Cisco Designed Cisco RV345P VPN Router Review: Specs, Pros and Cons
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This cisco designed cisco rv345p vpn router review focuses on a business-grade device built for stability. It is a 16-port Gigabit Ethernet router with integrated PoE. The unit supports Dual WAN connections for load balancing and failover. You get eight PoE ports to power devices directly. It also handles multiple VPN protocols like IPsec and L2TP. The Cisco AnyConnect client aids remote access. This hardware is designed for offices needing reliable wired connections and secure remote work capabilities without complex setup.
What stands out
- Integrated 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch
- 8 ports support Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Dual WAN for load balancing and failover
- Supports IPsec and L2TP VPN protocols
- Compatible with Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
Who it fits
Good fit for
This router suits small offices and retail spaces that need to connect many wired devices. The 16 ports reduce the need for extra switches. The PoE ports are ideal for IP cameras and VoIP phones. Dual WAN is useful for businesses that require internet redundancy. If you need secure remote access for employees via AnyConnect, this model fits your infrastructure needs.
Who should skip it
Skip this if you need a consumer mesh WiFi system. It is a wired router, not a wireless access point. You will need separate access points for WiFi coverage. The large size and rack-mount design do not fit home living rooms. If you want easy app-based management or simple plug-and-play WiFi, look for a different product.
Verdict: The Cisco RV345P is a robust wired router for businesses needing many ports and PoE. It delivers reliable connectivity and security features for professional environments.
Key specs for Cisco RV345P
16 Gigabit Ethernet ports
This router includes an integrated 16-port switch with Gigabit speeds. You can connect up to sixteen wired devices directly to the unit. This high port count reduces the need for separate switches. It suits offices with many desktops or access points. Compare this to home mesh systems that offer fewer wired connections.
8 PoE ports
Eight ports support Power over Ethernet. You can power devices like wireless access points or security cameras through the network cable. This removes the need for separate power adapters near each device. It simplifies installation in offices or retail spaces. Check if your devices require specific PoE standards for compatibility.
Dual WAN
The device supports two separate Internet connections. You can use this for load balancing to increase bandwidth or failover if one line drops. This ensures continuous connectivity for business operations. Home users typically use a single ISP connection. Compare this feature to standard home routers that lack redundant internet inputs.
Gigabit port speed
All Ethernet ports operate at Gigabit speeds. This allows data transfer rates up to 1000 Mbps for connected devices. It supports modern high-bandwidth tasks like video conferencing and large file transfers. Ensure your connected devices also support Gigabit speeds to realize the full benefit. This is standard for current business networking equipment.
Physical dimensions and build specs
According to the listing, the Cisco RV345P measures 17.7 inches in length, 11.7 inches in width, and 3.23 inches in height. The unit weighs 3.2 pounds. These dimensions indicate a substantial chassis designed for rack mounting or secure placement in a server room. The black finish suggests a utilitarian aesthetic suited for professional environments rather than home decor. The height allows for adequate airflow around the ventilation slots, which is critical for sustained operation in a closed rack.
The device features an integrated 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch. Eight of these ports support Power over Ethernet (PoE). This layout allows you to connect wired devices and power them simultaneously through a single cable. This reduces cable clutter and simplifies installation for IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras. The dual WAN ports provide a secondary connection for load balancing or failover, enhancing network reliability for business operations.
The front panel likely houses status indicators and management ports, though specific button layouts are not detailed in the provided data. The robust build supports continuous operation in demanding settings. You should ensure your installation space can accommodate the 17.7-inch length and 11.7-inch width. The weight requires a stable surface or rack mount to prevent tipping. This design prioritizes connectivity density and power delivery over compact form factors.
Setup and everyday use guide
Setting up this Cisco-designed router involves configuring its dual WAN ports. You can connect two separate Internet sources to the unit. This setup allows you to enable load balancing or failover modes. If one connection drops, the second keeps your network online. The device supports multiple VPN protocols, including IPsec and L2TP. You can use these to establish secure tunnels for remote access. The listing notes support for the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. This tool helps mobile devices connect safely to your network from outside the office. Daily use relies on the integrated 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch. You plug wired devices directly into the ports. Eight of these ports provide Power over Ethernet. You can connect IP phones, wireless access points, or cameras without separate power adapters. The Gigabit speed ensures fast data transfer for connected devices. The unit is black and measures 17.7 inches in length. It weighs 3.2 pounds. Its size suggests it fits in a rack or on a sturdy shelf. The router includes a limited-lifetime warranty. You also get one year of technical support and free software fixes during that time. This coverage helps maintain stability over the long term. The configuration interface is not detailed in the specs, but the feature set points to a business environment. You likely need some networking knowledge to manage the dual WAN and VPN settings. Once configured, the device handles traffic distribution and security automatically. You benefit from a single unit that combines routing, switching, and PoE delivery. This reduces cable clutter and simplifies your office infrastructure.
Before you buy this router
You need to plan your network layout carefully. This unit connects sixteen devices via Ethernet. You should verify that your devices have Ethernet ports. Many modern laptops and phones rely on Wi-Fi. If you need wireless coverage, you must add access points. The listing mentions Cisco AnyConnect support. You should check if your remote users have compatible clients. This tool helps mobile employees connect securely. You also need to consider power sources. Eight ports provide PoE. You must ensure your cameras or phones support standard PoE. Otherwise, you need separate power adapters. Upkeep involves checking firmware updates. The listing notes free software fixes. You should log in regularly to apply these updates. This keeps your security protocols current. This router fits best in offices with many wired devices. It does not replace a mesh system for whole-home coverage. Use it alongside mesh nodes if you need both wired density and wireless range.
Check before you buy
- Verify your devices have Ethernet ports for the sixteen connections
- Check if your remote users have Cisco AnyConnect compatible clients
- Confirm your cameras or phones support standard PoE
- Plan how to add Wi-Fi if your devices lack cables
The product at a glance
Cisco RV345P 16-Port Gigabit VPN Router
Best for: Offices needing 16 wired ports and PoE
- Max Port Speed
- Gigabit
- Number of Ports
- 8 Ports
- PoE Support
- PoE
- Features
- VPN, Dual WAN
- Dimensions
- 17.7 × 11.7 × 3.23 inches
- Weight
- 3.2 pounds
View on Amazon: Cisco RV345P 16-Port Gigabit VPN Router Affiliate link
The Cisco RV345P is a wired security gateway featuring an integrated 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch. It supports Dual WAN for load balancing and failover, ensuring reliable internet connectivity. Eight ports provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) for connected devices. Security includes IPsec and L2TP VPN protocols. This unit suits businesses needing robust network management and extensive wired connectivity without relying on wireless features.
Pros
- Integrated 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch
- 8 PoE ports for device power
- Dual WAN for load balancing
- IPsec/L2TP VPN support
Cons
- No Wi-Fi capabilities
- Bulky desktop chassis
- No cloud management mentioned
Good fit if
- You need extensive wired ports
- You require PoE for devices
- You prioritize wired security
Skip if
- You need Wi-Fi coverage
- You want a compact mesh
- You prefer cloud management
Verdict: Cisco RV345P 16-Port Gigabit VPN Router is a specialized wired gateway for offices needing 16 ports and PoE. It fits users who prioritize physical security and wired reliability over wireless convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Cisco RV345P 16-Port Gigabit VPN Router |
|---|---|
| Max Port Speed | Gigabit |
| Number of Ports | 8 Ports |
| PoE Support | PoE |
| Features | VPN, Dual WAN |
| Port Speed | Gigabit |
| Dimensions | 17.7 × 11.7 × 3.23 inches |
| Weight | 3.2 pounds |
| Color | Black |
| Model | RV345P |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Cisco RV345P have Wi-Fi capabilities?
No, this device is a wired gateway only. It does not include built-in wireless access points. You must connect separate Wi-Fi access points or routers to its ports to provide wireless coverage for your network. It focuses entirely on Ethernet connectivity for stable, wired connections.
What is the total number of Ethernet ports on this router?
The Cisco RV345P features sixteen Gigabit Ethernet ports in total. These ports allow you to connect up to sixteen wired devices directly to the unit. This high port count helps reduce the need for additional external switches in your office setup.
How many ports support Power over Ethernet?
Eight of the sixteen ports support Power over Ethernet. You can use these specific ports to power devices like VoIP phones or wireless access points. This feature simplifies cabling by delivering both data and power through a single Ethernet cable.
Can I connect two different internet sources to this router?
Yes, the router supports Dual WAN connections. You can plug two separate internet lines into the unit. This setup allows you to configure load balancing or failover modes. If one connection fails, the second connection keeps your network online.
What VPN features are included in this model?
The device includes integrated VPN support as a key feature. This allows you to create secure tunnels for remote access or site-to-site connections. It is designed to handle business-grade security requirements for protecting your office network data.
Is this router suitable for home networks?
It is best suited for offices needing many wired ports. Most homes rely on Wi-Fi, which this device does not provide. If you need wireless convenience, you should look for a different solution. This unit prioritizes physical security and wired reliability.