PerfTech, a developer of network technologies, has announced the immediate availability of its Island Pro, a multi-gig version of its wired, gigabit Island router.
A Quick Look at the Island Pro’s Features
PerfTech states Island routers are designed to maximize speed through features and technologies that include:
- Premium hardware: The Pro includes an Intel 8-core CPU, as well as 6 x 2.5Gbps and 4 x 10Gbps routed ports, and 16GB of dual-channel RAM.
- Proprietary packet processor: PerfTech says this processor achieves 14+M packets/second (just below wire speed) and 800K connections/second.
- Proprietary operating software: According to the company, its software is 10% the size of off-the-shelf Linux or OpenWRT found in most routers.
- Island Pro Offers System Versatility: The SMB-friendly router is modular, self-healing, and it provides a crash-resistant architecture.
- Efficient Reboots: The router offers fast boots under 30 seconds and it rarely needs reboot.
- Continuous Operation: The Island Pro features non-disruptive updates, with most updates requiring no reboot at all.
- Local URL Storage: The company notes the router’s URL database resides in the Island unit for fast security/parental controls filtering.
- WireGuard: PerfTech says it implements WireGuard in the packet processor to deliver wire-speed VPN access.
- Optimized DNS Functions: The Island Pro’s DNS lookups are optimized.
- No QoS Policies: PerfTech suggests the router’s QoS policies are unnecessary because there is never a queue.
How Does the Pro Differ from the Original Island Router?
When comparing the new Island Pro to its original Island router, the company states that the the Pro version is unique in two ways.
First, it offers multi-gig hardware and capacities, and second, it can be rack-mounted. Otherwise, the two Island routers are identical in software, security, app, and functionality. Both are compatible with any ISP gateway and Wi-Fi mesh supporting bridge mode, as well as any brand switch. Island Pro supports 10,000 devices; Island, 5,000; both support up to 1023 simultaneous LAN, VLAN, and VPN connections.
Ultimately, PerfTech says out the Island Pro is built for the performance-conscious home and SMB customer, multi-gig service subscribers, adopters of latest-standards Wi-Fi, and those who just want high network speeds.
“Performance is what sets us apart,” says Lewis Donzis, CEO, PerfTech. “The Internet keeps evolving toward more interactive use and ISPs offer higher and higher speeds. While there have been advances in Wi-Fi, the technology of routing itself has been left behind. That’s where we come in—we specialize in routing techniques that result in a better customer experience.”
But What About Network Security?
While performance is a priority, however, PerfTech notes that much attention has also been paid to Island network security and management to make the products sophisticated and easy to use. Some of the security features the Island Pro incorporates include a next-generation firewall, DNS-to-DoH conversion, intrusion prevention, threat-ware blocking using DPI, and customizable alerts.
With network security becoming a hot-button topic as of late with the arrival of the Cyber Trust Mark and the high profile consideration for the U.S. to ban TP-Link products due to Chinese spyware concerns, companies have been making it a point in more recent announcements to drive home the security of their offerings to both consumers and professionals recommending them.
According to PerfTech, Island software is also developed and loaded into new units only in-house in the U.S., avoiding opportunities for tampering, while all network data is managed in the Island, out of the cloud to help ensure privacy. The company also boasts, the best part of the product’s security is that it is automatically enabled at boot-up with no configuration required.
Supporting the Island Pro is the company’s mobile and web browser app. PerfTech says that through its apps devices are managed by name rather than IP address and can be assigned to users or groups. Network options and color-coded activity are organized progressively, leaving dashboards uncluttered and easy to navigate, and the router’s geek mode is used for advanced functions.
Shortcuts are available for complex processes such as setting up VPNs, and both OvrC and Domotz support for the Island routers is available if customers prefer managed services.
Island Pro retails at $1299; Island at $499. Both are subscription-free, safety-certified, and supported in-house.
