Zyxel ZyWALL 400 Mbps UTM Firewall, recommended for up to 25 users - Includes 1-Year UTM Services Bundle [USG40-EU0102F]

This is a highly-capable device and works very well. Making good use of all its capabilities requires some background in network technologies and terminologies, but the configuration wizards should do a good job of helping low-tech users get going. The user-guide is very descriptive of the configuration commands but doesn't explain _why_ to do something. Fortunately there are several good Application Notes on the ZyXEL website that walk you through practical examples. I've had no problems with throughput even with extensive filtering activated. I still get about 30 Mb/s throughput from my Comcast 25 Mb power-boost connection and the device's CPU is never more than 40%, so this should scale-up to a 50 Mb connection without any problem. Beyond that you might want to consider the next higher model in the lineup. It really depends on the kind of traffic you have, though. Web-browsing makes the device work harder because of the all the content-filtering. Video streaming (e.g., NetFlix) is much less cpu-intensive. The anti-spam features have dramatically reduced the junk email, and the IDS and content-management features have detected and stopped an alarming amount of internet-based attacks. A very pleasant surprise was that could I instruct the device to block advertising websites, so now webpages load dramatically faster, since they are no longer communicating with 10-20 advertising and analytic services on each page-load. The tech-support people have been very responsive. My first device experienced an unusual error after a few months of use and ZyXEL immediately shipped a replacement unit to me, so no grounds for complaint there. The VPN capabilities are also excellent, and I now have my cell-phones and laptop configured to always connect to the internet through this device, so no more worries about internet use from public hotspots. Don't be put-off by the cost of the annual license subscriptions -- in this business you get what you pay for and, for me at least, this is money well spent. I use this to protect my personal and home-based business networks and does everything I need and expect.

Flawless. Has not had a hiccup since installation. The software/firmware isn't the easiest to use but really once you plug it in you really don't change much. If I have to change anything I'm sure it wouldn't take long how to figure it out - but it's not like you go and mess with it all the time. No issues with security thus far.

These units were highly recommended as the first reasonable step in taking control of security.Bought the USG40 to protect a network with 10 computers and a big printer. I thought I was fairly tech savvy up until purchasing this unit. With a 800pg manual, I figured I could get it to work with a day of troubleshooting. Turns out, the manual is mostly for instructions with pictures on how to turn on/off functions. Functions led me to searching the net for answers on many 3 letter acronyms.I gave up after about 4-5 hours with very minimal progress at all (pride aside, its very uncommon for me to be this stumped on a computer issue). I hired a networking tech and watched him trouble shoot for 20min that ended with him changing settings in the internet modem and explain the theory of a few other functions I needed to apply. After finishing the setup, everything has been working perfectly.Would have given 5 stars if the manual was a bit more clear on how to set the unit up for small networks. At least include a better trouble shooting program that could point me in the right direction.

This router is not for the faint of heart. I wanted just a router, not one with wireless, or any other features...just a router. It is a SUPERB product that takes understanding beyond the normal Linksys/Netgear router to configure. Their support is easily the best I've ever seen. Product is very configurable and very capable. So far, does everything I can ask of it. %100 up time for over a month now with no issue at all.

A good way to protect your network the bundle includes a 1 year soft ware license. Works well and stops a lot of unwanted content from coming into your network. You can set up two LAN's with different access requirements and passwords to provide different levels of network security.

EDIT: 3/1/19 - Zyxel agreed to buy back my devices in full, so that's awesome. Originally left 1 star review, but Miguel was very helpful and get this refund going right away after noticing my 1 star review. Thanks so much, glad you could see why I would be upset. Since returning the units, I now have built my own firewall which performs like a $2500 router for only $400. Lookup protectli, they sell a barebones unit for $259. Just needs ram and a mSata boot drive, installed open source software, pfSense.Original Review -It clearly states the USG40 has a throughput of 400mbps in Firewall only mode, (with UTM and virus protection off, with on it's much slower). I pay for high speed internet, and regularly get speeds over 400mbps, so getting capped at 400 (advertised throughput), or even 350mbps would be acceptable. But this device doesn't even hit half the advertised throughput! I get 196mbps - 200mbps.

I bought this firewall for my company and it was easy to setup from the beginning. Ticked all the boxes in my checklist. More importantly it serves the purpose. Support staff very helpful and ready to answer any questions and always available in case of problems

Its been a few months since we installed, its working perfectly. Would recommend it.

Excellent and elegant