ZyXEL ZyWALL P1 Perfect Personal Firewall Security Solution

Pros: once you update the firmware this becomes one of the most capable network devices I have seen, I bought it for the firewall and am very pleased, Im sure if I used the other features I would be equally pleased because everything is highly configurable. Also it seems to regulate network traffic really well like when watching a youtube video, it used to come in bursts, a little at a time, now the flow is much more regular, that is just an observation I have not tested anything.

Cons: the initial disappointment of the lack of features with the firmware that comes shipped with the device. UPDATING THE FIRMWARE IS A MUST if before version 4.03!

Overall Review: it sits between my DSL router and network switch, and DHCP server is capable of servicing 30 addresses (after firmware update, only one address before).

Pros: Does everything it claims to do. Easy to setup Good logging options

Cons: Manual that came with it didn't match the firmware that came with it, which was different still from the latest firmware that I put on it.

Overall Review: Bought this primarily to put my UNIX workstation over VPN connectivity from a remote site to my office, I didn't really care about firewalls and anti-virus, although it's a bonus. As a VPN I connected tunneled it to a Linksys BEFVP41 at the office and it works perfectly. Hasn't dropped connection is 4 days like I had troubles with a different device. VPN throughut it much better than my windows based VPN client. Easy to setup and use if you have experience with setting up VPN's. Good logging to show you whats wrong when your tunnel setup wasn't right.

Pros: Very Impressed. This little guy has more configuration options than many high-end expensive firewalls. Also, easy to configure wizards included if you are not savvy with networking.

Cons: Many features not available until I updated firmware. Apparently costs money for the IDS / AV protection.

Overall Review: The log fills up rather quickly. I would have liked to see more log options besides emailing.

Pros: When configured for maximum security (VPN off, no remote management) NMAP couldn't find a single port that wasn't filtered. A perfect NMAP score is good enough for me. Plus, it's powered by USB and lightweight. Comes with flat network cord, nice carrying case.

Cons: Firmware lets you see some functions (logs, e.g.), without needing a password. Instructions simply refer you to your Network Admin for detailed VPN set up (d'oh). Brushed aluminum finish scratches too easily.

Overall Review: Could use an additional, very short (3") flat network cable, for those of us who actually just mounted the thing to the back of our laptop's LCD.

Pros: Great firewall for the price, has most of the functions of a high dollar firewall. The firewall was easy to setup, and has wizards for setup of the firewall and VPN. I have it setup between my router and cable modem and have not had any loss of speed. I bought this for the firewall and can't comment on the VPN.

Cons: none so far

Pros: Easy to setup with basic understanding of fw technologies, https mgmt console, supports a plethora of protocols and great cost effective fw appliance. Originally designed to connect to a SOHO or enterprise VPN server but can be used as both a Statefull Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and single connection firewall. Great for the home user. Creates it's own PKI certificates for both VPN and SSL authentication. Upgrade the flash for beter designed interface, some more functionality and trial/paid virus scanning.

Cons: None.

Overall Review: I have mine connected between my hawking broadband packet booster (packet prioritizer) and my Dlink GL router. No drop in functional throughput on the WAN. Blocks everything I tell it to and has DDoS protection.

Pros: Bought this to replace non-working software VPN clients for Vista. Works great. Must upgrade firmware for best performance. The feature-set is highly configurable. The connection is solid, and relatively speedy.

Cons: Disable the connection keep-alive, since the ping times are not adjustable.

Pros: after firmware upgrade, incredible feature set. easy installation and manageability. 1-month free trial of AV + IDP.

Cons: choked my cable connection to half the bandwidth i normally get. this was with all security enabled (AV, IDP, Firewall).

Overall Review: if this had more memory/processing power, it would be great as a first line of defense for a home network. it's still great actually if you're not keen on large video file downloads. does what is says and does it well. with all features on, i still get the same voip quality as when their off so if you worry about that, it's not noticeable. there's supposed to be a firmware release that enables content filtering as well. i can only imagine this eating up more resources and further inhibiting WAN throughput. still, a good product.