SANTA CLARA, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 05/21/07 -- Net Optics, Inc. announced today the arrival of improved security management technology for networks with the release of the iBypass Switch with Heartbeat -- a passive, in-line bypass switch that maintains seamless network flow particularly critical when deploying an intrusion prevention system (IPS). The iBypass Switch provides both a fail-open network path in the event of power loss, and the ability to quickly initiate and enable bypass mode should the appliance fail, or require maintenance, repair, or removal.

"The iBypass Switch is the epitome in providing secure network access points for installing intrusion prevention systems and other in-line monitoring devices," said Dennis Carpio, Director of Product Innovation at Net Optics. "Network security professionals will now have a remotely managed, intelligent solution that will meet the needs of their mission critical deployments."

As with other Net Optics iTap products, the iBypass Switch enables security managers to view network utilization, physical layer statistics, link activity, and power status by way of intuitive software tools.

The software management tools, Web Manager (browser based) and System Manager (platform based), are both included in the purchase of iTap enabled products and can be used to either view a single device or logical groups of devices for greater visibility and information. A Command Line Interface (CLI) is also included for initial installation and setup. Optional Management Information Base (MIB) is available for organizations that wish to manage Net Optics products from Enterprise software platforms, like IBM Tivoli® or HP OpenView.

The iBypass Switch counts bytes, individual packets, under- and over-sized packets, and packet collisions. Packet loss, transmission latency, and errors identified by cyclic redundancy checks (CRC) are recorded as well and are visible on the innovative front panel display or from the aforementioned remote locations. Network engineers can verify that links and connections are intact, ensuring security and reliability, by watching the continuous statistics shown on the front panel or by using the software management tools.

The "Heartbeat" feature in the iBypass Switch sends packets continually to the IPS appliance verifying the state of the link between the IPS and the switch. If the Bypass Switch does not receive a response packet, it goes into enabled mode and reroutes traffic away from the IPS directly through the Bypass Switch.

The iBypass Switch with Heartbeat, like its predecessor, is available in either copper or fiber and presents an excellent fail-safe solution for IPS deployments. In an April 2007 review of competitive devices by TaoSecurity, Richard Bejtlich states, "The Net Optics Bypass Switch adapted flawlessly to each situation, behaving exactly as expected and required." Net Optics iBypass Switches protect important links from disruptive down time and paired together with IPS appliances provide a permanent, flexible, and secure access solution.

IBM Tivoli® and HP OpenView are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation and the Hewlett-Packard Company. All other company and product names and service marks may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

About Net Optics

Net Optics is the leader in innovative passive in-line devices for network security, traffic analysis, and IT monitoring solutions. Net Optics products are used to access and monitor networks by enterprises, service providers, and government organizations globally. Leading vendors of protocol analyzers, RMON probes and IPS appliances have chosen Net Optics products to passively sit in the networks of their customers -- from T1 Wan to 10 Gigabit links.

For further information, please visit http://www.netoptics.com/

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