We found this product to be simple to set up and use. The initial configuration is done via a serial connection, using the command line. This includes choosing the device's network and name settings. Once the device has an internet provider, it can then be administrated via the web interface. The web GUI is simple and stripped down, consisting of a main tree menu on the left and a display window on the right. The menu is easy to navigate and quite intuitive.
This device combines several access features along with many security options. Access features cover thin-client applications, web-based applications and client/server applications. From a security standpoint, we found this product to have many options, including several authentication methods and the creation of V-Realms, which allow only selected groups to access certain applications.
With several ways to separate and organise access through grouping and V-Realms, we found this product to be quite a secure way to provide VPN access to a network. It uses a wide range of authentication protocols, including Windows SMB/Active Directory, LDAP, Radius, RSA SecurID, Kerberos, VASCO, Aladdin and ActivCard.
Documentation for the AEP Netilla Security Platform is provided on a CD. This features a quickstart guide and the administration manual. The latter can be viewed as a PDF or an HTML document. Both versions feature a live table of contents and bookmarks for easy navigation. Also provided is a getting-started sheet that contains login information for administrator accounts as well as the settings for serial connections. We found the documentation for this product easy to follow and nicely organised.
AEP provides a large support area on its website that features a knowledge base, technical documentation, update and upgrade downloads, plus several other features. To gain access to the site, users must create an account by filling out a form and providing the serial number of the appliance. Other than the support site, phone and email support is also available.
This product has a lot of capability and security for a low cost. We found that its simple deployment and easy manageability add extra value as well. This device is a great buy as a VPN for small to medium-sized companies.
