Customer Reviews

Netgear FVM318 Cable/DSL ProSafe Wireless VPN Security Firewall

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The documention that comes with the router is garbage. The client software that comes with the router is garbage, In fact, the documention and the screen shots didn't match what the router's web interface. Nor did the documentation match the client client software it comes with.

Aside from the problems with the documentation, once you figure out Netgear's logic, everything works. Well, atleast everything I've tried. I've been able to set up a client to Netgear VPN connection, and Site to Site. I've also tried all the other features and so far, everything works solid. The only thing I haven't used is the wireless.

Over all, I am happy with the FVM318. The only drawback is the documentation.

Specs are great - hardware VPN [3DES & 256bit AES], 100+ tunnels, dyndns support, Stateful FW, syslog, 8 port 10/100 switch, 7.5Mbps WAN-LAN on IP & 4.2Mbps using 3DES.

Ive experienced solid performance with very good 802.11b range and throughput. Remote access via available Safenet DialIP client and office-office tunnel to a Netscreen works well.

Very good documentation on the website for connecting this device to other manufacturers equipment - like Cisco, Nortel, Win2k, etc. Was able to bring up a branch office tunnel to a Netscreen [not documented] in about 30 minutes. Included WLAN client not tested, nor was the available full client [less than $30 per user] -- but its available!!!

Only negative - support. I forward a couple of ports to an internal linux box. That machine can not connect to the 'net unless I turn off the port forarding. This could be a 'feature' of the beta firmware v1.2b I'm running. But that code is required to use domain names rather than IP addresses for VPN end-points. After trading email with netgear support - nothing got resolved.

Overall - its a solid box with some rough edges.

This product really sticks. I bought a couple days ago and then had to return it. I couldn't even set up the VNP because there was no proper documentation. I call Netgear and their support was no help at all. The router couldn't work wirelessly and wired simultaneously for the same machine... without reset the router... What I am trying to say is if you connected wirelessly to the router and then disconnected that wireless connection and then plugged into the router with your wired LAN cable... you would not have a connection. Unless you went into the the router wirelessly and resetted it manaully. The latest firmware upgrade they have for the router is a beta v1.2 - And if you have a a problem with beta versions of their firmware you cannot call them (Netgear).... you have to email .... beta@netgear.com or something like that. It does have alot of cool features but there are too many glitches. Hope this review helps.

I've had a variety of netgear products over the last 3-4 years. I've generally been pleased w/features and functionality.

Up until recently I've never had to draw on netgear tech support. However, after a year of working fine one of my firewall/routers went "kerplunk." All the signs point to a hardware problem. So I contacted tech support realizing that I'd have to go through the usual rigamorole (sp?) to get an RMA.

However, despite a very detailed email description of the problems and the various things I did to try and fix them (firmware upgrades/reinstalls, hardware resets, etc) the tech who answered me told me I'd have to contact them through telephone support.

Currently (11:10 PM Eastern Time, 29 July 2003) wait times for tech support are in excess of 140 minutes! That's unacceptable.

If you are lucky enough to never need tech support, or to have an item repaired/replaced then netgear is a fine option. Otherwise, buyer beware!