ZyXEL ZyWALL 5 Internet Security Firewall Appliance With 4 10/100 Fast Ethernet Ports and 10 IPSec VPN Tunnels Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased a Zywall 5 VPN server to replace an older Linux Freeswan solution. It took about a month to set up in my corporate environment, which likely differs greatly from the Zywall's intended configuration.
The Zywall 5 assumes that it is the default gateway to the Internet, and thus lacks the capability of answering ARP requests for its connected VPN clients (which are configured with virtual IP addresses in the same subnet as the LAN). The Linux Freeswan solution could be configured to answer ARP requests for connected VPN clients. Working around this problem required adding an additional network card to the internal LAN firewall, attaching the Zywall to that LAN card, and configuring the internal firewall to forward packets destined to the connected VPN clients directly to the Zywall. This was not as clean as the Linux Freeswan solution, but it worked.
The Zywall 5 supports X.509 VPN certificates, but requires that a certificate authority be set up on a Windows 2000 server to generate the appropriate certificates for the Zywall and VPN clients. This is a bit awkward to accomplish, considering that the same was possible with just a couple command line entries on the Linux Freeswan box.
It is easy to accidentally misconfigure the Zywall, such that the web and telnet interfaces are no longer accessible, requiring a connection with a serial cable to undo the settings. This happened more than once when trying to make the Zywall send packets back to attached VPN clients.
While the Zywall supports up to 10 simultaneous clients, there are severe limitations. Preshared keys cannot be used with road warrior connections (where the client's IP address changes with each connection). X.509 certificates can be used with road warrior connections, but the same client X.509 certificate must be used for all road warriors (this makes it hard to revoke a certificate should a laptop be stolen). The Zywall supports RADIUS authentication in addition to certificates, so that somewhat resolves the need to share certificates. Multiple road warriors can simultaneous connect using the same VPN rule configured in the Zywall.
The Zywall at my site sits behind an external routing firewall. Some of the Zywall's NAT features appear to be buggy in this configuration, directing return VPN packets at the external routing firewall, rather than to the connected VPN client's IP address.
Bandwidth limitation capabilities help prevent attached VPN clients on high speed cable or DSL connections from completely saturating the corporate Internet connection.
Based on my experience with configuring Linux IPTABLES firewalls on the Freeswan box, the firewall on the Zywall is a challenge to set up correctly. Instead of referring to the encrypted network interface connection as IPSEC0 as on the Freeswan box, the Zywall uses verbose descriptions such as (LAN to LAN / Zywall), (LAN to WAN), (LAN to DMZ), (WAN to LAN), (WAN to WAN / Zywall), (WAN to DMZ), (DMZ to LAN), (DMZ to WAN), and (DMZ to DMZ / Zywall) - determining which setting to use in order to restrict traffic between the corporate LAN and a connected VPN client based on the documentation is difficult (even though the manual is 500+ pages). I had to disable the Zywall's firewall to resolve connectivity issues, and rely on the internal firewall to control traffic destined to connected VPN clients. Maybe if one of the verbose descriptions were labeled (LAN to VPN Client) it would be easier to set up the firewall.
The Zywall 5 supports time synchronization to Internet time servers, which is a required feature to keep the time from rapidly drifting from the correct time. Time synchronization is not always successful, nor does it always use the specified time server.
Once the device's limitations are determined, and it is set up to work around those limitations, the Zywall 5 performs very well for its intended purpose with clients using Safenet SoftRemote VPN software.

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ZyXEL X-550 Xtrememimo 802.11G MIMO Wireless Broadband Router Review

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(More customer reviews)After my Linksys WRT54G failed, I was not looking forward to another wireless router installation 'experience'. It took the better part of one day to install the Linksys with the aid of multiple downloaded documents from their web site to finally get the right combination to work. The Linksys was still in warranty when it failed, but no amount of money or service would convince me to continue using this unit. I was tired of having to reconfigure it about once a month when it would just decide to quit working.
So, thanks to high ratings for the Zyxel X-550 router on Amazon.com, I thought I would go this route. I am not a real technical writer so I am not going to get into the comptuer buzz words that the geeks will use (I do not understand what they say anyway). I do not care how it works, as long as it works and is easy to install.
Well, I followed the basic installation instructions and it was working within minutes. I use a Bellsouth provided DSL modem and there was absolutely not one single hang up to get on-line in just a few minutes. Setting up the security encryption was just about as easy.
I have used the Zyxel X-550 for several months now without a hiccup. I have two, and sometimes three, different brands of wireless access points connected most of the time without any problems. I did add a Zyxel directional antenna to one unit which was in a bad location.
The Zyxel X-550 is easy to configure and is now basically one of those items I just ignore and forget about because it just does its job day in and day out and needs no attention.

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X-550 XTREMEMIMO 802.11G WLS BROADBAND RTR

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ZyXEL NBG419N 802.11n Wireless Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I spent hours trying to get this to connect to the internet, and when calling Zyxel he told me that there is a known problem with these routers not working with the SURFboard modem and to either buy a new modem or return the router for a refund.

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The ZyXEL NBG419N Wireless N Router features the latest 802.11n technology to offer a cost-effective solution for users upgrading their networks to the next generation. With a speed six times faster than the standard 802.11g networks, the NBG419N provides more stable and reliable wireless connections for high-speed data and multimedia deliveries. With Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) technology, by automatically prioritizing different types of network traffics to optimal performance, the NBG419N can enhance users' experiences for audio, video and voice applications over wireless networks. The configurable QoS ensures smooth delivery of gaming, video streaming, VoIP and downloading, so your most important needs receive the priority you set. Designed with a user-friendly interface, the NBG419N provides the \"Easy Mode\" for navigating functions, basic setup tasks and providing a comprehensive network map. With the Easy Mode that simplifies the system configuration tasks, you can enable or disable the frequent setup options such as Game Engine, Power Saving, Content Filtering and Bandwidth Management with just one click. Featured with wireless scheduling, the NBG-419N can be configured to turn off according to your wireless usage pattern. It can save unnecessary power consumption and reduce wireless radiation when wireless connection is not in use. Users can easily set up its wireless usage schedule under Easy Mode.In addition users can also use the wireless on/off switch on the rear panel to toggle the wireless access in just seconds. Equipped with a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) push button, establishing a secure wireless network with the NBG-419N could not be easier.

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ZyXEL P330W 802.11g Wireless Router Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of the few devices I've found that can be a bridge (a wireless Ethernet device), an AP/Router, or a WISP router. And for the money, this is a great buy.
I had a problem making WPA work in client/bridge mode, but I found a workaround that I'll share:
There is a bug in the P-330W Wireless / Security screen. The WPA/WPA2 TKIP Passphrase field is not storing the passphrase correctly.
I can reproduce this 100% of the time.
WORKAROUND:
Avoid the Wireless / Security settings entirely
1. Click on P-330W Setup Wizard
2. at WAN Interface Setup, click Next
3. at Wireless Basic Settings, set the SSID for the AP of which you want this bridge to be a client, click Next
4. at Wireless Security Setup, choose the WPA(TKIP) method (I did not try the other two WPA methods, but this probably applies to any WPA method with a passphrase).
5. Click Finish
6. Click Wireless / Basic Settings
7. Set Mode to Client, click Save
With this issue resolved, I'm enjoying this device very much.

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4 x 10/100Base-TX, 1 x 10/100Base-TX - IEEE 802.11b/g - Wireless Broadband Router

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ZyXEL P660R ADSL 2+ Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I was surprised to find this here, as I sort of thought it was proprietary from Earthlink. It seems a fairly good quality product in terms of manufacture with a nice design for its firmware. However, it seems to go out, and not be able to come online again for few months!

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ZyXEL PLA470 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Desktop Adapter with Built-In 4-Port 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch Review

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(More customer reviews)It's true that HomePlug AV nodes cannot intercommunicate with HomePlug 1.0 nodes. ZyXEL and most, if not all, other HomePlug AV hardware manufacturers are derelict in not pointing out that fact. As an engineer who works with HomePlug almost full-time, I know that AV kicks 1.0's tail in terms of bitrate versus SNR. That doesn't excuse ZyXEL's dereliction, but it gives you cause to ponder retiring your HomePlug 1.0 hardware and replacing it with HomePlug AV hardware. Even if you think you won't benefit sufficiently from HomePlug AV's nominal 14x bitrate improvement, you might need AV's ability to reach more electrical outlets in your building with a bitrate that is usable for your application.
There's another compatibility matter to be aware of. When I examined a new PLA-470 the other day, I was disappointed, but not surprised, to find that the version of firmware installed in the HomePlug AV chipset is an old, pre-standard version, 1.4.5, that is not truly HomePlug-AV compliant and, more importantly, that cannot intercommunicate with subsequent firmware versions. I have not checked to see whether ZyXEL provides the means to upgrade the firmware of the HomePlug-AV chipset. The newest version is 3.0.5. For more detail on the topic of HomePlug-AV-chipset firmware, see my review of the Linksys PLE200.

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ZyXEL Prestige 660R - Router - DSL - ATM, PPP - desktop Review

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(More customer reviews)The wrong items was received. I Ordered the ZyXEL P-600R-ELNK; they shipped a different #. Returning the item and getting credit was, however, no problem. I already own a ZyXEL P-600r-ELNK and have had no probems with it.

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ZyXEL MWR211 802.11n Battery Powered Mobile Wireless Router, 3G/4G ready Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this item on Amazon (got it very quickly). This was exactly what I was looking for after reading an online review (Ecoustics.com) of the Zyxel MWR211 portable router.
I love that it turns my Verizon mobile broadband card into a MIFI/personal hotspot. This has helped me countless times while stuck at airports allowing me to take full advantage of my WIFI-only Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet computer. For example, I was at Chicago's O'Hare airport last month and my flight was delayed. The MWR211 allowed me to fire up my Samsung Galaxy Tab and download a few movies in time for my flight. I was able to enjoy both movies during my 3.5 hour flight.

In Mexico City, I was able to catch the MWR211's WIFI signal via my ROKU streamer that was hooked to the hotel room's TV and was able to watch Netflix seamlessly.

In Lake Havasu, the house that we stayed at had no internet nor any satellite- or cable TV and again, the MWR211 coupled with my Verizon mobile broadband card saved the day. We were able to download movies on Amazon VOD and watch HULU Plus. Furthermore, the kids were able to download apps on their various tablets and mobile media players.
Another plus is that if you are in a hotel room with a free (ethernet) internet connection, the MWR211 will also create a WIFI hotspot from that wired connection so that you can use multiple wireless devices within your hotel room.
Setup is very straight-forward (it's as easy as setting up a home WIFI router) and the manufacturer provides a list of mobile broadband devices that are compatible with the MWR211. I like that it automatically logs-in my Verizon broadband card for me without having to start up the Verizon software and having to manually connect. Also, I did not have to install any software on my laptop.
Battery life is rated at 2 hours which is fine for me since I'm usually plugged in somewhere and I don't surf all that long while waiting for a flight.
Overall, the MWR211 very easily provides a MIFI experience while on the go. I highly recommend this product.


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Attention road warriors, students, vacationers and everyone in general: ZyXEL's unique MWR211 Mobile Wireless Router is a palm-sized portable communications innovation that provides high-speed Internet access anytime, anywhere. Now you can download videos, browse websites, send, communicate with the office, and get the latest news wherever you are. This 11n-compatible portable Wi-Fi router lets users get Internet access when they're away from home or the office. The MWR211 allows you to share your 3G modem and data plan with multiple devices via Wi-Fi. And unlike other solutions, you don't need a separate data plan for the router. In addition, the MWR211 can also be used to share a traditional wired broadband connection. The MWR211 is ideal when you're in a Hotel, Airport, Car/Van/Bus. It's also great as a hotspot access point for trade shows, seminars, camping and outdoor social gatherings. No AC outlet nearby No problem, the MWR211 has a rechargeable battery that provides up to 4 hours of standby time or 2 hours of use.

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ZyXEL Prestige 660R-D1 - Router - DSL - desktop Review

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(More customer reviews)I use this modem with the ISP Speakeasy, at regular DSL speeds of 3.0/768.
The modem does what a modem is supposed to do. I only use it in bridging mode, and use a wi-fi router to provide access to the rest of the home; so I haven't tried much of the routing functionality.
As a side benefit, ping times with this modem are about 2ms lower/faster than with my previous D-Link DSL-2320B.

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