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How to pick the right VPN for a SMB
I currently use a Linksys/Cisco WRV200 for VPN remote access. The UI of the QuickVPN IPSec client is poorly designed but works well enough for us on Windows XP (32 bit).
We are considering upgrading all PC's to Windows 7 (64 bit). I've tried the QuickVPN on a test PC that has Windows 7 and am unable to get QuickVPN to work. I also tried setting up a direct IPSec connection using Win7 VPN but was unsuccessful.
Cisco seems to have killed the WRV200; no updates for Windows 7, etc. Given how old the unit is I am looking at upgrading. However, I can't find *any* recent unbiased reviews of VPN's targeted at the SMB/SOHO market. Most of the reviews I see are at least 3-4 years old and don't cover newer models. I have looked at SonicWall, Watchguard and Hotbrick but am having a difficult time figuring out which one is the clear winner.
Any recommendations or pointers to reviews?
We are considering upgrading all PC's to Windows 7 (64 bit). I've tried the QuickVPN on a test PC that has Windows 7 and am unable to get QuickVPN to work. I also tried setting up a direct IPSec connection using Win7 VPN but was unsuccessful.
Cisco seems to have killed the WRV200; no updates for Windows 7, etc. Given how old the unit is I am looking at upgrading. However, I can't find *any* recent unbiased reviews of VPN's targeted at the SMB/SOHO market. Most of the reviews I see are at least 3-4 years old and don't cover newer models. I have looked at SonicWall, Watchguard and Hotbrick but am having a difficult time figuring out which one is the clear winner.
Any recommendations or pointers to reviews?
ASKER
Thanks. I took a look at the specs (http://www.barcodesinc.com/pdf/Cisco/800.pdf) and it seems like this is a very old line of vpn's. The docs even reference Windows 95 & 98, with no mention of WIndows 7 or 64-bit. I also didn't see any mention of SSL options so I am concerned that they don't have a updated version of a IPSec client.
Am I looking at the wrong unit or do they have newer versions I am missing?
Am I looking at the wrong unit or do they have newer versions I am missing?
The cisco 800 series have been around for a while, however they also have new models in the 800 series line up. Below is a link to the model comparison model for the 800 series. The new models even have 3G connection support you can use for a failover if needed.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/routers/ps380/prod_models_comparison.html
You configure your IPSEC vpn setup in your router and cisco provides a software client you install on the PC's which will support windows 7. As long as the software supports the operating system is all that matters.
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/routers/ps380/prod_models_comparison.html
You configure your IPSEC vpn setup in your router and cisco provides a software client you install on the PC's which will support windows 7. As long as the software supports the operating system is all that matters.
ASKER
thank you (again). The 870 wireless might work, though I am weary given the cautious tales I read on Amazon of the poorly written GUI. While I am certainly capable of learning the Cisco CLI as a small business I just don't have the time (or the money to pay a certified Cisco person). So it needs to have an easy and reliable GUI, something the SonicWall's seem to be respected for. Not necessarily a complete deterrent but I do want to see what others have to say.
I didn't see any specific reference to Windows 7 (64 bit) support for their IPSec client. Where can I confirm they support Win7? (pls. understand my hesitance given they bought Linksys and then proceeded to completely dropped support for WRV200 on newer operating systems. Makes the consumer wonder how well their other products work on the new operating systems, a least without major setup headaches.
I didn't see any specific reference to Windows 7 (64 bit) support for their IPSec client. Where can I confirm they support Win7? (pls. understand my hesitance given they bought Linksys and then proceeded to completely dropped support for WRV200 on newer operating systems. Makes the consumer wonder how well their other products work on the new operating systems, a least without major setup headaches.
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ASKER
thanks. Very good to know they have a Win7 64bit client.
I am going to wait a day or so before closing to see if anyone can provide links to side-by-side reviews given soft requirement for a GUI at least as good as the WRV200.
I am going to wait a day or so before closing to see if anyone can provide links to side-by-side reviews given soft requirement for a GUI at least as good as the WRV200.
Sonicwall's TZ180 or TZ210 is what we typically install for our small business clients. The Sonicwall Global VPN Client is compatible with Windows 7 64bit as well. These models also have an SSL-VPN client as well.
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ASKER
while neither solution provided me with references to recent reviews of VPN appliances, the personal insights and experiences from both submitters will help.
Sorry, I guess I didn't know you wanted links to the reviews, but I see what you mean by reviews that are out there. Kind of old the reviews.
You could also look at the asa 5505 firewall appliance which will also give you vpn capability.