Customer Reviews

ZyXEL ZyWALL 2 PLUS Internet Security Firewall, 4 Port 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch, w/ 5 IPSec VPN Tunnels

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

 

 

Excellent piece of hardware. Bought two of these for two different locations. Never goes down and maintains consistent VPN link.

Using these as satellite VPN devices to our main office running a Zyxel 35 firewall.

They haven't been running a long time yet, but they were extremely easy to configure with or without the wizard and have kept steady VPN connectivity with no reboots for a while now.

Mostly used for single remote workers, but in two cases they run a vpn out of offices of two and four users with perfect results. Data and VOIP travel over the VPNs. I've bought 13 and I'd buy more. Also pleased with the Zyxel 5 and Zyxel 35.

I had a few issues with the unit and ended up returning it. Since others seem to like the unit, I may have gotten a bad one.

- The content filtering service timed out frequently with only 4 users on the network. The two options that one can set are either to block or allow. If 'block' is selected valid websites are frequently blocked until one hits refresh a few times. If 'allow' is selected then a potentially unacceptable website gets through at least temporarily. Either option was unacceptable.

- The content filtering routines in the unit itself error out with a 'maximum simultaneous lookups exceeded' message, again with only 4 users on the network. The same untenable 'block' or 'allow' option dynamics apply in this case as well.

- I could not achieve a speed test over 10Mb/s with the unit. I suspect the the WAN port isn't 10/100.

This firewall is very easy to configure. Lots of settings to work with but nothing a little thinking about won't resolve. Throughput is definitely better than my old netgear fvs318 - not just in bandwidth, which is only marginally better; but it's much more stable and needs no rebooting like my old netgear. That router needed a reboot almost every other day. The zywall just keeps on humming without any hiccups. Highly recommend!

Have purchased several of these for small vpn office applications for clients of mine. I also have one that I maintain a vpn with. It has never dropped and was easy and quick to set up. Works best with one on both ends. Increased internet performance was a plus when they replaced the old linksys, 3com and netgear routers.

I've had a number of these as well as their predecessor the ZyWALL 2. They provide really nice features for the money, but unfortunately I've had several of them die mysteriously or otherwise become semi-functional. Still, given the low replacement costs, they still work pretty well from a cost/benefit standpoint.

This is a must have for anyone with an internet connection and not enough money for a Sonicwall device. This firewall manages MANY connections. The Zywall's rules are comprehensive, if a little confusing. The online documentation is good.

Keep in mind that if you have an Xbox 360 behind this thing, you will need to make an exception via console to get the NAT right. Not an activity for a novice. If you don't know how to use console there are instructions, but it won't be easy.

Don't use it as a switch, the thing only does 10/100. Get a nice gigabit switch to manage your connection between your machines instead. It gets warm so make, and it only uses passive cooling, so make sure there is room for it to vent. The web interface is a bit confusing, but you get used to it. Works well with Qwest/Century link, at home I have it acting as a gateway, authenticating with my ISP. Only took a minute to make the modem dumb and have this thing run the show.

This works much better than any D-Link, Linksys or Netgear all in one device. Sure you get WiFi and 10/100/1000 switching, but they are junk. In a year or two they all fail. This thing runs solid. I haven't rebooted it in a year, and have had it up and running for three years. Do yourself a favor, get this amazing firewall and then grab a different device to act as Wireless Access Point, if you need WiFi.

I have used this at home and I have used it at offices for clients that have up to thirty machines on their network. It works well in both situations. Past that, you really need a better (more expensive) device.

TLDR: This is a robust piece of equipment good for home or small office.