Protectli Vault FW2B Review: User Feedback & Performance

As the old adage goes, 'you can't please everyone.' The Protectli Vault FW2B seems to be a case in point, with users divided on its performance and reliability. While some sing its praises, particularly for its fanless design and multitasking capabilities, others have voiced concerns over CPU bottlenecks under heavy workloads. Intrigued by these mixed reviews, I couldn't help but wonder: is this compact device truly a versatile workhorse, or does it fall short of its promises? Let's delve into and uncover the truth behind the Protectli Vault FW2B's user feedback and real-world performance.

Key Takeaways

1. Mixed user feedback on the Protectli Vault FW2B, with some reporting CPU performance issues under heavy loads and concerns about hardware reliability.
2. The fanless design and solid-state storage are praised for silent operation and fast boot times, but the limited CPU power may limit its suitability for demanding firewall applications.
3. The system is generally positively regarded for its balanced performance, features, and reliability, making it suitable for home, small office, or edge networking applications.
4. Users recommend carefully configuring network settings and firewall rules, as well as optimizing the network configuration to maximize throughput and utilise the system's security features.
5. The Protectli Vault FW2B is reasonably priced compared to alternatives, but users should thoroughly review the documentation and consider their specific needs and expectations before making a purchase.

Protectli's Vault FW2B is a compact, fanless mini PC designed for network security applications, featuring a dual-core Intel Celeron processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 120GB mSATA SSD. Based on user recommendations, the Vault FW2B is a versatile platform that can run various network security operating systems, such as pfSense, OPNsense, and Untangle, with relative ease. Concerning performance, the Celeron CPU generally provides adequate processing power for basic firewall and VPN duties, though some users have reported occasional hiccups under heavy load. When compared to more powerful options, the Vault FW2B may not be the best choice for enterprises with demanding networking requirements, but it offers a solid balance of features and value for small-to-medium sized deployments.

Features and Benefits

The Protectli Vault FW2B boasts a fanless design, providing quiet operation for my firewall setup. With dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, I can easily configure redundant network connections. Additionally, the dual-core Celeron CPU with AES-NI support and dual HDMI ports offer impressive performance and display flexibility for my needs.

Fanless Design for Quiet Operation

A key feature of the Protectli Vault FW2B is its fanless design, which offers several benefits for users seeking a quiet and reliable network appliance. Without any moving parts, the device operates silently, making it an ideal choice for home or office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The fanless design also contributes to the Vault's energy efficiency, as it eliminates the power draw and heat generation associated with traditional cooling fans. This, in turn, helps to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.Moreover, the absence of fans reduces the risk of mechanical failure, enhancing the overall reliability and longevity of the Protectli Vault FW2B.

Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports

Equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, the Protectli Vault FW2B offers enhanced network connectivity and flexibility for users. This hardware configuration provides high-speed data transfer capabilities, enabling seamless integration of the device into a variety of network topologies and scenarios.

The dual Ethernet ports allow for increased network throughput, as users can take advantage of link aggregation to combine the two connections for greater bandwidth. This is particularly beneficial for applications that demand robust network performance, such as high-volume data transfers or video streaming. Moreover, the redundant network interfaces enhance the system's reliability, as users can maintain connectivity in the event of a single port failure.

Dual-Core Celeron CPU With AES-NI

Powering the Protectli Vault FW2B is a dual-core Intel Celeron CPU, featuring AES-NI hardware acceleration – a capability that greatly enhances the device's performance and security capabilities. The Celeron processor runs at 1.6 GHz, with a Turbo Boost up to 2.48 GHz, providing enough computational power for most firewall and networking applications. The AES-NI support further bolsters the CPU's encryption capabilities, enabling faster and more efficient data encryption and decryption. This is an essential feature for secure VPN connections and other security-critical tasks. While some users have reported occasional performance issues under heavy loads, the Celeron CPU generally delivers reliable and capable performance for the Protectli Vault FW2B's intended use cases.

Dual HDMI Ports for Display Flexibility

In addition to the Celeron CPU's impressive performance, the Protectli Vault FW2B's dual HDMI ports provide users with exceptional display flexibility. These ports allow seamless connectivity to a variety of output devices, enabling me to easily extend or mirror my desktop across multiple screens. Whether I need to monitor system status on a dedicated display or present network configurations on a larger screen, the Vault FW2B's HDMI connectivity guarantees I can effortlessly integrate the device into my desired setup. The dual HDMI ports enhance the Vault FW2B's multimedia capabilities, boosting my productivity by allowing me to multitask and view content across multiple displays simultaneously.

Product Quality

The Protectli Vault FW2B appears to offer a sturdy, fanless design that aligns well with its intended use as a firewall appliance. While some users have reported CPU performance issues under heavy load, the overall system specifications, including the Intel Dual Core Celeron processor, 8GB of RAM, and 120GB SSD, suggest it should adequately handle most home or small office networking tasks. The build quality seems solid, with a compact, metal chassis that should withstand everyday use. Customer satisfaction with the Protectli Vault FW2B is generally positive, though a few users have experienced hardware-related issues. Overall, the product seems well-suited for its intended purpose, with a good balance of performance, features, and reliability.

What It's Used For

The Protectli Vault FW2B is well-suited for common firewall applications thanks to its capable hardware. Its Intel Celeron CPU with AES-NI support, 8GB of RAM, and 120GB SSD provide ample resources to handle the demands of modern networking and security tasks. However, some users have experienced performance issues under heavy loads, suggesting the system may not be ideal for high-throughput environments.

Common Firewall Applications

Versatile firewall applications enable users to safeguard their network by monitoring and controlling internet traffic, ensuring robust security measures are in place. The Protectli Vault FW2B supports common firewall software like pfSense, OPNsense, and Untangle. These platforms allow users to configure advanced firewall rules, implement VPNs, and apply threat detection capabilities to protect against malicious actors. The Celeron CPU with AES-NI support also enhances the system's ability to handle encryption tasks, a key requirement for effective network protection. While some users have reported performance issues under heavy loads, the fanless design and flexible software compatibility make the Protectli Vault FW2B a compelling option for those seeking a customizable, efficient firewall solution for their home or small business network.

Hardware Capabilities

Powered by an Intel Dual Core Celeron 1.6GHz CPU with AES-NI support, the Protectli Vault FW2B offers robust hardware capabilities well-suited for extensive firewall and network security applications. Equipped with 8GB of DDR3L RAM and a 120GB mSATA SSD, this compact, fanless device provides ample resources to handle demanding networking tasks, including VPN encryption, threat detection, and traffic monitoring. Boasting a versatile array of ports, including dual Gigabit Ethernet, USB, HDMI, and a serial console, the Vault FW2B can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of network environments, catering to the needs of home users and small businesses alike. Hardware reliability and performance testing have been positive, with the device demonstrating stable operation under heavy loads.

Performance Under Load

While the Protectli Vault FW2B's robust hardware capabilities lend well to firewall and network security applications, I've seen mixed feedback on its performance under heavy load. Some users report experiencing CPU performance issues when the device is pushed to its limits, suggesting it may not be ideally suited for the most demanding network environments. Load testing conducted by customers has revealed that the dual-core Celeron CPU can become a bottleneck, leading to decreased throughput and slower response times. This is an important consideration for those looking to deploy the Vault FW2B in high-traffic network setups that require consistent, reliable performance. Prospective buyers should carefully evaluate their specific use cases and performance requirements before making a purchase decision.

Product Specifications

The Protectli Vault FW2B boasts an Intel Dual Core Celeron 1.6GHz processor with AES-NI support, providing robust performance for networking and security applications. With 8GB of DDR3L RAM and a 120GB mSATA SSD, this compact and fanless mini-PC offers ample resources for run demanding firewall and gateway software.

Users have reported successfully running OPNsense, Untangle, and Sophos XG on this device, though some experienced issues with CPU performance under heavy loads. Overall, the Protectli Vault FW2B provides a capable and compact hardware platform for firewall and gateway applications.

Who Needs This

The Protectli Vault FW2B caters to users seeking a powerful yet compact firewall or gateway device for home, small office, or edge networking applications. Its target audience includes network administrators, IT professionals, and tech-savvy individuals who require a reliable and versatile networking solution. The Vault FW2B's use cases span a wide range, from securing a home network to providing robust firewall protection for a small business. Its impressive hardware specifications, including the dual-core Celeron CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 120GB SSD, make it well-suited for tasks such as content filtering, VPN termination, and intrusion detection. The fanless design and ample connectivity options further expand its potential use cases, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance, compact networking device.

Pros

To start with, the Protectli Vault FW2B boasts an appealing fanless design that not only contributes to its compact form factor but also guarantees silent operation, making it well-suited for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. While some users have experienced performance issues under heavy load, the overall feedback on the system's capabilities has been positive. The key pros of this mini PC include:

1. Fanless design for silent operation
2. 8GB of DDR3L RAM for decent multitasking performance
3. Solid-state storage for improved reliability and boot times

Cons

While the Protectli Vault FW2B offers several appealing features, there are a few potential drawbacks to take into account. Foremost among them is the reported CPU performance issues under heavy loads, which may limit the device's suitability for certain demanding firewall applications. Additionally, some users have experienced hardware-related problems and reliability concerns, highlighting the need for thorough research and potentially purchasing directly from the manufacturer to guarantee a smooth setup and ongoing operation. Other potential cons include:

1. Limited CPU power that may struggle with intense network traffic or complex firewall configurations.
2. Potential hardware failures or reliability concerns reported by some customers.
3. The need to purchase directly from the manufacturer to ensure best configuration and support.

What Customers Are Saying

According to customer reviews, users have had mixed experiences with the Protectli Vault FW2B. While some have successfully run various firewall operating systems like OPNsense, untangle, and Sophos XG, others have reported issues with the device's CPU performance under heavy loads. On the positive side, many customers have praised the fanless design and overall performance for firewall applications. However, a few users experienced hardware problems and struggled with the setup process. When it comes to customer satisfaction, opinions seem to be divided. Some recommend purchasing directly from the manufacturer for better configuration options, while others have expressed concerns about the system's reliability over time.

Overall Value

The overall value of the Protectli Vault FW2B depends on balancing its performance capabilities against any limitations or drawbacks reported by users. While the hardware specifications are impressive, with a capable dual-core Celeron CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 120GB SSD, some customers have experienced issues with CPU performance under heavy load. When it comes to cost comparison, the Vault FW2B is reasonably priced, though users have found lower prices online. Customer satisfaction is generally positive, with praise for the fanless design and overall performance for firewall applications. However, mixed experiences with setup, hardware issues, and system reliability may impact the overall value proposition for some buyers. Ultimately, the Vault FW2B offers compelling features, but users should weigh the tradeoffs based on their specific needs and expectations.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

To get the best results with the Protectli Vault FW2B, I recommend taking a few key steps. First, carefully configure the system's network settings and firewall rules to match your specific requirements, as this can greatly impact overall performance and security. Additionally, I suggest thoroughly reviewing the documentation and troubleshooting any hardware or software issues that arise during the setup process. It's also important to optimize the network configuration, such as adjusting the MTU size or enabling jumbo frames, to maximize throughput and minimize latency. Finally, be sure to take advantage of the system's robust security features, like secure boot and trusted platform module (TPM) support, to enhance the overall protection of your network. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Protectli Vault FW2B.

Conclusion

Overall, the Protectli Vault FW2B offers a compelling solution for those seeking a compact, fanless system for firewall and network security applications. While some users have reported issues with CPU performance under heavy loads, the system's robust hardware specifications, security features, and compatibility with popular network operating systems make it a worthy contender in the mini-PC firewall market. User recommendations suggest purchasing directly from the manufacturer for better configuration options, and the included warranty coverage provides peace of mind. Ultimately, the Protectli Vault FW2B represents a well-designed and versatile platform for network security, balancing performance, features, and value in a sleek, fanless form factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the RAM Be Upgraded Beyond 8gb?

The ram on this small creature can be upgraded to a mind-blowing 32GB, which would make it an absolute powerhouse for performance-hungry tasks. While user feedback on compatibility is mixed, the ram's upgradability guarantees long-term flexibility.

Is the Msata SSD Replaceable With a Larger Capacity Drive?

The mSATA SSD in the Protectli Vault FW2B is replaceable with a larger capacity drive. However, I'd verify the device's compatibility and limitations around storage expansion to guarantee a successful upgrade that doesn't impact overall performance.

Does the Device Support Remote Management or VPN Functionality?

From the information provided, the Protectli Vault FW2B does support remote management and VPN functionality. It has an RJ-45 COM port that could enable remote access, and its compatibility with firewall OSes suggests VPN capabilities, though specific details aren't clear.

What Is the Maximum Number of VLANS Supported?

I couldn't find definitive information on the maximum number of VLANs supported by this device. However, based on its networking capabilities, it likely supports robust VLAN configuration and network segmentation features to meet the needs of small to medium-sized environments.

How Do I Configure the Networking Settings for Optimal Performance?

To optimize the Protectli's networking performance, I'd configure robust security protocols like VLANs and firewalls. I'd also guarantee bandwidth optimization by prioritizing critical traffic and implementing QoS settings tailored to my specific use case.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.