CASwell introduces AI-enhanced fan-less cybersecurity device

CASwell has introduced the CAF-0120, a fan-less desktop networking appliance aimed at enhancing cybersecurity with AI support.

The CAF-0120 is designed for use in small to medium-sized organisations and enterprise branch offices. The device can function as a security solution such as a VPN gateway or a next-generation firewall (NGFW) that employs processor-integrated AI acceleration. This functionality seeks to bolster protection against cyberattacks while providing secure and efficient software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) solutions for remote branches.

The device utilises the Intel Atom "Amston Lake" System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) and Gracemont architecture's Vector Neural Network Instructions (VNNI). These features enhance AI-powered tasks, particularly inferencing, aimed at improving security solutions. The CAF-0120 makes use of the Atom x7211RE processor within this CPU family.

Frank Schrär, Product Specialist and Marketing at CASwell, explained the advantages of the AI-enhanced networking system: "The CAF-0120 can protect company networks even better from cyberattacks through AI, while also serving as a secure SD-WAN solution to provide fast and reliable networking for remote branch locations due to its high-speed Ethernet ports."

The Atom x7211RE processor can perform tasks with low power consumption of just 6 watts, supporting up to 16GB of main memory. It offers different storage options, such as eMMC or SSD, and includes four 2.5GbE RJ45 ports. The processor's design eliminates the need for all active cooling, making it a quiet option for office environments.

The CAF-0120 also has the option to include a DisplayPort for external monitors and an onboard secure crypto processor supporting TPM 2.0, boosting security through verified authentication. Various design elements distinguish the CAF-0120 from its sister model, the CAF-0121, while retaining the passively cooled efficiency of the CPU family.

The CAF-0120 offers a SO-DIMM slot for memory expansion up to 16GB and provides an M.2 slot for additional SATA SSD storage. In terms of connectivity, it includes two USB 3.0 ports and an optional video output capability, enhancing its flexibility compared to the CAF-0121, which provides one MicroSD card slot instead.

This new device, alongside the existing CAF-0121, offers additional choice for customers seeking compact devices based on the Intel "Amston Lake" CPUs. Customers can select the model that best suits specific requirements or operational needs.

Intel's "Amston Lake" processors, built on the "Gracemont" architecture, present a performance increase over previous generations with faster clock speeds and a larger cache, alongside enhanced power efficiency via the improved manufacturing process. These processors also support hardware virtualisation and Intel's OpenVINO toolkit, which contains pre-optimised AI, machine learning, and computer vision acceleration libraries.

The CASwell CAF-0120 is available now for customer evaluation, allowing small to mid-sized businesses or remote branch offices to fortify their networks with high-level security and flexible networking solutions. The device can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements. Customers interested in this appliance can reach out to local CASwell representatives or sales teams for further inquiries.