SonicWall NSv Reviews

My main use case for SonicWall NSv is cloud space, specifically for Azure, AWS, and GCP deployments.

I use SonicWall NSv to secure cloud infrastructure instead of relying on Azure barebone security or AWS security. This allows me to get more granular control with my security settings.

I also use it to protect our private data center. We have customers that utilize it in a similar manner to Azure infrastructure, but within our own environment.

SonicWall NSv offers the option for Classic or Policy Mode, which allows me to choose between the two. If I need more granular control, I would prefer to use Policy Mode. If it is a simple configuration with one network that does not require much complexity, then Classic Mode is perfect.

When I use Policy Mode for more granular configurations, I can address situations where that flexibility makes a difference, such as wanting to have one network or one zone over another. I am not limited to the global security service configuration and can have multiple different security policies.

SonicWall NSv has positively impacted my organization. One specific outcome I have noticed is the low cost of licensing and that it is a trusted security appliance.

The low cost and trusted security have led to measurable benefits such as cost savings, which allow us to invest in other technologies.

SonicWall NSv can be improved, particularly in the SAML implementation, which was introduced in 7.2 firmware. I have 7.3, and I am waiting on that first jumbo hotfix from SonicWall. There is a need to continue improving the SAML implementation.

I have been using SonicWall NSv for about seven years.

SonicWall NSv is stable.

With NSM, the Network Security Manager, SonicWall NSv is quite scalable. You can operate multiple different NSvs under one management plane.

Customer support from SonicWall could see some improvement. With the number of items that SonicWall has going on at the moment, the wait line can be quite intrusive.

Neutral

Before choosing SonicWall NSv, I evaluated other options such as FortiGate virtual servers. For our customers, it always comes down to cost, where their budget is, and whether they need to go with FortiGate or SonicWall. Along with the cost, it also factors in how granular they need to utilize it. If they know they need to have BGP, then I might forgo SonicWall.

I have seen a return on investment. The relevant metric includes the time saved in deployment, especially if you go with Classic Mode over Policy Mode. Not much has changed since the release of Gen 7.

My experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing is that licensing is fairly simple. I work with account managers at SonicWall, submit quotes with my distribution group, and the process is seamless.

I did not purchase SonicWall NSv through the AWS Marketplace. I bring my own license.

Integration is something worth discussing.

SonicWall NSv integrates well with my existing systems. I have a built-in syslog system called ForVideo, and I can ingest all logs from SonicWall NSv appliance that I may not be able to get from a FortiGate.

My advice to others looking into using SonicWall NSv is that if deploying SonicWall NSv, I would really consider using Policy Mode over Classic Mode. I know it is quite a change going to that mode, but if you have to change to Policy Mode in the future, then you are looking at redeploying SonicWall NSv. If you deploy it from the start, you have that scalability to continue to grow.

I would rate this product a seven out of ten.

Hybrid Cloud

Microsoft Azure

My main use case for SonicWall NSv is to provision users, VPN credentials, and add users on the VPN.

I also update the firmware, the SSL when it expires, and perform other internal updates within SonicWall NSv.

A specific example of a task I recently completed with SonicWall NSv includes updating the firmware, adding a new employee, resetting the password, and checking for any new firmware updates.

The best features SonicWall NSv offers include the user interface itself, which is quite friendly to understand and perform tasks, and the support. Whenever I am stuck, it is easy to reach out to the support team.

The user-friendly interface of SonicWall NSv makes it easy for me to accomplish whatever tasks I am given due to the proper arrangement of words and the way it is designed. SonicWall NSv has positively impacted my organization by helping us access our whitelisted web apps since we manage web apps while ensuring proper standards to prevent any information leaks. Our VPN has made a huge impact on the organization, and the support team responds quickly to my queries whenever I get stuck on the platform.

As far as SonicWall NSv improvements go, I cannot really say there is much needed. I think it is on the right path, and I am impressed with its support. I am fully satisfied with the designs and services.

I have been using SonicWall NSv for five months since I joined Bluegrass.

Regarding security, we have not had any issues since we have been using SonicWall NSv, and everything is usually up to date. We have not experienced any incidents where there was any disappointment. SonicWall NSv is stable.

I cannot really say how SonicWall NSv's scalability is because I have not gauged that.

SonicWall NSv's customer support is perfect. Whenever I am stuck, I receive assistance at the same time, and I receive email responses within the day. I would rate the customer support an eight.

Positive

I did not use any different solution prior to SonicWall NSv.

I have not really seen a return on investment.

The pricing, setup cost, and licensing are all managed by the admin. Since we have been using it for years, it makes it a bit more affordable.

We did not evaluate other options before choosing SonicWall NSv, as the management had already decided that they needed SonicWall NSv as their source of VPN and firewall.

My advice to others looking into using SonicWall NSv is that I am impressed with their services. I would rate this product an eight.

On-premises

The solution is predominantly for gateway-level protection. There are multiple filters now. In the past, these devices were used for extensive filtering regarding phishing, security, and data protection. Back then, there were numerous challenges. I headed IT operations for a B2B marketplace company, where data was the lifeline. We actively monitored logs to detect threats. Things have improved significantly as much protection now happens from the cloud.

Predominantly, we utilized two or three features. One significant aspect was the allocation of bandwidth. Not every user had the same privileges, so high-end users required better bandwidth. We worked on infrastructure where bandwidth was an issue, necessitating allocation. 

Additionally, SonicWall excelled in threat management, evident in how users handled it effectively.

The engine provided initially was quite heavy, creating a trade-off between software and hardware-based threat management. A component was installed on every device, consuming substantial memory. When the software was downloaded, optimal hardware utilization was lacking, making hardware upgrades inevitable. Issues like these were tied to the engine size. However, significant improvements and threading have made the solution more convenient, moving from a bulky application.

I have known SonicWall for approximately 14 years.

There were challenges with the coexistence of other applications, especially in a Microsoft environment. UTM devices, being closed boxes, posed management issues. Understanding and handling these devices onsite was limited, requiring external support.

With the transition to cloud, scalability became immediate. Earlier, on-prem setups had scalability constraints due to hardware and bandwidth bottlenecks. Nonetheless, the product is robust, eliminating major scalability concerns.

I have been fortunate to work with a solution specialist company that consistently provided tech support. They ensured smooth operation without significant issues.

Positive

We previously utilized Microsoft solutions.

Two network engineers from my IT team handled the initial setup.

We considered it similar to insurance. Failures allowed us to understand the safety net it provided. Investment was challenging but strategic, given its advantages like 30% depreciation in the Indian ecosystem by the third year. Cloud enhancements have amplified the value for money.

For mid-sized to large organizations, SonicWall is the right fit. However, smaller organizations may not find it suitable. 

I would rate the overall product a nine out of ten.

On-premises

My main use case for SonicWall NSv is that we are using it for our network switches, utilizing the Sonic switches and SonicOS for configuring all the switches in our networking.

A quick specific example of how I use SonicWall NSv with my network switches is that we use it for configuring our network, setting up the infrastructure, and configuring the switches.

Since using SonicWall NSv, it has positively impacted our organization by making the switches seem to be more efficient as we have changed to layer three networks in our network.

When I say it's more efficient, I mean the management is easier when compared to other switches.

The management process is smoother and less time-consuming now, and we have used Zabbix for monitoring, so it's smoother.

The best features that SonicWall NSv offers in my experience are the CLI that it provides, which I find really useful, and I consider it one of the best compared to OS10 switches because it's much more responsive.

What makes the CLI so useful or responsive for me is that it totally seems to mirror OS10 switches; it's much more efficient and fast.

SonicWall NSv can be improved due to the lack of proper documentation, because even though there are a lot of documentation available, there are particular use cases that are not included. For example, when we are configuring a network in the ring structure instead of the tree structure, there is less documentation regarding how to implement that.

I have been using SonicWall NSv for over the last two years for our network switches.

SonicWall NSv is stable.

I am not sure about SonicWall NSv's scalability.

The customer support is really nice, and we have interacted with them.

I would rate the customer support a 10 out of 10.

Positive

We previously used OS10 network switches, but now we switched to SonicOS.

My experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing is that it's okay.

I have not seen any return on investment; there are no metrics at all.

My experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing is that it's okay.

Before choosing SonicWall NSv, we evaluated Cisco and OS10 again, but that is when we finally decided to go with Sonic.

My advice to others looking into using SonicWall NSv is that I can actually refer them to it. I would rate this product an 8 out of 10.

On-premises

Within our organization's cloud security setup, SonicWall NSv is used repeatedly, and they are not encountering many challenges to deploy it.

It is used for security, specifically as a firewall.

The features of SonicWall NSv that are most effective in enhancing the network include the Application Firewall, which provides enhanced security to the client.

SonicWall NSv handles network threats effectively, and I have noticed improvements with new advanced features such as sandboxing; we are very impressed with it.

The sandboxing feature is very interesting, and we are looking forward to developments in AI-driven security initiatives.

Currently, we are getting challenges with user-wise reports and other reporting details. At present, they do not provide detailed reports compared to other products.

My overall experience with SonicWall NSv has been since 2008 or 2009.

It takes no more than a few hours to deploy, as we have local support here, so we do not have to log any cases for other challenges.

I have a very confident feeling about its stability.

It rates around eight to nine in terms of stability, and it is quite good.

I do not need much support in SonicWall NSv for scalability.

It is a scalable product.

On a scale from 1 to 10, I would rate its scalability as eight to nine.

I would rate the responsiveness of the technical support from SonicWall as 9 to 10.

Positive

There are two support engineers involved in the installation as of now.

I am somewhat satisfied with the price for SonicWall NSv, rating it as eight because, compared to other products, the price is a little bit higher.

The pricing could be improved, and there are extra expenses. For instance, the Global VPN will be chargeable in our product, unlike Fortinet or Sophos, where it is free—this is a major difference.

I would definitely recommend SonicWall NSv to other organizations for obvious reasons.

My overall rating for SonicWall NSv is nine.

My main use case for SonicWall NSv is to secure cloud, such as using it for threat prevention, IPS, anti-malware, and VPN.

I use SonicWall NSv for threat prevention and VPN in my environment by managing different zones depending on what we're serving, which is practical because it's all software-based. We have been successful using and managing the environment.

I generally use SonicWall NSv as a firewall, so anything that is needed as a firewall is handled well.

The best features SonicWall NSv offers mainly include site-to-site VPN and segmentation, which are especially helpful in our hybrid cloud environment.

Segmentation is helpful because you are able to have people working in the same department, even though they are geographically dispersed, and they all will have the same access and user privileges. This allows us to reduce traffic, for example, for broadcasting on the network, and helps in bringing the team together, even though they are geographically dispersed.

SonicWall NSv has positively impacted my organization by allowing us to secure and manage the network in a secure fashion and providing easy access. This is helpful as it doesn't require somebody to be senior to perform small tasks.

A specific outcome that shows how SonicWall NSv helped my organization is that for any change in configuration, we need to make changes on the firewall. Using SonicWall NSv has been beneficial because of the ease of use and maintaining system security, making it business as usual.

SonicWall NSv can be improved by incorporating AI to help with configuration, propose scenarios, and check the changes before deployment, which would be helpful.

I have been using SonicWall NSv for three years.

SonicWall NSv is stable.

SonicWall NSv's scalability is good, as we can expand it to cover our network, making it suitable for the future as well.

Customer support for SonicWall NSv is good.

I did not previously use a different solution. We used to use a regular firewall, but now with SonicWall NSv, this has been helpful.

I have seen a return on investment with SonicWall NSv, as I have saved money by saving time and needing fewer employees due to the ease of use, allowing us to manage our resources better.

My experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing for SonicWall NSv is favorable.

Before choosing SonicWall NSv, we evaluated other options and used to have the physical SonicWall, the regular SonicWall where you purchase the device.

My advice to others looking into using SonicWall NSv is that if they are using regular firewalls, this will be a game-changer, but there are also other NGFW options. The ROI is good, so that's the main thing, as the ratio between technical and financial benefits is favorable, and you can save money using it. I would rate this product 9 out of 10.

Hybrid Cloud

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

My main use case for SonicWall NSv is user management and protection.

I use SonicWall NSv for adding users to our network and ensuring that security.

The best features SonicWall NSv offers are its user-friendliness and ease of access.

SonicWall NSv is user-friendly and easy to access due to how it is generally set up.

SonicWall NSv has positively impacted my organization by allowing us to scale growth without having to constantly reinvent our processes.

SonicWall NSv has helped us scale growth and avoid reinventing processes by providing us with latency visibility, showing us how many people we can add and how we can scale through that capacity.

I do not have anything that comes to mind regarding how SonicWall NSv can be improved.

I have been using SonicWall NSv for probably the last six months to a year, and I have used similar solutions in different companies throughout my career.

SonicWall NSv is stable.

SonicWall NSv's scalability is scalable and very easy.

The customer support for SonicWall NSv is good.

Positive

We switched between a couple of products before SonicWall NSv, and I was always more satisfied with SonicWall NSv.

I evaluated other options before choosing SonicWall NSv.

I would advise others looking into using SonicWall NSv to use it as it is helpful and helps businesses do what they need to do while giving them the protection that they need.

I would rate this product a 7 out of 10.

On-premises

My main use case for SonicWall NSv is configuring SSL VPN accounts and setting up remote access for VPNs.

As a specific example of how I use SonicWall NSv for VPNs or remote access, I download NetExtender for the client, then go into SonicWall and set up a user account using the WAN address for the login. I set up a username and password, and document the domain, configuring that on their NetExtender on the client side and logging them into SonicWall so they have access to the company shared drives.

One of the best features SonicWall NSv offers is the LDAP feature, where you can use the Active Directory account to use the NetExtender client-side login that integrates with Active Directory.

The LDAP integration with Active Directory has made my workflow much more efficient and easier to configure the VPNs, allowing me to set up for the user and log them into SonicWall.

SonicWall NSv has positively impacted my organization by allowing our customers to access data 24 hours, seven days a week, making it a wonderful feature for business continuity for our customers.

Since implementing SonicWall NSv, I have noticed increased productivity, allowing users to access secure data in the network through a VPN, a virtual private tunnel, enabling them to work from home.

SonicWall NSv can be improved by maintaining its security with up-to-date patches and ensuring it has the latest updates to secure the device.

I have been using SonicWall NSv for five years.

SonicWall NSv is very stable.

Its scalability is excellent, and there is no downtime for the customer when they are accessing their remote data, allowing them access to confidential data within the company using the SSL VPN.

Customer support is excellent, and every time I have had to call with any issues, they have been resolved right away.

Positive

I have always used SonicWall, so I did not previously use a different solution before SonicWall NSv.

I use my.sonicwall.com to license all the devices, and then I deploy the devices on-premises.

I have seen a return on investment with SonicWall NSv as it allows customers to constantly have access to their secure data, making it very efficient for our customers.

NA

I did not evaluate other options before choosing SonicWall NSv, as it was the product of choice when I joined the company.

My advice for others looking into using SonicWall NSv is to make sure the firmware is always up to date on the device so that there is no downtime.

SonicWall NSv is a secure product, and the business continuity it provides saves money for the customer. I gave this product a rating of 10 out of 10.

Private Cloud

Other