Evaluation: 
Conclusion: Works Great -
Review: I decided I needed a firewall and the FVS318 worked right out of the box. No issues, except that I needed to rename the IP address on my Qwest DSL modem. This wasn't a NETGEAR problem, but it was kind of hard to figure out since NETGEAR had no help for hooking up to a Qwest DSL modem. Qwest was totally unhelpful.
So if it looks like the Firewall isn't finding the internet, check your DSL modem IP address it probably is identical to the NETGEAR firewall.
Haven't tried the VPN and probably will not try it.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Good product
Review:
The Neatgear FVS318 firewall is a good product. Worked right away and keeps on. No problems.
Evaluation: 
Conclusion: BEWARE - Used to love it until I got a faster internet connection
Review: I have had this for years (the v3), it has run solid as a rock. Setting up static IP routes for Network storage and network printers is a breeze, I used reserved IPs for almost everything on my network and this handles everything you can throw at it. Has been great for a small business, the firewall is solid as well.
Now to the reason I am shopping for its replacement. My internet connection used to top out at 5Mbs and this could handle it fine, however in our area we have now been able to upgrade to an 18Mbs connection, which this cannot handle. The thoroughput on this unit tops at just under 7Mbs, bypassing it and going straight to a cpu hits 18Mbs. It's a shame that this unit is just too slow to handle higher speeds as the world is headed that way.
If you have fast connection or plan to get one you have to avoid this unit as it just can't keep up, which is a shame because that is really its only drawback. If they come out with an updated version of this that can handle my connection I'd switch back, but for now looks like I am headed for the Dlink DGL-4100 as I am told by coworkers who have it that it handles the speed. If that one does or does not work with higher speeds I will put in a review of that one after I try it.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: A very good product, but the VPN is difficult for those with no patience.
Review: I have 4 FVS318 (2) v.1, (1) v.2, (1)v.3. I have never had any problem with these routers ever. I use PPPOE and static IP address. They are very stable and are physically durable. My connection is below 5MB, so I cannot attest to any speed problem.
The VPN can be difficult, but Netgear has documentation to solve this. The problem, is rushing through the set-up. I find that you need be calm and completely forget what you know (or think you know) and follow line-by-line, like an idiot (VPN for dummies), and take the baby steps with Netgear help documentation.
Then it will work! And it will work well.
I have used the (2) v.1 since they came out several years ago. It was one of the first (cheaper) router with SPI.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Do not buy if you have a high speed connection
Review: This router is nothing but slow. If you look at Netgears website and the technical specifications, which aren't listed on the box. This router supports a maximum LAN to WAN throughput of 12.5Mbps and 1.2Mbps with 3DES (VPN). I never got far enough to test the VPN, but I was only able to get about 8Mbps on the WAN. Removing this router and going straight to my cable modem I get 15Mpbs.
This router has no place in today's high speed broadband connection world. If you're desperate for a VPN router, spend a little more and get something that's going to work. This is just a waste of money.
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