These days you can never be too careful when it comes to securing your data. I like to think that security begins at home. Most people these days have wireless networks at home and because of that, they are susceptible to attacks from outside their home. It’s easy for people outside your network to tap into it and because of that, you have to take steps to make sure that your network is not easily accessible. One way you can do that is to install a secure WiFi Router like the Norton Core. This secure WiFi Router is ‘smart’ and designed to ward off cybercriminals by protecting your network against things like malware, viruses, and hackers. Norton is well-known for providing software solutions for computer systems around the world. I remember it being the first anti-virus name I trusted. So, when I learned of the Norton Core, I was intrigued and loved the idea that they took what they know about safety and security of computers and applied it to a really cool looking piece of hardware. The Core looks more like a piece of art than a router. It is a round device that you will want to display rather than hide. The router provides more than just firewall protection. It helps safeguard your identity and online transactions as well as provide on-the-go device protection. It has comprehensive parental controls incorporated and IoT device protection. One of the things I like about Norton Core is that it’s easy to set up and once it is, you have a one-stop shop - so to speak - of internet control of your home. Before the Core, we had both a router and the Disney Circle installed to help manage internet traffic and parental controls. While this system worked, it was a little cumbersome and it’s great to have it all in one place with Norton’s Core Menu (mobile app). On the app, you can view your home’s security score, which will give you an idea of where you might need to make improvements. You also get a great snapshot of the devices that are connected to your network. Set up was very easy. The Core plugs into your modem and then you have the option to connect to one of the three LAN ports available. The Core also has two USB 3.0 ports included. I didn’t have any issues getting the Core up and running and it’s been a stable system since. The only issue I really have with the Norton Core system is that after paying the $200 price for the hardware, you then have a $10 per month subscription to the Norton Core Security Plus service. A 1-year subscription is included with the purchase of the Core hardware, but after that, it’s a subscription-based service. If you don’t renew it, the Norton Core will continue to function as a router, but the network, IoT and device-level security, as well as parental controls, will no longer be available. To me, this is what really makes the Norton Core stand out as an exceptional router so if those things aren’t available, the cost of this router just isn’t justifiable.

The Norton core router is the first router that I didn't have to hide. Installing it on the network was as simple as unplugging the old router and plugging in the new one. To configure it, I had to download an app on my phone and follow the simple instructions. Once the configuration was complete, I was able to manage the router via the app. The app shows you all the devices on your network, allows you to prioritize devices, manage access times and check the security of the network. The network range is pretty decent and speed is pretty good. As for the security aspects, Norton does a good job of blocking potential malware, notifying you if you go to a potentially malicious site and telling you when new devices connect. It also provides security recommendations for increasing your network security posture. However, all of this is subscription based with only the first year being free. Overall in my opinion, this router is great, however, its probably more suited for a small to medium sized home and someone who wouldn't mind paying a monthly fee after the first year.

The Norton Core router has always intrigued me, so when I got a chance to test one, I took it. The router is actually nice to look at; it's more like a piece of art than a router, so there's no need to try to hide it. The initial set up was fairly typical; installation of the management app, resetting of the modem, and then finally the hookup of the router itself. The management app allows easy access to the network settings. You'll find all the typical settings, all of which are well organized and give you a huge amount of control over who has access to your network, for how long, and what kind of content they can view. I had my network configured in a few minutes and then just sat back and waited to see what got stopped from coming in. The Core also allows you to install Norton Security on all of your devices, although I haven't done this since I am currently using another product. The signal strength from the router was comparable to my Linksys router, and I saw no issues with streaming video on multiple devices. After a few days, I realized that Malwarebytes (which usually reported malicious attacks a few times a day) had stopped reporting attacks. I checked the logs on the Norton Core, and sure enough, it had been stopping everything before it even got into the network. However, after about 4 days, I had a problem where one of my devices lost its internet connection. It was still connected to the router, and other devices that were connected still had outside access, but nothing I did would allow the problem device to get back to the internet. I wound up having to reboot the router. Then a few days after that, all outside access dropped. I rebooted the router, all the devices reconnected, but there was still no internet access. This time I had to reboot the modem as well. About four days later, this happened again, and I decided to contact Norton support. I was told there was a problem with the Core trying to regain an IP if the ISP issued an IPv6 address instead of IPv4. However, while trying to gain access to the router logs, the unit became unresponsive so the CSR said there was probably a hardware issue as well and I was sent a new one. Once I received the new one, I had to call support again, because my account wouldn't allow me to activate the new router. It was never explained why this was the case, but they got it activated and I was also told that the IPv6 issue had been resolved with an update. The new router has been up for a little over a week with no issues. One thing that I saw as both as a pro and a con, is that after the first year, you have to commit to a $10/month 'contract' with Norton, or the router simply becomes a hi-end router without all of the extra benefits. I'm used to spending less than half of that amount for a yearly subscription to put another product on all my devices, so I'm not sure what I'll do at the end of the free year. Overall, the Norton Core router does what it's supposed to; it stops attacks before they even get into your network. I would definitely recommend this router, but only after disclosing the $10/month fee that kicks in after the first year.

We’ll start with the unboxing. It’s similar to unboxing a “fruit company’s” Wifi router. Remove the sleeve, pull off the box from the base and the unit is nicely poised for display. The setup was easy and flawless. All the ports are in a recessed cavity on the bottom. They are a little tight for those with thick fingers. But I didn’t have much trouble at all. I appreciate the style of the device and the relevant but not obtrusive bottom light ring. It provides feedback on status of the device, without blasting you with way too bright blue LED’s that seem so common these days. Connect using the included ethernet cable to your modem or combo CPE from your provider, connect the power and the ring on the base begins to pulse. Download the app, iOS or Android, and within 3-5 minutes you’re on your way. The downside is the same as with setting up ANY new WiFi router….you have to update all of your WiFi devices (including IoT devices) with the new credentials before you can begin using it. Oddly though, I have two TP-Link switched plugs. One seemed to automatically update from my phone, but the other did not. My first bit of testing was just about the speed. I have tried a few other WiFi routers and mesh systems and usually been disappointed. More often than not, the WiFi on the router provided by AT&T would be much faster. But that’s not the case with the Norton Core. I compared the speed in many areas of my home including some areas that were particularly hard to reach like the garage. The Core punched through with better speed on every occasion. Usually resulting in an increase of 5-10 Mbit/sec. As a WiFi router alone, I’m very impressed. But part of the draw is the packet inspection and filtering so I had to give it a try. So I had to look for places where intrusions are often found. After some Googling, I attempted to access some nefarious sites on a sandbox machine just in case something got through. The Core did a good job at detecting and filtering the trojans and drive bys. It didn’t catch quite all, as evidence by the activation and alerts from my security software installed on the PC. But I think that it’s a good second layer to help block infections before they actually make it to the PC level. And since security software on most mobile devices is often painful and slow, this provides a good first line of defense for those, and also all of your IoT devices. But the other features are what I found most useful. The Core app allows you to set rules for devices, decide what devices are allowed to connect and also has a convenient master “pause” button when you want to be sure that the youngins are not surfing during mealtime or when they should really be asleep. Also useful when you want to be sure that you’re spouse is really listening without distraction. LOL With an MSRP of $199.99 it’s towards the upper end for WiFi routers. But when you consider the features, design, app and speed it’s not too hard to justify. Though when considering cost, it would be a lot more palatable if it were about 50% of that price. Since to maintain the filtering and security features beyond the first year, you have to pay for a subscription which runs $99.00 per year. I’m not sure if those features will be enough to justify the cost one year down the road, but even if I decide not to continue the subscription, I would still have an excellent WiFi router with greater range, coverage and speed than most other routers on the market.

The Norton Core combines two important things: a high performance Wi-Fi router and enterprise level security. Performance has been great and the Core includes some powerful features not found in other devices. Installation was easy and took about 20 minutes, with a short hiccup requiring a reboot. Setup was designed for normal people and was much faster than other routers I've used--though you will need to be able to hook up any wires. It blocks malicious sites and and scans network traffic just like advanced enterprise systems. I even get notifications on my phone when anyone accesses a risky site. One important distinction to understand is that this device was designed so average users can implement a high-end solution. They spent a lot of time thinking about how to secure home networks without IT support. Tech geeks who want to spend time digging through detailed screens and doing everything themselves will be disappointed. Think of it as Apple vs Android. Give up some flexibility in exchange simplicity and elegance. After I adjusted to more limited control, I realized I enjoyed having a reliable system that does not require a system administrator to manage it. Now I have time for other hobbies. There were a few limitations in the initial release mentioned by others, but they've been addressed through updates. That brings up an important feature, automatic firmware updates. Since unapplied patches are responsible for many major and minor breaches, the ability to self update when new fixes come out is huge. In summary, it's attractive enough to leave where guests can see it, fast enough to power the whole family, and secure enough to keep your insecure IoT devices from hackers.