Question 1

Maybe Newegg can answer this, or a recent customer? Does this price include any entitlements from Cisco? Or is this just the box and I have to license the firewall content annually at extra cost?  Thanks much, ~D.

Accepted Answer

Cisco's web site should have the answer to this, but just as described, you get a 10-User license. This means that your internal network is limited to 10 hosts (devices) if you add an 11th, you'll discover that it can't connect to the internet. Be aware that the 5505 model has VLAN limitations, presumably to make is suck in comparison to the 5510, they really don't make any sense as a feature.

There are three kinds of licenses you can add to this device. They're one-time purchases, not annual fees.
User Licenses (10-, 50-, or unlimited)
Security Plus (Overrides the VLAN limitations)
VPN (Allows more VPN connections from outside)

I run two of these and they work great, but if you don't know Cisco IOS, the learning curve is STEEP and this model isn't the best one to learn on because of the deliberate VLAN crippling.

Question 2

The description indicates 1000mbps switch ports.  I have never run into an ASA 5505 with gb ports.  Is this correct?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ASA has 100BaseT ports. If your ISP offers >100BaseT service, you want something else. Plan on buying a dedicated Gigabit switch for your internal network.

Question 3

what determines the number of users?

Accepted Answer

The number of users is the simultaneous number of unique hosts (IP addresses or computers) that use an outside (to Internet) connection. This could be an iPhone through a wireless router, a PC, a router itself (if it uses NTP for time sync), a cable modem, a DVR, anything that needs a connection to the Internet. It doesn't take long to use up 10 connections if you have a small office or a modern media rich house. If  you are at the limit, say 10, and another request for traffic to the internet comes from a new host, then one of the older hosts will be bumped off. Very annoying. I upgraded to unlimited users for that reason, and would have bought that configuration from the start had I known the details. Other than that lack of understanding on my part, the 5505 is a classy piece of hardware, and works perfectly.

Question 4

The 10-user bundle how would one configure for remote access?

Accepted Answer

The ASDM software that comes with the ASA has wizards to walk you through both remote access and site-to-site VPNs.

Also - do a search for "asa 5505 remote access vpn" and you'l find a youtube video that will walk you through it.

Question 5

Is this product new and fully licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is new and fully licensed but it has only the base license not that security plus. The security plus would have a few more features available to the unit.

As is it will have vpn capabilities but SmartNet is NOT included. You can find a comparison of the base and security plus license if you Google 'cisco asa5505 licensing structure'

Question 6

What type of power cord is needed for the cisco asa 5505 switch?
USB or ?

Accepted Answer

It's not usb...it's a two prong male connector that connects to the security appliance. It's specialty make for the Cisco ASA.

Question 7

what version of firmwars in on this asa 5505?

Accepted Answer

It's unlikely that anyone will be able to tell you what firmware is on a unit that's been warehoused.

However, when you purchase a Cisco product new from a reseller, Cisco gives you temporary access to their support site where you can download firmware upgrades and archival versions. The access is for 30- or 90- days, and I recommend making the most of it if you're not going to buy an annual Customer Care subscription.

Question 8

What issue of software does this unit have installed I need 8.4.2 or above?

Accepted Answer

It has been a very long time since I deployed this device but I can tell you it is rock solid, no device software issues and if you have smartnet or a copy of the bin you can easily upgrade to ASA(v9.2.2) and ASDM(7.2.2) versions which I have done on this unit. That being said JAVA updates have caused issues with the ASDM. Usually, you can get around this by using Firefox but if you want or have to use the ASDM launcher download the certificate from the device and install it under the 'Secure Sites' certificates under the JAVA manage certificates for more help you can Google this problem. Hope this helps.

Question 9

Do you have the country of origin for this product?

Accepted Answer

USA

Question 10

2 questions:
1. This is actually to purchase the unit, correct (and not just the license)? I was quoted over $1k for one from an IT shop. (Maybe they had different licensing?)

2. I'm looking to do a site-to-site with 4 sites total. If I buy one for each location, can I set up the VPN to the other 3 sites? Will each vpn use up a 'user' license?

Accepted Answer

1. - Yes, this is for the unit. There are some other licenses that can significantly increase the cost.

2. I don't know how the licensing works in regards to the VPN. The 10-User license means that you can only have 10 devices active at any one time. It appears to be based on the number of IP addresses the ASA sees passing traffic. I would suspect that their might be different licensing regarding the vpn.

Questions & Answers