REVIEW – I have somewhat of an extensive home network that probably only appeals to IT geeks like me. The last time that I checked, I have approximately 120 network devices (wired/wireless) connected to my network. I have been fortunate to be able to review several robust network devices designed for business use but still ok to use for a home network albeit that many of the features remain not utilized or underutilized. In the past, I reviewed both an access point and a network switch made by EnGenius, and now they have offered me the opportunity to try out the EnGenius Cloud Managed ESG510 1.6 GHz Quad-Core Security Gateway on my home network.
What is it?
The EnGenius Cloud Managed ESG510 1.6 GHz Quad-Core Security Gateway features Dual-WAN 2.5GbE, Dual-LAN 2.5GbE, cellular failover, stateful firewall, and site-to-site and client VPN. It also delivers enterprise-level security and an end-to-end network solution.
What’s in the box?
- 1 x EnGenius Cloud Managed ESG510 1.6 GHz Quad-Core Security Gateway
- 1 x AC Power Adapter
- 1 x RJ-45 Console Cable
- 1 x Wall Mount Kit
- 1 x Quick Installation Guide
Hardware specs
Technical Specifications
CPU Processor: Quad-Core
Operating Frequency: 1.6GHz
Memory: 4GB
Storage: 8GB
Network Ports (Copper Ports): 4 x 10/100/1000/2500 BASE-T, RJ-45 Ethernet ports
Console Port: 1 x 10/100/1000, RJ-45 Ethernet port
PoE+ Capable Port: 1 (802.3af/at) LAN (P1)
Mounting Method: Wall mount
USB Interface: 1 x USB 3.0
Security Chip: TPM
Performance & Capacity
Firewall (SPI Throughput): 4 Gbps
VPN Throughput: 970 Mbps
Max. TCP Concurrent Sessions: 1,000,000
Max. Concurrent VPN Tunnels: 200
Max. VLAN: 96
Firewall: Stateful Packet Inspection; Policy Rules; Port Forwarding; 1:1 NAT; Allow Inbound Service
VPN: Site-to-Site VPN; Mesh VPN/Hub-and-Spoke
Encryption: DES, 3DES, AES (256-bit)
Authentication: MD5, SHA1, SHA2 (512-bit)
Key Management: IKEv1 (x-auth, mode-config); IKEv2 (EAP, configuration payload)
VPN Features: Site-to-Site VPN; Client VPN; Policy-based VPN; IPSec NAT traversal (NAT-T); Dead Peer Detection (DPD); Auto-VPN Connection; Auto NAT traversal
Networking: Operation Mode; Routed/Passthrough
Multiple WANS: Dual (WAN 1 & WAN/P3)
Bandwidth Limit: Per Interface/Per Client
Traffic Load Balancing: WAN load balancing with WRR
Networking Features: Static Route; Multiple WANs; USB Cellular; User Authentication; PPPoE; VLAN Tagging; Captive Portal; Custom Splash Page; Dynamic Routing; Bandwidth Limit; Traffic Load Balancing; DHCP client/server/relay; Dynamic DNS support
Environmental & Physical
Power: 54V/1.2A
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
Humidity (non-condensing): 5 to 95% non-condensing
Dimensions & Weights
Weight: 2.14 lbs. (.97 kg)
Width: 8.27” (210 mm)
Length: 7.07” (179.5 mm)
Height: 1.38” (35 mm)
Design and features
- Simple, unified cloud management for any size business
- Intuitive and centralized device visibility from anywhere
- Quad-core 1.6GHz processor for greater speed and power
- Dual 2.5GbE WAN and Dual 2.5GbE LAN for maximum performance
- 2.5GbE PoE+ to power up a Wi-Fi 6E AP, IP camera or IP phone
- Built-in load balancing and safeguards with dual-WAN and cellular failover
- Enhance security with a high-throughput firewall
- Quick VPN and VLAN setup for easy configurations
- Fast Site-to-site VPN and Client VPN for secure connections
- Self-healing AUTO VPN to minimize disruption
- Passthrough mode for easy integration into existing networks
- TPM chipset to enhance the security level of the gateway
- Touchless system maintenance and automatic updates
- No licensing or subscription fees needed
The EnGenius Cloud Managed ESG510 1.6 GHz Quad-Core Security Gateway is well-built in a metal case and rubber adhesive feet are included. On the front of this device from left to right there are the LED status indicators, the console port, the wireless WAN port, and 4 network ports (2 x WAN and 2 x LAN). The 2 x LAN ports are POE (Power Over Ethernet) ports. There are air vents on the 2 sides of the case and the power port on the back.
Setup
Once you connect EnGenius Cloud Managed ESG510 1.6 GHz Quad-Core Security Gateway, the next step is to create an EnGenius cloud account or as in my case, I added it to my existing EnGenius account. I did this via the app on my smartphone. Here is what it looks like in the app:
Performance
The EnGenius Cloud Managed ESG510 1.6 GHz Quad-Core Security Gateway immediately connected to my network once I installed it. For my first test, I installed it as a router between the modem and my first switch. Once I restarted the switches within my network, all network devices functioned well. Once I completed testing as a router, I then changed the settings to use it as a passthrough device and once again I had to restart my switches, and again, everything just worked. I also configured the VPN features to add a second VPN to my network, but this was my first time working with IPSEC, and so far I have not been able to successfully connect. I do believe that I may be doing something wrong so I will keep trying. While IPSEC is the only VPN option currently available, EnGenius has promised to update with additional options like OpenVPN. Otherwise, I am very pleased with this device. I do plan to configure firewall rules, but I must be very careful since my wife works from home and I do not want to do anything that blocks traffic that she needs. As I mentioned, this device has many features that I do not currently use, but I may in the future as my network continues to evolve.
What I like
- It is well built
- It is very easy to connect and get started
- It is very easy to configure
- It easily integrates into the EnGenius Cloud Dashboard
- It is 2.5G
- Wireless Wan can be added for redundancy
What I’d change
- Since I have the EnGenius Network Switch with SFP+ ports, I really wish this gateway would also have SFP+ ports. IMHO, 10G will be more become more common for small businesses and others who provide live content even from home.
Final thoughts
The EnGenius Cloud Managed ESG510 1.6 GHz Quad-Core Security Gateway is a really powerful but simple-to-use device that allows you to configure VPN access, firewall rules, VLANs, and a host of other features that can work for home use but are geared towards a business network. The ability of it to work flawlessly as a router or a passthrough device provides additional options that IMHO make it a feature-packed device. I would really like to see a model with SFP+ ports that allow me to integrate it even better with my EnGenius switch that has SFP+ ports and my other devices like my NAS that also has an SFP+ interface. Otherwise, so far, so good!! Well done!!
Price: $658.00
Where to buy: EnGeniustech.com and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by EnGenius.
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As a network geek and a teacher of many variations of networking, there is quite a massive fail in this product. Thankfully Julian, you pointed this out and hopefully let EnGenius know as well.
Having a switch with SFP+ ports but no router able to connect and use the same port type, for any network layout, is an egregious oversight. Which is why it won’t be out into a real business network. It’s also a very common mistake smaller manufacturers make. Just enough features to be more “pro-sumer” and not really small business or enterprise. No matter what they say.
Next time, might I suggest some network tests to prove their throughput numbers?