Multifunction devices such as the Bipac 7404VGO have their advantages, with Billion’s new router offering virtual private network (VPN) and Voice-over-IP (VoIP) facilities, as well as wired/wireless networking and an ADSL modem.

However, compromises are inevitable and, although well specified, it’s not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.

In its favour, the datasheet for the Bipac 7404VGO reads like a small business shopping list. To start, there’s a built-in ADSL modem capable of handling the latest ADSL2/2+ services, plus a four-port Fast Ethernet switch and an 802.11g wireless access point to make it easier to share that connectivity.

WPA2 encryption comes as standard and the wireless interface can be configured as a repeater to extend the wireless range if needed, plus there’s the usual mix of network address translation (Nat) and stateful inspection firewalls with packet- and content-filtering options thrown in for good measure.

Next, there’s a built-in VPN server for remote Lan access, capable of supporting up to 16 concurrent connections using a variety of tunnelling protocols including PPTP, L2TP and IPSec. SNMP management also comes as standard and, finally, it’s possible to plug in a couple of handsets and save money by using VoIP to make and receive phone calls.

That’s a long list for a device priced at just over a hundred pounds, but there are a few things missing, such as support for anything other than pre shared keys when it comes to wireless encryption, for example. VPN client software would also be welcome, together with a lot more help when it comes to configuring options such as the VPN server and VoIP interfaces.

Indeed, the biggest issue we had with the Billion router was its poor management interface and a lack of supporting documentation. We didn’t encounter any major problems getting it to work, but then we’ve configured a lot of routers before. A small business manager with little technical expertise could end up not using the router to its full potential.

The slim quick-start guides cover the basics, but the manual is aimed at techies and doesn’t really add that much. We also found the browser-based management interface a little quirky, with no wizards or context-sensitive help, as with most small business products. Moreover, on a couple of occasions we lost our setup changes completely because we forgot to save the settings before manually rebooting.

Yet another concern was finding the wireless interface enabled without encryption as soon as the router powered up. Similarly, we had to turn on the firewall and other security features ourselves and add custom rules to allow common protocols through.

For those able to live with such shortcomings, the Bipac 7404VGO is a very well-specified device at an affordable price. We were impressed with the VoIP functionality, which enables two analogue handsets to make and receive calls via hosted Sip services or a standard landline with automatic failover to the PSTN when the internet connection isn’t available.

The VPN functionality is similarly impressive with an embedded encryption accelerator that enables the otherwise modest processor to cope with a large number of connections. However, most small businesses will need help to get these and other options working and, as such, could find better value elsewhere.