AAEON FWS-2291 and FWS-2292 are Intel N97/N150 desktop network devices with six Ethernet ports, either in 4x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports + 2 SFP cages or 6x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports configuration, which are designed for SD-WAN, uCPE, and UTM (Unified Threat Management) applications.
The network and firewall appliances are said to support up to 16GB DDR5 memory with the default processors, come with 32GB eMMC flash for the OS (build option up to 128GB), offer a 2.5-inch SATA bay and an M.2 Key-M socket for additional storage, M.2 Key-E and Key-B sockets for WiFi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE, and/or 5G cellular connectivity, and two USB 3.2 ports. They also support power redundancy thanks to two 12V DC lockable input connectors.
FWS-2291/FWS2292 specifications:
- SoC
- FWS-2291 (default) – Intel Processor N97 quad-core Alder Lake-N CPU up to 3.6 GHz with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel UHD Graphics; TDP: 12W
- FWS-2292 (default) – Intel Processor N150 quad-core Twin Lake CPU up to 3.6 GHz with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel UHD Graphics; TDP: 6W
- Other Alder Lake N-series, Amston Lake, and Twin Lake CPUs are also supported
- System Memory – Up to 16GB DDR5 SO-DIMM memory (official, but up to 64GB DDR5 should be supported)
- Storage
- 32GB eMMC flash (up to 128GB)
- 2.5-inch SATA drive bay
- M.2 2242 M-key socket for NVMe SSD
- Video Output – 1x HDMI (optional)
- Networking
- FWS-2291
- 4x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports via Intel I226-V controllers
- 2x Gigabit Ethernet SFP cages via Intel I210-IS controllers
- 2-pair LAN bypass
- FWS-2292
- 6x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports via Intel I226-V controllers
- 2-pair LAN bypass
- Optional wireless connectivity (4G, 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth) via M.2 B-Key and E-Key sockets
- 6x antenna holes
- FWS-2291
- USB – 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (up to 4.5W per port, 5W in total)
- Â Expansion
- M.2 2242 M-Key socket for storage
- M.2 3052 B-Key socket + push pin SIM card slot for 4G LTE/5G
- M.2 2230 E-Key socket for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- GPIO – Internal pin header with 4x DI, 4x DO
- Config – RJ45 serial console port
- Security – Optional TPM 2.0
- Misc
- Power buttons
- GPIO programmable push button
- RTC
- Watchdog Timer
- Fan header
- 2x Power, 1x Status, 2x Bypass, and 1x Storage Active LEDs
- 12x Ethernet LEDs
- Power Supply – 2x redundant 12V DC power lockable input connectors (40W/60W power adapter)
- Dimensions – 220 x 105 x 44mm
- Temperature Range – Operating: 0°C ~ 40°C; storage: -20°C ~ 70°C
- Humidity – Operating: 10%~90% relative humidity, non-condensing; storage: 10%~80% @ 40°C, non-condensing
- Vibration
- 0.5 Grms/ 5 ~ 500Hz / operation
- 1.5 Grms/ 5 ~ 500Hz / non-operation
- Shock
- 10 G peak acceleration (11 ms duration), operation
- 20 G peak acceleration (11 ms duration), non-operation
- MTBF – TBD
The company did not provide information about the supported operating systems, but I’d assume the x86 network appliances should work with a range of Linux and BSD distributions such as Ubuntu Server, OPNsense, and pfSense, as well as virtualization solutions like Proxmox VE.
Since the names of the new network appliances rang a bell, I went to look at older articles, and sure enough, we covered the earlier FWS-2290 Intel N97 networking appliance with the same target applications. The new FWS-2291 and FWS-2292 desktop network devices add extra Ethernet ports (6x vs 4x), support 2-pair LAN bypass instead one one pair, implement a dual redundant power supply, and offer a wider range of CPUs, including the Intel Processor N150. The rest of the specifications are similar.
Samples of the FWS-2291 and FWS-2292 systems can be purchased on AAEON’s eShop for $492 and $455 in their default configuration. If you are looking for consumer-grade Intel Alder Lake-N/Twin Lake network appliances without advanced features like shock and vibration resistance, dual power supplies, or extended lifecycles, consider more affordable options with 4x 2.5GbE ports, such as the HUNSN RJ42 and RJ43 or the Protectli Vault Pro VP2430. Additional information about AAEON FWS-229X appliances, including datasheets, user manuals, and BIOS files, can be found on the company’s website.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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