SonicWALL Mobile Connect

Pros

• Free
• Stable when connected

Cons

• Usability issues

SonicWALL Mobile Connect provides client-based access to SonicWALL security solutions.

SonicWall is a series of enterprise-level hardware and software technologies that allow corporations and academic organizations to create and maintain robust firewall and other security-related solutions. SonicWALL Mobile Connect is a client app that facilitates users connecting to these technologies to access the underlying resources, such as email, virtual desktops and other applications.

The app is freeware, so you can use it as often and for as long as you want without charge. However, SonicWALL Mobile Connect will serve you no purpose if you do not have a SonicWall firewall to connect. The program provides remote access, so as long as you have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection, you have access to the applications and other resources you need anytime and anywhere.

SonicWALL Mobile Connect supports all major SonicWall firewall solutions, including E-Class NSA, NSA, TZ and SuperMassive 9000 Series SonicOS 5.9 or greater. It also supports the Secure Mobile Access 100 Series running 8.5 or greater and the 1000 Series running 11.4 or greater.

Among apps likes it, SonicWALL Mobile Connect is hardly the most user-friendly solution. The mobile user interface is functional but a bit uninspired. Managing connections via the Connection tab can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you do not know the information offhand and have to look it up.

The other available tabs are Monitor, Settings and About. The Monitor page shows you the server, server status and client IP. It also displays a range of statistics, such as data sent, data received, throughput, max throughput, average throughput and so forth. The Settings page lets you determine if you want to automatically reconnect on app start. It also provides you access to logs and a rather extensive knowledge base as well as a device information dialog that feels obligatory. The About page is exactly what it sounds like and gives you access to an EULA that most people probably won’t read.

The UI for setting up a VPN for the first time has the same shortcomings as managing a connection. But once you have it set up, choosing a VPN and connecting to it is fairly simple. Connecting via VPN is not necessary but handy when you need full access to sensitive resources. The app even supports fingerprint access, which can be checked against fingerprint information stored on the server side.

Once you have made your connection, SonicWALL Mobile Connect is impressively stable. The app simply runs in the background and won’t disrupt your workflow. Getting connected, however, can be a bit of an issue. The client app is less intuitive than marketing would suggest. Business users will often have IT support to fall back on, but it can, at times, seem like more trouble than it is worth for private users.

Pros

• Free
• Stable when connected

Cons

• Usability issues