Best VPN Router to buy for small business running Windows Xp and Vista
What is the best vpn router to buy for a small business running xp and vista. I would like to use the built in VPN client software in Windows and spend under $400 for the VPN unit. the office is about 25 users with 5 connecting from the outside on a daily basis to do terminal services sessions.
jimmyray7
The sonicwall TZ series would be a good fit for an office of that size. The TZ200 would be more than enough.
While the SonicWALL TZ series are a good suggestion, a TZ200 will be too expensive for that budget. I suggest a TZ100 with an SSLVPN upgrade which maxes out at 5.
SonicWALL TZ Comparison: http://www.sonicwall.com/us/products/13281.html
TZ100 Information: http://www.sonicwall.com/us/products/TZ_100.html
SonicWALL TZ Comparison: http://www.sonicwall.com/us/products/13281.html
TZ100 Information: http://www.sonicwall.com/us/products/TZ_100.html
ASKER
What about a brand that has afforable service link linksys, Dlink or netgear. I called Sonicwall and they wanted $300 for 2 hours of support. I'm sure its good support but that cost is to much.
Usually people buy SonicWALL's or Cisco's with support contracts as well, instead of paying per hour. There's lots of packages you can get, but for example 8x5 support for 1YR on a TZ100 is only $70.
Otherwise to save more money if you prefer, you could get a Linksys RV0xx or Netgear router and use a Windows server running RRAS to do "dial-in" VPN.
Otherwise to save more money if you prefer, you could get a Linksys RV0xx or Netgear router and use a Windows server running RRAS to do "dial-in" VPN.
Hi there, I work for a Sonicwall reseller in the UK so there is a bit of bias in my response! :)
As you've alluded too in your response yesterday a lot of this comes down to budget vs. requirements.
The Sonicwall TZ range is aimed at precisely the scenario you are looking at and the comparison link that's been provided already is a good starting point; but its also important to look at your connectivity requirements.
So in the UK a lot of people can only get ADSL but its possible if you need more bandwidth to bond ADSL lines from certain carriers so that you can increase bandwidth that becomes a consideration around needing a seperate router that can support it (which typically the carrier offering the service would supply).
If you are OK with bandwidth, how critical is having an always available connection? If you get good cellular coverage in your area then the 3G failback option on the TZ200 is compelling, you plug in a USB dongle (make sure its compatible not any will work, Sonicwall have a list - the Huwai E160 for example is ok) then if the line drops you can use 3G, which will be slower, but still keeps you connected.
There's also some cool stuff on the content filtering that makes the Sonicwall's useful to look at in terms of pulling in spam and they do it with reasonable through put as well.
Obviously they like many others, have wireless options so you can combine access at your office in one device and more importantly one set of security policies to manage.
Sorry for being going on about it but hopefully there's some additional background info in there for you as well.
Give me a shout if you'd like to know anything further.
As you've alluded too in your response yesterday a lot of this comes down to budget vs. requirements.
The Sonicwall TZ range is aimed at precisely the scenario you are looking at and the comparison link that's been provided already is a good starting point; but its also important to look at your connectivity requirements.
So in the UK a lot of people can only get ADSL but its possible if you need more bandwidth to bond ADSL lines from certain carriers so that you can increase bandwidth that becomes a consideration around needing a seperate router that can support it (which typically the carrier offering the service would supply).
If you are OK with bandwidth, how critical is having an always available connection? If you get good cellular coverage in your area then the 3G failback option on the TZ200 is compelling, you plug in a USB dongle (make sure its compatible not any will work, Sonicwall have a list - the Huwai E160 for example is ok) then if the line drops you can use 3G, which will be slower, but still keeps you connected.
There's also some cool stuff on the content filtering that makes the Sonicwall's useful to look at in terms of pulling in spam and they do it with reasonable through put as well.
Obviously they like many others, have wireless options so you can combine access at your office in one device and more importantly one set of security policies to manage.
Sorry for being going on about it but hopefully there's some additional background info in there for you as well.
Give me a shout if you'd like to know anything further.
ASKER
No need for additonal connections or backup backwidth, we only have a higher version of the dsl. Located in the USA, and wireless 3g is something I would not fight with its too slow on my cell phone so I can't imagine what a remote RDP session would run like with it. Thank-you but I don't see the Sonic wall affordable from a service stand point. I'm told you gotta pay for updates like firmware after the first year. if I need help installing the think they want $300 to provide support. I think we have to stay with one of cheaper less fancy brands NO Sonicwalls or Watchguard due to additional service costs. I called CiscoLinksys RVS4000 or RV081 and they offer a option that fits in my budget. I called Dlink and they seamed the most helpfull and service was affordable even if I wanted premium service on the DFL 210. Both of these companies offer free firmware updates at no additonal costs ever.
Sounds like a good deal then, especially if the Dlink guys will offer a premium support so you can get to the front of the queue if its important.
You're right though the free firmware is something you take for granted when you buy stuff yourself yet when you go to work its expected to be charged. Funny how these firms can set different expectations for us.
Interesting feedback on the 3g; a lot of the time we get 3.5g/HSDPA access in the UK, certainly in urban areas, so it kind of works (after a fashion!).
Anyway best of luck with it!
You're right though the free firmware is something you take for granted when you buy stuff yourself yet when you go to work its expected to be charged. Funny how these firms can set different expectations for us.
Interesting feedback on the 3g; a lot of the time we get 3.5g/HSDPA access in the UK, certainly in urban areas, so it kind of works (after a fashion!).
Anyway best of luck with it!
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