Using open source software, a rational license policy, and modular hardware, this router company is challenging the marketplace with lower prices and all the features, carving out a cost conscious niche for itself.

by Alex Goldman ISP-Planet Managing Editor [June 9, 2006]

Plymouth, Ind.-based ImageStream was founded in 1995 as a regional engineering contracting company, says co-founder and president J.C Utter. But as the company saw a gap in the market, it shifted focus from consulting to hardware design, and now specializes in low cost routers.

The company competes on price by using as much off the shelf hardware as possible, and bundling it with its own Linux distro, ImageStream Linux. The latest release will add features that will enable ImageStream to take routers where they've never gone before, says Utter.

Some of these cutting edge features include USB WAN card support, peer-to-peer traffic control, and advanced Web-based router management.

"In my opinion, we're introducing the next generation, the next major advance in WAN card design," says Utter, sounding like typical web hype until he follows it with open source humility. "I don't know if everyone will agree, but I think we have done it."

Meanwhile, ImageStream is competing on price, and that makes its ISP customers happy, Utter says.

Embracing USB 2.0

At ISPCON, the company introduced its Envoy router, which is designed to handle one or two T-1 lines. The Envoy showcases the design innovation that Utter is so proud of.

The new WAN cards for the Envoy are based on USB 2.0, which costs less to manufacture than PCI or PCI Express, and has a bus capacity of 480 Mbps. The Envoy only provides USB and MiniPCI buses internally, so it also costs less to manufacture than modular PCI or PCI Express systems.

Utter says USB applications are only the beginning for ImageStream's new USB WAN modules. The modules can also be loaded onto upcoming PCI and PCI Express carrier cards, which can be deployed in PCI and PCI Express systems.

According to Utter, there are many advantages to the USB strategy. The most obvious is the ability to support USB, PCI, and PCI Express with a single line module. Utter says software for the USB WAN cards is simplified, because the same device driver can be used in USB, PCI, and PCI Express applications, which reduces software development time and maintenance costs for ImageStream and its OEMs.

USB is cheaper, he says, because it has a low pin count, and uses chipsets that are produced in volume for consumer PCs.

With WAN modules based on USB 2.0, ImageStream will be able to comfortably support full duplex OC-3 (155.52 Mbps) speeds (running out of bandwidth for faster connections).

The OS update
Before the Envoy and new WAN cards were introduced, ImageStream did very little with USB. So to implement the new hardware architecture, the company moved from 2.4 to 2.6 series Linux kernels for enhanced USB support.

ImageStream has also added an advanced web management interface and updated drivers for its existing line of PCI cards. "Over the past year and half, we've ported a mountain of drivers to 2.6," says Utter.

He adds that although the latest ImageStream Linux has a lot in common with earlier releases, the new distro is really a complete overhaul, not just a few cosmetic changes.

Licenses
But the reason ISPs love open source is that licensing is sane. Utter says he's always offered 24 x 7 support for a year and free software updates for life. That means that ISPs can sell his products on the open market if they want to, which is important.

The Envoy will come with only 2 hours of free tech support because of its lower price point, Utter says.

"We transfer service packages and software licenses to subsequent buyers," Utter says. "We came in to this market and said, 'we'll do what the PC vendors do,' so if I have a valid license key, it transfers."

ImageStream includes a complete software distribution with every router. "There are no hidden software costs or complicated part numbers to figure out," Utter says.

In addition, the company offers a 31 day performance and compatibility guarantee. "That's not a satisfaction guarantee," Utter points out. He says he can remember only one return since the company shipped its first router in 1999.

Pricing and availability
The ImageStream Envoy is available now at a list price of $499 with dual 10/100 Ethernet ports, or $599 with one T-1 port.

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