Launched in May, Zyxel's ZyWall P1 Personal Internet Security Appliance is a highly portable hardware firewall and virtual private network (VPN) device, which may appeal to firms supporting home workers or mobile users. But its lack of wireless connectivity may put off some IT buyers.

The device is priced at £149 + VAT, with additional charges for the optional Vantage management software. An annual Vantage subscription for 100 devices costs £4,095 + VAT. The P1 can be used with Linux, Mac and Windows systems.

The device is about 5in by 3in in size and weighs 130g - not much more than the AC adapter used to power it. It can also draw on a power-only USB-to-mini-USB cable, but using both supplies at once could damage the P1. The only other ports on the P1 are 10/100Mbit/s WAN and LAN links.

Minutes after plugging in the USB, WAN and LAN connectors, we could browse to the device management screen to configure the P1. There are nearly 40 screens that administrators may need to go through when configuring the device. Unfortunately, the P1 only holds one configuration profile at a time, though profiles can be saved to desktop and laptop hard disks. That said, users need to have admin-level privileges to do so.

The IPSec client is certified by the International Computer Security Association (ICSA), and the stateful packet inspection firewall was relatively easy to configure.

Overall, the P1 is a useful device for teleworkers and mobile staff, despite its lack of wireless connectivity. Zyxel said wireless capabilities will feature in the ZyWall P2, which is due next quarter. The P1 comes with AC adapter, short ribbon LAN cable, USB-to-mini-USB cable, user CD and carrying wallet.

Zyxel
Tel: 01344 303044