QNAP Systems, Inc. has announced the launch of two new smart edge switches, the QGD-1600 and QGD-1602, aimed at providing enhanced LAN security and versatile network management solutions. These switches, designed to integrate the functions of NAS (Network-Attached Storage) and switches, offer a range of features and capabilities that cater to the evolving needs of modern networks.

The QGD-1600 and QGD-1602 come equipped with Layer 2 network management features, as well as the ability to run virtual machines (VMs) for deploying VPNs, firewalls, and network management functions. One notable feature is the support for ADRA NDR software, which significantly enhances cybersecurity protection for all connected LAN devices at the access switch layer.

Alex Shih, QNAP Product Manager, expressed enthusiasm for these new additions to the QGD smart edge switch series. He stated, "Our QGD smart edge switches innovatively integrate the functions of NAS and switches and have received positive feedback from our users. The addition of the affordable non-PoE models QGD-1600 and QGD-1602 provides a cost-effective all-in-one network solution with cybersecurity software for enhanced LAN security or running VMs for more software applications."

The QGD series offers multi-port L2 managed switches with various configurations:

• QGD-1602 comes with eight 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, eight Gigabit RJ45 ports, and two 10GbE SFP+ fiber ports. It is powered by Intel Atom C3000 8-core/4-core processors with Intel® QuickAssist technology, ensuring high-performance virtualization applications and faster IPsec VPN transmission. Dual PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots and dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots are supported, allowing for SSD caching to enhance IOPS performance.
• QGD-1600, on the other hand, features fourteen Gigabit RJ45 ports, two Gigabit RJ45/SFP combo ports, and an Intel Celeron J4115 4-core processor, along with dual PCIe Gen 2 x2 slots. This switch provides flexibility in storage expansion by connecting to QNAP storage expansion units.

One of the standout features of the QGD-1600 and QGD-1602 is their compatibility with ADRA Network Detection and Response (NDR) software, which offers cost-efficient enterprise LAN security solutions for all edge devices. ADRA NDR is designed to proactively identify and block suspicious lateral movements within the local network, providing robust protection for sensitive data against malicious attacks.

In addition to their cybersecurity capabilities, these smart edge switches also support running VMs. The incorporation of the QTS operating system allows users to run versatile QNAP software and VM applications, including QuWAN, QNAP's SD-WAN solution. QuWAN enables full mesh IPsec VPN topology between QNAP devices in multiple locations, meeting the demands of enterprise video, VoIP, ERP systems, and data storage needs. Furthermore, the switches support various software applications such as MikroTik RouterOS, OpenWrt, or pfSense firewall, offering flexible routing functions and comprehensive network security policies. Additionally, the inclusion of Zabbix Network Management Platform aids IT staff in auto-detecting SNMP-compliant servers/devices and monitoring network status.

The launch of the QGD-1600 and QGD-1602 by QNAP Systems represents a significant step towards providing a comprehensive network solution that combines robust cybersecurity features with versatile network management capabilities. These smart edge switches offer businesses an opportunity to enhance their LAN security and optimize their network performance through the integration of NAS and switch functionalities. With the addition of ADRA NDR software, users can rest assured that their connected edge devices are well-protected against cyber threats, making these switches an attractive choice for modern network infrastructures.