NORDLAYER REVIEW: THE IDEAL VPN FOR THE WORKPLACE
In today’s world of zero trust, a secure connection is a top priority. This is extremely important when navigating through a public network. This can be achieved using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). They are a great addition to the web security architecture of an organization. Companies use VPNs to establish connections between their remote resources and local networks. Nordlayer VPN is one of the ideal VPN options. It was formerly called NordVPN Teams. It works well for companies of all sizes; Large-sized and small-sized.
What is NordLayer?
NordLayer is deemed an enterprise-centered network tool with high functionality, ease of usage and boasts a host of features. One of which is its business VPN manager. This feature allows admins to manage different VPNs in a team. From the admin console, admins can monitor employees currently using the VPN. They can also know which gateways they are linked to. This feature also means individual team members can’t set up their personal networks with NordLayer. Admins can also add or remove users. The VPN is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
NordLayer Features
It can be operational on six devices at the same time. This is possible due to its Smart Remote Access feature, which guarantees uninterrupted connection and communication between devices. The devices can be connected to the VPN without needing to sign in on each device. There is also the option of transferable licenses. This ensures that admins can switch team members easily. For large-sized companies with more than one team, NordLayer allows setting up VPN groups using separate gateways for each group.
The registration and installation process of Nordlayer is secured. A company sends out the download link to a team member via email. After download, the installation proceeds seamlessly. Registration is complete when the team member is confirmed by the administrator. Nordlayer employs two-factor authentication. In signing in, users have the option of either inputting their username and password or doing a single sign-in from Google, Microsoft, Azure, or OneLogin.
NordLayer also provides protection against Malware attacks, a kill switch, a fast-paced connection, and AES-256 encryption on every data exchange.
Being a business-oriented VPN, billing on NordLayer is centralized. In this billing method, only the admin receives the invoice irrespective of the number of connected users.
NordLayer is the best suited for business organizations.
NordLayer Price
Pricing in NordLayer is clear-cut. This makes it easy to select the option most appropriate for you. Unlike most VPN providers, only the admin buys the plan. There are only two payment plans you can pick from.
Basic: The total cost for this plan is $9 per user for a single month. If you are paying for a full year, the monthly cost is revised to $7 per user. The benefits offered by this plan include a Full VPN, core dashboard, and management features. Others include round-the-clock customer support, two-factor authentication, and a single sign-on option.
Advanced: The total cost for this plan is $11 per user for a single month or $9 per user for a single month on the single-year payment plan. This plan offers the same benefits as the basic plan. In addition, the advanced plan provides a biometric sign-in feature, standby account manager, an option of purchasing dedicated servers, Smart Remote Access, IP allow listing, and technical support.
NordLayer Servers & Location
The VPN boasts of over 30 server locations around the world. Both shared, and dedicated servers are provided by NordLayer. A dedicated server has the added security benefits of custom domain name service (DNS), whitelisting as well as dedicated IP address.
NordLayer servers are found in the following countries:
- US
- UK
- UAE
- France
- Hungary
- India
- Ireland
- Bulgaria
- Austria
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- Italy
- Lithuania
- Netherlands
- Mexico
- Portugal
- Serbia
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Turkey
- Switzerland
- Australia
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Germany
- Israel
- Japan
- Spain
- Brazil
- Belgium
- Hong Kong
- Sweden
- Poland
- South Korea
- Norway
- South Africa
- Singapore
In countries such as Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Lithuania as well as India, only dedicated servers are available.
NordLayer Speed
NordLayer processes data transactions at an average rate of 200-300 Mbps. It can operate at speeds of up to 800Mbps. This places NordLayer in the class of highly efficient and top-performing VPNs. Compared to NordVPN, NordLayer has a significantly higher work rate.
NordLayer doesn’t provide free trials; however, users are allowed to experience the software within a 14-day window. During this period, users enjoy all features irrespective of their payment plan. Users are also assured of being refunded their money if unsatisfied at the end of the 14-day window.
NordLayer adopts a Secure Access Service Edge(SASE). Using this protocol, companies can set up secure connections for a host of data sources and endpoints. In addition to this, SASE supports Firewall as a Service (FWaas), Endpoint Security, Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), Cloud Access Service Broker (CASB), and Secure Web Gateway (SWG).
If you intend to shore up protection without having to deal with very technical and time-consuming steps, NordLayer is your best option. It can be operated by end users with ease. It is simple, effective, and ideal for remote work.
For added protection, NordLayer is one VPN to have on board.
