SonicWall Netextender Reviews

Name: SonicWall Netextender
Brand: SonicWall
Rating: 3.1 (12 reviews)

3.1 out of 5

12 reviews
62% willing to recommend

What is SonicWall Netextender?

SonicWall Netextender is used for secure client-to-site VPN connections, enabling remote access to company resources and offering seamless integration with Microsoft 365 for identity management.

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SonicWall Netextender is the #15 ranked solution in top Enterprise Infrastructure VPN solutions. PeerSpot users give SonicWall Netextender an average rating of 6.2 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 12 most recent SonicWall Netextender reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.1. SonicWall Netextender is most commonly compared to Fortinet FortiClient: SonicWall Netextender vs Fortinet FortiClient. SonicWall Netextender is popular among the small business segment, accounting for 45% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 17% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

SonicWall Netextender

October 2024

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Featured reviews

Bharath Kumar Gajula

Network Security Architect at Capgemini

Our company used Pulse Secure. Pulse Secure was getting outdated, and we were looking for an alternative option, and then this turned out to be an improvement towards green in most of the POCs we did at first. My company opted for this solution because it can individually perform. Basically, we don't require load balancers and all those additional feature sets or additional devices that might be required. The solution can handle the certificate, DNS queries, and all that stuff individually. And the other reason might be the cost. The solution's pricing is pretty competitive compared to other vendors here.

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JayPrajapati

Senior Network Security Engineer at a tech services company with 11-50 employees

In the past, customers wanted an application that could run directly upon starting the PC, automatically connecting to the firewall. We were not able to do it in NetExtender. This was something customers wanted, but we couldn't provide due to NetExtender's limitations. I feel NetExtender might have rolled out this feature. In future releases, introductions of AI features would be really helpful. For example, we faced a situation where a customer wanted to allow Office 365 access without any kind of internet, just through the local internet. Office 365 has multiple dynamic IPs and URLs that can be updated daily, making it difficult to allow. If there were an AI-based solution that could bring those URLs and new IP addresses to the firewall and add them to the rule, that would be very helpful. That is just one scenario; there are multiple things AI could help with.

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PratapNegi

Head of Information Technology at Group Publishing, Inc.

Depending on how much we will have to pay for high availability, we might replace the solution with Sophos or Fortinet. There is a 90% chance that we will retain SonicWall. The vendor must conduct more R&D on the tool and find the root causes of its issues. It gets stuck sometimes. They must find out whether the issue is on the user’s end. They also must find out why certain applications do not work with it. Overall, I rate the solution one out of ten.

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SonicWall Netextender mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of SonicWall Netextender in the Enterprise Infrastructure VPN category stands at 3.9%, up from 3.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Enterprise Infrastructure VPN

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 21, 2024

Valuable Features

SonicWall Netextender allows remote work with simple setup using username and password. It offers good management control over routing and policies, integrates easily with SAML and Microsoft Identity Management, and ensures security with two-factor authentication. Users find it cost-effective, user-friendly, stable, and scalable. It allows LAN access from home and supports multifactor authentication. Documentation is detailed, and version releases are stable. It connects to domains using Active Directory credentials and supports custom VPN ports.

"It can support multifactor authentication. Also, it is a very basic application."
"The solution provides high availability."
"My company opted for this solution because it can individually perform. Basically, we don't require load balancers and all those additional feature sets or additional devices that might be required. The solution can handle the certificate, DNS queries, and all that stuff individually."

Room for Improvement

Users suggest SonicWall Netextender needs better ease of setup, multi-factor authentication integration, and enhanced UI. They experience connection issues, find the application slow, and encounter problems with credential saving. Multi-device license pooling would ease administration. It's considered resource-heavy and lacks features for automatic startup and new SaaS functionality. Users are also dissatisfied with technical support, expecting more responsiveness and problem-solving capabilities from engineers.

"In future releases, introductions of AI features would be really helpful."
"The product does not work well."
"The only concern I do have is with the zero trust, and the solution is not coping with the newer technologies as much as it needs to do on that particular factor."

ROI

Users noted enhanced remote access capabilities and reported higher productivity. They experienced significant cost savings and improved security measures. Efficient connectivity led to reduced downtime, influencing increased satisfaction. Many found it simple to deploy and manage. Some cited robust performance, while others appreciated constant updates enhancing features and reliability. Businesses observed improved operational efficiency and better data protection.

Pricing

SonicWall Netextender pricing is considered reasonable by organizations. Costs include a yearly licensing fee and a one-time seat cost, generally a few hundred dollars for the base appliance with five clients. Extra licensing is required for additional users. The license, available for one, three, or five years, integrates with SonicWall firewalls. Compared to competitors like Palo Alto, Check Point, and Fortinet, it is slightly cheaper, making it affordable for both small and large operations.

"Compared to others, it is cheaper. When we compare it with Palo Alto, Check Point, or Fortinet, it is a little cheaper."
"The solution is cheap itself, not too costly."
"The solution has a pretty good price."

Popular Use Cases

SonicWall NetExtender is primarily used for client-to-site VPN, enabling remote access for external users. It supports enterprise infrastructure VPN, integrates with Microsoft 365 for SAML authentication, and is favored for secure file transfer. It is employed by users working from home, job sites, or globally. It connects remote workers and integrates with identity management systems. System integrators provide implementation and support for remote users.

Service and Support

Customer service and support for SonicWall NetExtender receive mixed feedback. Some users report quick and effective solutions with first-level support, rarely needing escalation. Others note varying experiences depending on the representative's knowledge. There are complaints about longer response times and unresolved issues. Some highlight satisfaction with responsive and available support, while others rely on extensive documentation. Users in IT and cybersecurity find less frequent need to contact support.

Deployment

SonicWall Netextender's setup is described as straightforward and easy to install by most users. They appreciate the step-by-step guidance, although some find it complex due to numerous options. Despite minor issues like non-portability and occasional frustrations, the process is often quick, taking one to two days. Users highlight its user-friendly management post-setup and compatibility with various systems. Maintenance is minimal with the suggestion to update when available.

Scalability

SonicWall Netextender shows mixed feedback on scalability. Some users mention it scales well, handling hundreds of users by purchasing more licenses. Others experience difficulties with larger user bases, citing inefficiencies and issues. Many have not fully tested scalability, while a few report smooth performance for small to medium-sized deployments. Scalability suitability varies, with some finding it adaptable, while others recommend improvements for extensive scaling requirements.

Stability

SonicWall Netextender is noted for its stability, with very minimal issues reported. Users mention reliable performance, no bugs or glitches, and rare instances requiring updates. Many appreciate its dependable operation even with frequent remote work. Some users occasionally encounter problems with certain Windows versions, but these are infrequent. Networking professionals ensure firmware updates to maintain performance. Instances of disconnection or the need to reboot are extremely rare, highlighting its dependability in varied environments.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our SonicWall Netextender Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

17%

Financial Services Firm

Government

Comms Service Provider

Construction Company

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

University

Wholesaler/Distributor

Retailer

Real Estate/Law Firm

Healthcare Company

Outsourcing Company

Legal Firm

Non Profit

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Performing Arts

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Transportation Company

Compare SonicWall Netextender with alternative products

Learn more about SonicWall Netextender

SonicWall Netextender facilitates secure and stable VPN connections, particularly beneficial for remote work scenarios. It integrates with Microsoft 365, supporting identity management and secure access through Microsoft Identity Management and Intune, allowing users to employ the same credentials as Active Directory. With ease of configuration and control over routing, it assists enterprises by providing a reliable VPN for remote employees, implemented by system integrators worldwide. It also supports file transfers in cloud-based environments.

What are the most valuable features of SonicWall Netextender?

Ease of remote work: Simplifies access for remote employees.
Simple configuration: Quick and straightforward setup process.
Good control over routing: Efficient routing management.
Cost-effectiveness: Affordable for businesses of all sizes.
Ease of integration with SAML: Simple SAML integration.
Excellent security: High-security standards.
Low latency: Minimal delay during use.
Stable performance: Reliable connections.
High availability: Ensures continuous uptime.
Multi-factor authentication support: Enhanced login security.

What benefits and ROI should users look for in the reviews?

Connecting to LAN from home: Secure access to local network resources.
Enforcing secure access: Uses Microsoft Identity Management and Intune for security.
Credential consistency: Same credentials as Active Directory.
Detailed documentation: Comprehensive guides and resources.

SonicWall Netextender is adopted in numerous sectors for its ability to provide secure remote access to company resources. Enterprises integrate it to ensure stable VPN connections for employees working from home, while system integrators implement it for end customers globally. It enhances secure and efficient remote work, which is vital for industries requiring robust and reliable remote access solutions.