![]() What’s in the boxĪ few simple configuration steps – I configure my Firewalla Purple in “Router Mode”, which is the recommended topology – and my Ubiquti Wifi6 lights up with an established connection. Setup is straightforward I really appreciate that the device uses Bluetooth for initial configuration, a departure from the common “broadcast wifi” setup method which, in my experience, has been fraught with problems. A quick install of the iOS app, and I’m into the setup process. Firewalla’s packaging is all paper/cardboard, likely recyclable, and the minimalist size and design is just a joy. I’m a sucker for well-designed packaging. It’s a minor thing, but my first positive impression was of the packaging. I finally had the literal missing link in my new home network, so I got to setting things up. Each day I’d excitedly check the mail, and… well, one day it finally arrived. The ten days between my Firewalla Purple shipping and delivery in February 2022 had me feeling like Calvin waiting for his Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs Propeller Beanie. I decided it was worth the wait until crowdfunding completed, and became a backer of the Firewalla Purple. Fortunately, I was made aware that Firewalla was currently in the crowdfunding stage of their newest appliance, the Firewalla Purple. The Firewalla Gold was a little pricey, and a bit beyond the functionality I was looking for. I clicked through their website to compare models, and the functionality really spoke to me: Active security alerts, data flow visibility, VPN capabilities, Ad Block – so many features were baked in (and without a subscription!) that the bar was raised on what role this missing piece in my network could play. I started out my search for a router, pondered managed switches, and ultimately came across Firewalla’s offerings – the Firewalla Red, Firewalla Blue, and Firewalla Gold. All that was missing was something to act as a router and firewall. I decided to purchase two Ubiquiti Unifi Wifi 6 APs – highly recommended by a friend – and recommissioned the Arris SB6190 modem I held onto from my Apple Airport network days. This would give me the most flexibility when it comes to swapping out components (due to failures or for opportunistic upgrades) or choosing devices that excel in their specific areas – avoiding the “jack of all trades, master of none” issue that can come with all-in-one solutions. I decided I wanted to lean into a separation of concerns approach in which my modem, router/firewall, and WAP were all separate devices. Netgear provided an advanced security solution to the tune of $99/year I never tried it, on the principle of not wanting to pay for Yet Another Subscription. Further, both seemed to have a “it’s fine, trust us” approach to security with no real visibility or metrics around data flows. And in both cases, visibility into the network and attached devices was fairly lackluster. Both satisfied my needs for whole-home coverage, but each came with their downsides. Most recently, I landed on a Netgear Orbi mesh system, which provided an all-in-one approach via a combined modem/router/AP and additional satellite AP. ![]() A previous iteration made use of an Arris Surfboard modem paired with an Apple Airport Extreme, plus a few Airport Express units for whole-home coverage. Over the years, my home network solutions have shifted based on my needs at the time. Feeling limited by the capabilities of my home network appliances, I recently embarked on a journey to find something better – and ended up with a solution that surpassed my expectations. ![]() My network setup backstoryĪs more and more in-home devices become network-connected, visibility into what data is flowing in and out of a home network has shifted from a nice-to-have to a necessity. In this review, Indiegogo’s Engineering Manager provides an honest review of Firewalla Purple, a next-generation smart firewall for home and work. Indiegogo staff are putting crowdfunded products to the test in our series of honest reviews. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |