WatchGuard SSL VPN Client: A Review of Its Performance and Limitations

As someone who has experience with various Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions, I was excited to try out WatchGuard's SSL VPN client on my Mac. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was short-lived as I encountered several issues that left me disappointed.

One of the first problems I faced was the SSL VPN's inability to work correctly on a Mac. Despite following the instructions carefully, I was unable to establish a stable connection. This lack of support for Mac users is a significant drawback, especially considering the popularity of Apple devices in the business world.

Another issue I encountered was split DNS, which was broken after establishing the tunnel. This meant that my DNS settings were overwritten with the nameserver from the secure network, making it difficult to access certain websites and resources.

Despite these limitations, I was pleased to report that I had no coexistence issues with other VPN solutions I use on a regular basis. However, I do find it disappointing that there isn't a standard for delivering an SSL/TLS VPN that would allow for the use of a single, integrated client across different operating systems.

One of the advantages of WatchGuard's SSL VPN is its ability to connect over TCP 443, making it convenient to use in environments where UDP/TCP 5 is blocked. This is particularly useful when traveling or working remotely.

However, I did encounter some issues with the NetExtender client not setting the appropriate DNS server or search domain correctly, which caused name resolution problems. Despite these issues, the WatchGuard SSL VPN has been effective for my clients with few to no technical problems.

In conclusion, while the WatchGuard SSL VPN client has its limitations and drawbacks, it is still a viable option for those looking for an affordable and feature-rich VPN solution. Just be aware of the potential issues with Mac support and split DNS before making a decision.

For users who receive an OpenVPN configuration file from their IT department or organization, WatchGuard offers a straightforward process for importing the profile. This can be done by selecting the file or entering a URL provided by your IT department.

In summary, while WatchGuard's SSL VPN client has its limitations, it is still a viable option for those looking for an affordable and feature-rich VPN solution. Just be aware of the potential issues with Mac support and split DNS before making a decision.

Watchguard ssl vpn client mac