Cisco IOS SSL VPN and Check Point Remote Access VPN compete in the VPN solutions category. Cisco IOS SSL VPN appears to have the upper hand due to its strong security and scalability features, making it suitable for complex enterprise networks.
Features: Cisco IOS SSL VPN is known for user-based authentication, simplified configuration, and advanced encryption, providing stable and scalable connections. Check Point Remote Access VPN integrates seamlessly with Check Point firewalls, supporting multi-factor authentication and offering robust security, ease of installation across platforms, and extensive connectivity options.
Room for Improvement: Cisco IOS SSL VPN could benefit from better configuration flexibility, especially regarding ACL and third-party integrations, as well as improved pricing structures. Check Point Remote Access VPN may need enhancements for Linux environments, automation of client deployments, and a simplified interface to improve user experience.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco IOS SSL VPN provides straightforward setup and local partner support for effective deployment. Check Point Remote Access VPN offers reliable support with cloud and on-premise options, though deployment might require additional configurations. Both vendors receive high marks for customer service, despite Check Point's initial configuration challenges.
Pricing and ROI: Cisco IOS SSL VPN is seen as expensive but offers positive ROI due to its reliability and feature set. Check Point Remote Access VPN provides competitive pricing, although it requires an existing NGFW for full capabilities, potentially adding costs. Both solutions are considered cost-effective with substantial security features, delivering significant ROI for enterprise needs.
It reduces the dependency on being physically present in the office and enhances the overall user experience, saving time and maintaining security.
In this case, everything is pre-inbuilt, allowing me to easily create new users and share their details so they can connect to Check Point VPN and access internal servers.
Since implementing Check Point Remote Access VPN, I have seen a return on investment as it saves me money and allows users to easily access internal resources from home.
Contacting the Technical Assistance Centers (TACs) initially can be difficult, but once I get in touch with the TAC team, it is easy to solve problems.
The timing of technical support does not always align with our working hours.
While the support team is generally good, it takes at least three to four days to address ticket issues.
When Cisco first took over, it was a bit more difficult to get support, but they now integrate it without differentiating the support for Linksys versus full-blown Cisco switches.
We contact support regularly, especially for deployments, and they are very responsive.
Currently, 130 users can connect simultaneously, and it is very reliable and efficient.
I feel confident that Check Point Remote Access VPN can scale effectively if our organization grows, as it can handle additional users and traffic.
It integrates well with Cisco's ecosystem, providing flexibility and options to connect to diverse environments.
Check Point Remote Access VPN is stable and has been reliable for my users.
Linksys can be fairly stable for easy environments, but in more complex network environments, Cisco is definitely a lot more stable.
Check Point Remote Access VPN can be improved by having more granular options to steer traffic, like easier configurations for split tunneling, which is currently complex.
Check Point Remote Access VPN could improve by automatically switching between my two ISPs when one goes down.
Deploying these solutions requires higher technical expertise than other solutions.
There have been issues with operating systems where newer updates cause problems with backward compatibility.
I believe Cisco could support easier configuration and having tools that allow for easier management and configuration.
The pricing, setup costs, and licensing for Check Point Remote Access VPN are a bit low compared to my previous solution.
It is competitively priced, and we have chosen it for its market leadership in the firewall space.
The pricing, setup cost, and licensing are straightforward, though the setup is a bit expensive.
For more than one hundred users, it costs about $60 per seat.
The end-to-end endpoint security provided by Check Point Remote Access VPN impacts our organization by ensuring compliance and enhancing security.
The functionality enables secure access for remotely connecting users, which is necessary for our operations.
We don't know what vulnerabilities exist in outside networks, so when they connect to Check Point Remote Access VPN, they enter the internal network where traffic is monitored by my firewall, which provides comprehensive threat protection and prevents users from connecting to malware.
The solution is also very scalable, offering up to one hundred licenses for free, and can integrate well with Cisco's ecosystem, such as Cisco ISE and NAC.
Configuring QoS on Linksys is pretty easy, especially compared to Cisco QoS, which I am certified in, as it helps ensure that the bandwidth for voice or other applications doesn't bleed over into the data links.
Remote secure access VPN is a solution that provides users with remote access to an organization’s network. The host may have VPN client software loaded or use a web-based client. The solution leverages security features like multi-factor authentication, endpoint scanning, and encryption of all data in motion.
Check Point Remote Access VPN provides individuals with protected and efficient access to a company network from anywhere. This strategy fosters collaboration and connectivity between distributed teams and offices.
Features of Check Point Remote Access VPN
Key features of the secure remote access VPN include:
The system enforces endpoint security with endpoint compliance. It monitors and verifies the security status of each endpoint and reports back to the Security Gateway. The gateway, in turn, checks the compliance level and directs the connectivity to the right resources.
Users can deploy the Remote Access VPN in one of three ways:
Remote Access VPN is centrally managed. The centralized console enables management and enforcement of policies with a single log-in.
The Remote Access VPN has a web portal that users can use to connect securely to corporate applications, such as web-based resources, file-sharing, and email. Administrators can customize the web portal to match the brand identity.
Remote Access VPN offers two choices for remote access:
The authentication features include password management, RADIUS challenge/response, CAPI software, and hardware tokens. P12 certificates, and SecurID.
The system establishes a VPN tunnel on demand. It also re-arranges connections when roaming. The tunnel can automatically tear down when the user is on the corporate LAN.
There are several connection features, such as Hotspot detection, office mode IP, split tunneling, and automatic fallback to HTTPS.
Benefits of Check Point Remote Access VPN
One of the key advantages of Remote Access VPN is that it provides remote workers with a secure way to connect to a corporate network from any device, including their personal devices. The data encryption in transit enables them to securely access the resources they need for their tasks.
It also provides IT support and technicians with a faster way to troubleshoot software issues. In the case of a ticket, IT doesn’t need to go to the server location to fix the problem but can troubleshoot it remotely.
A remote secure access VPN is also an affordable alternative for small and medium-sized businesses, without requiring expensive infrastructure.
Reviews from Real Users
A Global IT Network and Security Service Senior Specialist at a manufacturing company who uses Check Point Remote Access VPN says, "I found the MEP feature the most valuable. This has improved users' latency allowing the users to connect to the nearest Azure Check Point VM."
"Organizations that already use the Check Point NGFW Solution do not require any additional hardware, which makes the implementation straightforward and reduces the time to go live," explains Basil D., Senior Manager at a financial services firm.
Manuel B., a Voice and data infrastructure specialist at a tech services company, says that "The IPSec VPN, Mobile Access, and Identity Awareness are three of the blades with which we have been working with since the pandemic. This has given us great mobility, making our network more dynamic."
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