Watchguard Firebox Soho and Wireless

WatchGuard has recently released its latest firewall offering, the Firebox SOHO 6 Wireless. As its name implies, it's designed specifically for protecting 802.11b wireless environments. Primarily intended for small to medium-sized businesses or remote offices, it's an easytouse and secure solution.

Inside the distinctive red metal case you'll find a Brecis 150MHz MSP 2000 processor with 16MB of RAM. This provides the processing power required for the ICSA-certified stateful packet inspection and up to 3DES encryption. The number of users supported 'out of the box' is ten concurrent WAN users, but this can be upgraded up to 50-users for £194 (ex.VAT).

Also included is a four-port 10/100 switch with a full complement of clearly visible status lights. Unfortunately, the unit isn't wall mountable, and the lack of Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability means that it will be trickier to install the device in the best location for wireless coverage. However, it's easy-to-manage and has a good set-up guide that enables you to rapidly access the browserbased management interface.

Anyone familiar with WatchGuard products will find the management interface and configuration options similar to those in the existing range. It's relatively simple with the basic features you'd find in a conventional access point, including disabling SSID, WEP up to 128-bit and access control.

VPN support is based on Mobile User VPN (MUVPN), using IPsec to establish a secure connection that can also be enforced for internal wireless users. You're only provided with a single MUVPN license, although additional licenses can be bought in bundles of five.

A one-year subscription to McAfee VirusScan for a single desktop, plus a 90-day renewable subscription to WatchGuard's LiveSecurity Services are included in the purchase price. Furthermore you can upgrade to include branch office VPN seats - these are standard on another family member, the SOHO 6tc Wireless. Although this is less expensive than its competitors, the cost of both subscriptions and additional VPN clients should not be overlooked.

WatchGuard has joined a number of other firewall manufactures who've responded to the business requirement for extra security in WLAN environments. As such the SOHO 6 Wireless should meet most users' security needs, although with the current volatile nature of the wireless marketplace, standardising on 802.11b could restrict your future wireless plans.

It's an attractive solution for a small business wireless network, and its ease of configuration makes it well worth investigating if you're worried about security.

Contact: WatchGuard
www.watchguard.com

Specifications:

• Wireless interface: 802.11b
• Wired interfaces: WAN - 1x10/100Base-T; LAN - 4x10/100Base-T
• Security Standards: IPSec, PPTP, L2TP, WEP, IKE, PPPoE
• Protocols supported: DHCP, NAT, TCP/IP, SNMP, DynamicDNS
• Maximum number of clients: 11 concurrent MUVPN connections
• Warranty: One year RTB

See also:

Partners' mutual split

WatchGuard signs new distributor as it parts ways with Azlan  23 May 2004

SonicWall TZ 170

A flexible firewall.  24 Mar 2004

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