Vigor3912 vs. Vigor3912S: Which Router is Best Suited for Your Business Needs? 

Businesses heavily rely on internet connectivity and secure networks, making the choice of the right router critical for ensuring efficiency and high performance. Modn Telecom, a leading provider of telecommunications and networking solutions, offers its customers advanced router options from DrayTek, with DrayTek Vigor3912 and DrayTek Vigor3912S being among the most prominent. Both routers are specifically designed for high-bandwidth-demand networks, offering advanced features in performance, security, and management. 

Overview of DrayTek Vigor3912 

DrayTek Vigor3912 is a high-performance multi-WAN router designed for large and medium-sized networks that require high speeds and continuous stability. It is equipped with a quad-core processor running at 2 GHz, supported by 8 GB of RAM, enabling it to handle heavy traffic without performance degradation. The router features 8 configurable WAN/LAN ports, plus 4 fixed LAN ports, with support for 2 10G SFP+ ports for fiber optic connections, 2 2.5G Ethernet ports, and 4 1G Ethernet ports. 

These ports offer significant configuration flexibility, as some can be converted to WAN to support up to 8 simultaneous internet connections, improving the router’s ability to perform load balancing and provide failover in case of connection disruptions. 

In terms of performance, the Vigor3912 achieves a total NAT throughput of up to 15.6 Gbps, with support for 1 million NAT sessions, making it suitable for networks with over 500 users. For VPN capabilities, it supports up to 500 concurrent VPN tunnels (LAN-to-LAN and Remote Access), with speeds of up to 5 Gbps for IPSec and 3.5 Gbps for SSL VPN, making it ideal for businesses relying on remote work or inter-branch connectivity. It also includes advanced security features such as an SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) firewall, content filtering, and DoS attack protection, along with QoS (Quality of Service) for prioritizing traffic, ensuring smooth performance for critical applications like video conferencing or VoIP. 

For management, the router supports the VigorACS centralized management system, allowing remote monitoring and configuration. It also includes a USB port for connecting a 3G/4G modem as a backup and supports up to 100 VLAN subnets. These features make the DrayTek Vigor3912 a robust and cost-effective choice for businesses seeking a reliable solution, particularly in environments requiring high performance without the need for additional internal storage or specialized applications. 

Overview of DrayTek Vigor3912S 

DrayTek Vigor3912S is an enhanced version of the Vigor3912, with additions that make it more suitable for advanced networks requiring extra software capabilities. It shares the same quad-core 2 GHz processor and 8 GB of RAM but stands out with an integrated 256 GB SSD and 8 GB of DDR4 to support running Linux applications via Docker. This SSD enables the router to host external applications, expanding its functionality beyond that of a traditional router. 

It retains the same port configuration: 2x 10G SFP+, 2x 2.5G Ethernet, 4x 1G Ethernet, with the ability to configure up to 8 WAN connections. Performance is similar, with NAT throughput reaching 12 Gbps or more, support for 500 VPN tunnels, and VPN speeds of up to 5 Gbps for IPSec and 3 Gbps for SSL. However, the Vigor3912S excels in advanced security with support for Suricata, a Linux-based Intrusion Detection System (IDS), offering features such as protocol transaction monitoring, network flow logging, PCAP logging, file extraction, automatic blocking, and web notifications. This makes it ideal for businesses facing advanced security threats. 

Additionally, it supports other Docker applications like Ubuntu or VigorConnect, allowing for greater network customization, such as adding monitoring or management tools. Management is similar, with support for VigorACS, along with features like QoS, VLANs, and content filtering. DrayTek Vigor3912S is particularly suitable for businesses looking to integrate open-source software solutions without requiring additional hardware, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency. 

Key Specifications Comparison 

From the table, it’s clear that both routers are similar in their core features, but the Vigor3912S stands out with its ability to run additional applications thanks to the SSD, providing added value for networks requiring advanced security or customization. For example, in environments prone to frequent attacks, Suricata on the Vigor3912S can detect threats in real-time, while the Vigor3912 relies on its built-in core features. 

In terms of performance, both routers support large networks, but the Vigor3912 may be slightly better in scenarios requiring higher NAT speeds without the need for storage. For VPN, both are equal, supporting OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec, ensuring secure connections for remote employees. Security-wise, both offer robust protection, but the Vigor3912S adds an extra layer with its IDS, which can log flows and extract suspicious files, aiding in security investigations. 

Use Cases and Business Benefits 

When considering your business needs, the DrayTek Vigor3912 is suitable for medium-sized businesses focused on fast and reliable connectivity, such as offices relying on the internet for daily operations, e-commerce, or cloud services. For example, in a company with multiple branches, it can be used for load balancing across different internet connections, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity. It’s also ideal for networks with IoT devices, as it supports VLANs to segment networks and prevent interference. 

DrayTek Vigor3912S, on the other hand, is better suited for larger businesses or those facing advanced security challenges, such as banks, hospitals, or tech companies. With its SSD, it can run Suricata for network monitoring against intrusions or add applications like VigorConnect for managing connected devices. In remote work scenarios, it provides additional security through automatic threat detection, protecting sensitive data. Both routers support compatibility with VigorCare for technical support, ensuring easy maintenance. 

A key benefit of both routers, in the context of Modn Telecom, is their ability to support high-bandwidth networks, helping customers achieve a high return on investment. For example, in an environment with over 500 users, both routers can handle traffic seamlessly while offering features like content filtering to block inappropriate content, enhancing compliance with internal policies. 

Conclusion 

The choice between DrayTek Vigor3912 and DrayTek Vigor3912S depends on your business’s unique needs. If you’re looking for a powerful, cost-effective router for general performance, the Vigor3912 delivers everything you need. However, if your network requires advanced security features and support for customized applications, the Vigor3912S is the optimal choice. 

Modn Telecom is committed to providing the best solutions, and you can contact us for a consultation to determine the right router for you. Remember, the goal is to build a robust network that supports your business’s growth, and both routers are capable of achieving that effectively.