WatchGuard: Network Admin's headache reliever!
Updated November 08, 2023
WatchGuard: Network Admin's headache reliever!
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Modules Used
- WatchGuard Network Security
Overall Satisfaction with WatchGuard Network Security
Our organization is comprised of 3 campuses, one fiber connection (1GB), and two Dedicated Ethernet Circuits (MPLS). We implement three Watchguard Fireboxes (M370, M390, T35), one at each campus, with two of the campuses performing MAC filtering. Total number of devices managed is 400-450 on any given day. Watchguard's Basic Security Subscription on each Firebox along with our policies protects our servers, students, and teachers. Reliability has been 100% over the past four years. Not one lock-up. Speed is 650-850mbps at each wired device on our network. Tech support is rarely needed. That is, we may have implementation questions to complete a particular task, but not bug issues when we contact support. Tech support sometimes is instant, and other times, a few hours away. 5 1/2 Years ago we had an appliance fail, a next-day replacement was provided, and a dedicated tech got us back up and running in less than an hour. Is it the least expensive product, no. Is it the most expensive product, no. It is however the best ROI with high performance for the $. We have tried other appliances, Watchguard wins our business.
- Comprehensive database of known threats preprogrammed into appliance
- Super fast throughput, even under heavy load
- Ability to manage policies/interface through Web or GUI
- Make traffic monitor easier to read
- Create a map of policies report
- No additional security subscriptions needed from other vendors
- We are able to spend saved I.T. dollars on additional labs' equipment
- Peace of mind that our students are safe - priceless
We have always just sourced our purchases based on price. We are not in need of support from our vendors. Basically, we do our own need assessment and then procure bids for hardware only.
The Web UI appears all-encompassing as well as the System Manager. We use both, depending on the changes needed.
We really do not utilize Watchguard Cloud products.
We have used Sonic Wall and Fortinet. Watchguard was our overall final choice due to ROI, speed, and ease of use. Watchguard has very good default protection preprogrammed and makes adding additional policies/rules easy. Both Sonic Wall and Fortinet seemed to have bottlenecks that Watchguard did not have. So the decision was easy - Watchguard.
Do you think WatchGuard Network Security delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with WatchGuard Network Security's feature set?
Yes
Did WatchGuard Network Security live up to sales and marketing promises?
I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process
Did implementation of WatchGuard Network Security go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy WatchGuard Network Security again?
Yes
WatchGuard Network Security Feature Ratings
Using WatchGuard Network Security
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | None |
- System wide basic protection already preprogrammed in appliance
- Ease of use to create/modify rules and policies
- GUI make menus easy to navigate and are fairly contextual
- Traffic monitor to track down why/where traffic is blocked/denied/dropped
- Explanation of traffic monitor results
Yes, but I don't use it