Q & A

How do you compare to other secure web gateways?
Network Composer is unique in that it was built from the ground up to be a deep packet scanning and controlling device. This means that you can stop individual users from hogging all the bandwidth while prioritizing mission-critical applications so they have the resources they need to go fast.

Can you help me block a web site or anonymous proxies? Yes. Network Composer is the most advanced secure web gateway for SMB and education markets. With Network Composer you can easily block a specific website or just give it a lower priority so it can't take resources away from critical sites. Network Composer also has the most robust anonymous proxy controls available. Its active technology is always scanning for the latest proxies so you don't have to manually maintain a black list. Its HTTPS content controls keep users safe - even if they do manage to connect to a secure proxy.

How can I increase productivity/reduce liability?
An AOL/salary.com survey in 2005 found that 44% of employees waste more than two hours online per day. This was more than double what most managers expected. By implementing Internet controls to filter content, monitor user activity and control applications, you'll be able to quickly and easily identify opportunities to increase productivity. Network Composer's content filtering controls prevent liability from exposing users to inappropriate content by ensuring that content is always clean and appropriate.

Is it software or hardware?
Network Composer is a rack-mountable hardware appliance that comes in both 1U and 2U form factors, depending on the throughput and the licenses you may need. Its software load is what provides you with the controls and reports.

Do I need an additional server or reporting suite?
Unlike other secure web gateways and content filters, Network Composer includes its own reporting server - so there's nothing else to have to install or maintain.

How do I install it in my Network?
Network Composer is an inline device that usually installs between the firewall and the switch. Because it's a gateway device, it needs to sit pre-N.A.T on the WAN side. As an inline device there is a WAN port and a LAN port for each side of your network. Network Composer's also completely transparent and the setup wizard gets you up and running in no time.

How can Network Composer help us?
On average, only 50% of any Internet connection is used for browsing. Some of the browsing activity is critical, like research and business application sites and some of it is non-critical, like social networking, gaming and adult content. The other 50% of any Internet connection is used for Internet applications - both critical, like voice over I.P. and database backups; and non-critical, like peer-to-peer, streaming media and music downloads. What happens when one user eats up all the bandwidth by downloading a movie to iTunes? Is that going to show up on an Internet browsing report? Of course not, because the user's not even using a browser to generate the traffic. Network Composer by Cymphonix is the only solution that controls and prioritizes both browsing AND application activity for small and medium-sized organizations. Because if you're only looking at half of the picture, you're only controlling half of the problem. Take a look at our product walk through >

Who is Network Composer designed for?
Network Composer is designed for organizations from 25 users up to 5000 users with Internet connections from 2Mbps to 100Mbps. Its feature set addresses the issues that these organizations have with filtering content and prioritizing applications. It's easy to use, easy to administrate and easy to maintain so you don't have to spend extra resources on controlling your Internet resources.

Schools>

SMB>

Libraries>

Hospitality>

MSPs>

How much does it cost?
Our solutions range from the very affordable to the very robust. Pricing depends on the throughput of your Internet connection and the number of users you have. Contact us to request more pricing information. Contact Us >

How/where do I buy it?
Cymphonix sells Network Composer through channel partners located throughout the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, North America and South America. Contact us to find a channel partner in your area or contact your value added reseller and encourage them to represent Cymphonix. Contact Us>

Can I try it to make sure it is what I need?
Cymphonix has programs that may be what you're looking for. Contact one of our Channel Development Managers or your value added reseller to find out more about our programs. Contact Us>

Are there any ongoing costs? Do I have to make a long term commitment?
Network Composer utilizes annual license maintenance to ensure devices are up to date with the latest content filtering tools and application shaping signatures as well as threat updates to keep you protected. Annual license maintenance contracts provide you with ongoing protection and support coverage.

Are there any set up fees?
Walling Data offers installation services to help you get up and running quickly. If you have the networking know how to use our installation wizard, you should be safe to install the device yourself. Walling Data offers free Cymphonix support when purchased here.

What if I want to add more users?
Network Composer user licenses are easily upgradeable. Contact us to find out more about upgrading your user counts. Contact Us>

What are the system requirements for Network Composer?
As a networking device, Network Composer installs easily into most networks. To access the management console you will need at least one computer with Internet Explorer 6 or greater.

How do you do your content filtering?
Traditional filters either use URL libraries or dynamic content analysis to determine inappropriate sites. URL libraries only include a small percentage of the Internet and dynamic content analysis engines introduce too much latency. Network Composer uses an optimized balance of URL categorization, keyword scanning and dynamic content analysis to give you full filtering without introducing noticeable latency.

How do you block anonymous proxies?
Network Composer also has the most robust anonymous proxy controls available. Its active technology is always scanning for the latest proxies so you don't have to manually maintain a black list. Network Composer also uses active content analysis and SSL decrypt/recrypt capabilities to ensure users can't bypass the content filter.

How do you prioritize applications?
Network Composer identifies applications at layer 7 with deep packet scanning to look into the packet payload (not just the header or source IP). This ensures packets are identified correctly. Once a packet is identified, it can be controlled by the policies you implement in your Network Composer. Policies include bandwidth limits, dynamic priority controls as well as full block capabilities.