Home >> Computer Add-Ons >> Networking
Home >> Computer Add-Ons
NETGEAR FVS318 ProSafe VPN Firewall 8 with 8-Port 10/100 Switch | List Price: $129.99
Discount Price: Too low to display
|
Brand: Netgear
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: NETGEAR lifetime warranty
Features: - Wired VPN with 8-port 10/100 Mbps switch
- Business-class security includes SPI firewall and an Intrusion Detection System
- Eight dedicated VPN tunnels to protect links between locations
- Backed by 3-Year warranty
- Device measures 7.1 x 1.4 x 9.95 inches (WxHxD)
DOA and horrid customer support [Posted on 2008-02-23]
We are a small company with 6 employees and 4 workstations. We needed a hardware firewall and from the reviews this seemed like a good product. After 8 hours of trouble shooting with 3 different OS, the internet connection was still unreliable. This was a few days after getting the shipment. Finally we resorted to calling Netgear customer support. After a total of 1 hour on hold it was finally determined that A: the unit was malfunctioning and should be replaced. and B: we would have to pay for shipping in both directions and wait about two weeks to get a replacement. In this day and age that kind of customer support wears pretty thin. We opted to return for a refund and look at other brands.
Ho Hum [Posted on 2008-02-24]
This thing works okay as a hub/switch, but I can't connect to my ISP through the external modem. I was deceived by the product description because it guaranteed this device could handle "analog" phone service, which is all I have. Therefore I bought this product under the pretense of false advertising, and I'm stuck with a gadget that doesn't work. At least I bought it before the price went up $20. Now I have to have a network guru come in and see if there is any hope of salvaging my investment.
Do not buy if you have a high speed connection [Posted on 2008-03-01]
This router is nothing but slow. If you look at Netgears website and the technical specifications, which aren't listed on the box. This router supports a maximum LAN to WAN throughput of 12.5Mbps and 1.2Mbps with 3DES (VPN). I never got far enough to test the VPN, but I was only able to get about 8Mbps on the WAN. Removing this router and going straight to my cable modem I get 15Mpbs.
This router has no place in today's high speed broadband connection world. If you're desperate for a VPN router, spend a little more and get something that's going to work. This is just a waste of money.
A very good product, but the VPN is difficult for those with no patience. [Posted on 2008-05-04]
I have 4 FVS318 (2) v.1, (1) v.2, (1)v.3. I have never had any problem with these routers ever. I use PPPOE and static IP address. They are very stable and are physically durable. My connection is below 5MB, so I cannot attest to any speed problem.
The VPN can be difficult, but Netgear has documentation to solve this. The problem, is rushing through the set-up. I find that you need be calm and completely forget what you know (or think you know) and follow line-by-line, like an idiot (VPN for dummies), and take the baby steps with Netgear help documentation.
Then it will work! And it will work well.
I have used the (2) v.1 since they came out several years ago. It was one of the first (cheaper) router with SPI.
BEWARE - Used to love it until I got a faster internet connection [Posted on 2008-07-23]
I have had this for years (the v3), it has run solid as a rock. Setting up static IP routes for Network storage and network printers is a breeze, I used reserved IPs for almost everything on my network and this handles everything you can throw at it. Has been great for a small business, the firewall is solid as well.
Now to the reason I am shopping for its replacement. My internet connection used to top out at 5Mbs and this could handle it fine, however in our area we have now been able to upgrade to an 18Mbs connection, which this cannot handle. The thoroughput on this unit tops at just under 7Mbs, bypassing it and going straight to a cpu hits 18Mbs. It's a shame that this unit is just too slow to handle higher speeds as the world is headed that way.
If you have fast connection or plan to get one you have to avoid this unit as it just can't keep up, which is a shame because that is really its only drawback. If they come out with an updated version of this that can handle my connection I'd switch back, but for now looks like I am headed for the Dlink DGL-4100 as I am told by coworkers who have it that it handles the speed. If that one does or does not work with higher speeds I will put in a review of that one after I try it.
Click here for more details and discount information...
|
){kind=link}