A new service launched this week by a New Jersey-based start-up is targeting broadband users who set up home networks, often leaving themselves vulnerable to viruses.

Sereniti’s Smart Home Network Service is subscription-based, allowing users to either pay $9.95 per month or $199.95 annually. The service provides a lot more than just virus protection. Also included is management and support for the home network including a help desk, firewalls, spyware protection and parental controls.

As part of the service, the company is providing users with what it’s labeling the Smart Home Gateway, which is actually Teligent’s gateway with Sereniti’s software. When linked to a broadband connection, the gateway acts as a traditional Wi-Fi router (with a few wired ports, too) but also provides Sereniti with a view of the customers network.

“We can see not only all of the other devices but also applications that are running on those devices,” said Ian Wismann, vice president of marketing for Sereniti. “It’s great that you can hook up all these devices to a network, but what the user really needs is everything working in tandem.”

Initially, the company is selling the service via its Web site, but Wismann said Serenti is in discussions with both carriers and ISPs interested in outsourcing the service.

“In all likelihood we will white label our offering,” he said. “We are prepared and wiling to support any partner that signs up with us.”

The support element already is up and running with help desk personnel in New Jersey, South Dakota, Idaho, Kansas and Asia. In the event that a carrier wants to use its own help desk operations, Wismann said Sereneti could train them and act as level two help.