: It is a single device
that allows any/every computer on your LAN access to Internet services
either hosted by you or normally available from the Internet.
This package is ideal for everyone from the home user to a medium
sized business running 50 computer workstations on a local area network
(LAN).
Benefits
- Single shared Internet connection for LAN - You don't
need multiple modems with multiple telephone outlets and then
shout at other people to get off when you want to get onto the
Internet. It's available for everyone (everyone that's allowed
it, that is) at any time.
- Extremely low maintenance - These systems run infrastructural
services, so there is little or no need for regular changes. Also,
the operating system is extremely stable with unnecessary complexity
removed and this means that the requirement for maintenance is
very low.
- Host own Internet Domain - If you have an Internet Domain,
you are most likely paying between $50 and $500 per year more
than you need to to have it hosted by someone. Our Internet Gateways
can host many domains simply and easily. (Requires static IP address
which is unavailable under some ISP connection plans)
- Host own mail - Only get 5 email accounts with your ISP?
Only get 1? With our system you can have over 2 million and also
have completely flexibility over mail forwarding, auto-responders,
filters and other mail functions. (Note: generally requires own
domain)
- Mailing lists if required - Mailing lists are when you
send the same mail to many people using a master list. Often they
are used for announcements and discussion lists. Simple-to-use
software can be installed to support as many lists as you wish
with all the normal administrative functions including moderation
and digests. (Requires hosting your own mail server)
- Host your own web site - If you have a fast enough connection,
you can save paying for someone else to host your website and
make it available on the Internet Gateway. Best of all, "local"
web pages can be used for local content and it will be extremely
fast to load and view.
- Firewall protection - Modern
IP Filtering included with every gateway. If you're connected
to the Internet this is a necessity
and restrictive, comprehensive firewall rules are installed by
default. Your network will be protected from prying eyes from
the Internet.
- Web-based email - Just like you're own little Hotmail™,
web-based email allows you to quickly check your email from any
computer on the Internet. (Requires hosting your own mail)
- Full web statistics - Comprehensive statistics for people
visiting your web site including the normal "number of hits/visits"
as well as more detailed statistics including domains that visitors
are from, pages they enter to and leave from, daily and hourly
usage breakdowns and more.
- Automatic updates - If the system needs an update, it will do
it itself! No need to monitor the news for new security holes
or system improvements.
- Proxy caching for efficiency - Speed up web browsing
with an industry strength web proxy.
- Low profile hardware - The actual gateway unit can be
from a standard PC computer casing size down to a 2SU or even
1SU rack-mount case to be slotted away out of harms way. You have
lots of choice to find what suits you best.
- Low cost - You don't need to spend tens of thousands
of dollars on hardware because the bottleneck (slowest point in
the system) will almost always be your Internet connection. Internet
Gateways operate almost as effectively on an old 486SX-20 as they
do on a new Pentium-IV and our systems can cost as little as AU$250.
- No licensing costs - All software used is licensed under
the GNU-GPL or similar which means that the cost for you to buy
and use the software is $0. That's $0 this year and in the future
when you may wish to upgrade as well.
- High reliability - Dedicated, self-contained units such
as our gateways are very reliable. Our experiences have matched
our initial expectations of almost no support necessary to maintain
the original level of service.
Local Area Network - The Internet Gateway connects to your LAN and
it is via the LAN that your users gain access to Internet services.
For the micro-business or home user where you have only one computer,
the additional requirements include an ethernet hub, a network card
for your computer and a cable to connect them.
Internet Connectivity - The Internet Gateway connects to the Internet
in any of the normal ways that this can be done. Most commonly this
is with an ADSL connection from any provider, but can also be achieved
with a traditional modem, ISDN, Cable or satellite connection.
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