Device profile: a Linux-based SOHO Integrated Server device

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Rick Lehrbaum (Updated May 16, 2001)

The "Aries Integrated Server" from Celestix is designed for easy-to-use resource-sharing and Internet access for small workgroups of up to 50 users. The device, which contains an embedded Linux operating system, is meant to serve as a fast way to connect a small network to the Internet. "Just plug in a few cables, enter your Internet settings on the front panel, and you'll have full Internet access for the whole office in less than ten minutes," claims the Aries brochure.

The Aries is designed to be immediately usable out of the box, so many configuration options are preset to default values that work for most environments. To facilitate the installation process, the device uses its LCD panel and audio hardware to communicate intuitively -- letting you know each step of the way what it's doing.

You can use either the device's front panel or a web browser interface to alter settings. Pressing the menu key on the front of the unit puts its front panel in setup mode. From there, a series of menus give you the ability to alter its network address, clear its print queue, or run system diagnostics. You can even view operator messages in the system log. The web-based point-and-click interface provides more advanced configuration options.

Technical specifics

Hardware specs

Embedded computer:
- CPU: 200 MHz MediaGXm
- Memory: 64MB SDRAM
- Disk Storage: 6GB 2.5-inch hard drive
Built-in interfaces:
- 2 Ethernet ports -- 100BaseT and 10BaseT
- Parallel port
- Serial port
- 2 USB ports
- 2 PCMCIA expansion slots for ISDN, wireless LANs, SCSI, etc.
- VGA monitor interface
- Keyboard and mouse ports
- Audio: headphone, line In, Mic
- IrDA Infra-red port -- allows data transfer between server and PDAs, mobile phones, etc.
- SoundBlaster-compatible sound
Power:
- 15W typical power consumption (30W max)
- 5VDC in, at 6 Amp

Software specs:

Internal operating system:
- Embedded Linux, based on 2.2.5 kernel
Network Services:
- File Sharing
- Quota Management
- Print Sharing
- E-mail Service
- E-mail Fetching
- Web Service
- Web Cache Proxy
- DNS
- DHCP
- Dial-on-Demand
- Network Address Translation
- Remote Access
- Virtual Private Network
- Firewall
Client Support:
- Windows for Workgroup 3.11,
- Windows 95/98, Windows 2000
- MacOS, iMac
- Linux, Unix

Physical specs:

Size: 4.3 x 6.8 x 5.8 inches
Weight: 2.1 pound
Silent Fanless Operation

Related stories: Here are two ZDNet product reviews on the Aries Integrated Server . . .

Celestix Aries Server Appliance 210 (ZDNet Reviews)
Serve It Up with Ease (PC Magazine)

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