Why It’s Time to Upgrade from DrayTek End-of-Life Routers to WatchGuard’s Next-Generation Firewalls & Fireboxes
As IT support London professionals, Speedster IT has consistently emphasised to our clients the importance of secure and reliable network infrastructure for businesses.
With several DrayTek routers reaching their end-of-life (EoL), the risks of continuing to use outdated devices are too significant to ignore.
Without firmware updates or security patches, these routers become prime targets for cyberattacks, placing your business at risk.
Our advice? Now is the time to transition to modern solutions, such as WatchGuard’s next-generation firewalls, to protect your network and business operations.
The Risks of Using End-of-Life DrayTek Routers
At Speedster IT, we’ve seen first-hand the challenges businesses face when relying on unsupported hardware.
DrayTek has officially discontinued support for several router models, leaving them vulnerable to security breaches, ransomware attacks, and system failures.
Cybercriminals actively exploit these vulnerabilities, and businesses and homeowners must act decisively to safeguard their networks.
Below is a detailed list of DrayTek routers that have reached or will reach their EoL, including those lapsing in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028:
- Vigor2133 Series – End of support in April 2025
- Vigor2762 Series – End of support in May 2026
- Vigor2862 LTE Series – End of support in May 2028
- Vigor2962P – End of support in November 2028
- VigorAP 710 – End of support in March 2025
- VigorAP 960C – End of support in December 2027
Here is a detailed list of DrayTek routers that have reached their end-of-life status already.
- Vigor3900 – End of support in March 2021
- Vigor2960 – End of support in December 2021
- Vigor2952 and Vigor2952P – End of support in April 2022
- Vigor2926 Series (including LTE models) – End of support in April 2022
- Vigor2133 Series – End of support in April 2022
- Vigor3220 – End of support in April 2022
- VigorSwitch G2500 & P2500 – End of support in January 2022
- VigorAP 710 – End of support in March 2022
- VigorSwitch G1085, P1085, P1092, and P2121 – End of support in July 2022
- VigorSwitch G2540x and P2540x – End of support in January 2023
- VigorSwitch G1280 and P1280 – End of support in February 2023
- Vigor2762 Series – End of support in May 2023
- Vigor2862 Series (including LTE models) – End of support in May 2023
- Vigor2962P – End of support in November 2023
These routers are no longer receiving firmware updates or security patches, making them vulnerable to potential cyber threats.
If your business or home is using any of these models, it’s highly recommended to consider upgrading to modern, secure alternatives.
Recent Security Vulnerabilities in DrayTek Routers
- In October 2024, 14 vulnerabilities were identified in 24 models, with one vulnerability receiving a maximum CVSS score of 10 out of 10.
- In March 2025, further vulnerabilities led to widespread issues, including unexpected disconnections and reboot loops, primarily in older router models.
These incidents highlight the critical importance of keeping firmware updated and closely monitoring your network equipment.
Why Speedster IT Recommends WatchGuard Fireboxes
From our expert perspective at Speedster IT, WatchGuard’s next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) are an ideal solution to address these modern network security challenges.
What Does a WatchGuard Firebox Do that a Normal Router does Not?
The WatchGuard Firebox series provides advanced network security solutions tailored to meet the needs of various businesses, and at Speedster IT, we recommend models designed to suit different requirements.
Small Businesses – WatchGuard Firebox T25
The WatchGuard Firebox T25 offers enterprise-grade security specifically designed for small offices and remote workers. Key features include:
- Unified Threat Management (UTM): Incorporates gateway antivirus, intrusion prevention, URL filtering, and application control to defend against sophisticated threats.
- Secure VPN Gateway: Provides centralised traffic inspection and secure remote access for distributed teams.
- Zero-Touch Deployment: Simplifies installation by allowing pre-configured devices to be delivered directly to their destination, reducing the workload for IT teams.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Works with WatchGuard’s AuthPoint to enhance security and support zero-trust policies.
- Secure SD-WAN: Optimises network performance while maintaining strong security, reducing dependency on expensive MPLS or cellular connections.
- Wi-Fi 6 Capability (optional): Delivers faster wireless connectivity and improved reliability in environments that require wireless access.
This compact yet powerful device ensures that small businesses and remote workers can maintain high levels of security without compromising performance or ease of use.
Mid-Sized Businesses – WatchGuard Firebox T45
Mid-Sized Businesses – WatchGuard Firebox T45
The WatchGuard Firebox T45 offers robust and reliable security tailored for mid-sized businesses. Its key features include:
- Enhanced Performance: Provides improved processing power to handle increased network traffic and advanced security functions.
- Unified Threat Management (UTM): Includes features such as gateway antivirus, intrusion prevention, URL filtering, and application control to protect against modern cyber threats.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE+) Capability: Supports PoE+ to simplify device connectivity and power delivery for devices such as access points or IP cameras.
- Secure SD-WAN: Optimises connectivity by balancing performance and security across multiple internet connections, making it ideal for branch offices or small retail businesses.
- VPN Support: Enables secure site-to-site and remote access VPNs for business continuity and secure remote working.
- Scalable Solution: Perfect for growing mid-sized businesses with increasing demands for bandwidth and network security.
- Zero-Touch Deployment: Simplifies setup, allowing devices to be pre-configured and easily installed without the need for on-site IT support.
The WatchGuard Firebox T45 is a versatile choice that delivers enterprise-grade security with features designed specifically for mid-sized businesses. Speedster IT ensures seamless deployment and management, providing businesses with a secure and efficient network solution.
Large Businesses – WatchGuard Firebox M290 and M390
The WatchGuard Firebox M290 and M390 models deliver enterprise-grade security with the performance and scalability required for large businesses. Key features include:
- Advanced Threat Detection: Utilises cutting-edge technologies to identify and block malware, phishing, and other sophisticated cyber threats.
- Unified Threat Management (UTM): Offers comprehensive features, including intrusion prevention, application control, data loss prevention, and gateway antivirus.
- High Bandwidth Support: Designed to handle large volumes of network traffic, making them ideal for businesses with high bandwidth requirements.
- Multi-WAN Capability: Provides redundancy and optimised internet performance by balancing traffic across multiple internet connections.
- Centralised Management: Simplifies network administration, allowing IT teams to manage security policies and monitor activity from a single interface.
- Scalable Solution: The M290 and M390 can grow with your business, accommodating increased network demands and user expansion.
- Secure VPN Solutions: Enables secure remote access for distributed teams and seamless site-to-site connectivity for multi-location enterprises.
- Cloud Integration: Compatible with cloud-based management solutions, allowing efficient oversight and access to security features from anywhere.
The WatchGuard Firebox M290 and M390 are ideal for large organisations seeking robust security and reliable performance. With Speedster IT’s expertise in deployment and ongoing support, these solutions can be tailored to meet the complex demands of large businesses.
WatchGuard Security Licences: Ensuring Continuous Protection
WatchGuard offers flexible licensing options to provide businesses with constant, up-to-date protection. Here’s a breakdown of the options and how they’re best utilised:
WatchGuard Firebox Standard Security Licence
- Includes essential security updates and features.
- Recommended only in setups with High Availability (HA), where two Fireboxes are used for redundancy.
- The secondary (passive) Firebox requires just the Standard licence, as it sits in passive mode while the primary box handles network traffic.
WatchGuard Firebox Basic Security Licence
- Provides foundational threat management tools such as gateway antivirus, intrusion prevention, and URL filtering.
- Ideal for businesses with moderate security requirements.
WatchGuard Firebox Total Security Licence
- A comprehensive package with advanced security features to protect against sophisticated cyber threats.
- Includes capabilities such as advanced threat detection and response, DNS-level protection, data loss prevention, and more.
- Recommended for primary Fireboxes, as it ensures the highest level of network protection and access to all of WatchGuard’s cutting-edge security tools.
At Speedster IT, we advise using a Total Security licence for the primary Firebox to guarantee complete, robust network protection, with a Standard licence reserved for a secondary Firebox in HA setups (High Availability).
This approach ensures your business remains secure, efficient, and prepared for evolving threats.
Here’s why we recommend them.
- Comprehensive Security: WatchGuard’s Total Security Suite provides advanced threat detection and protection against malware, phishing, and zero-day threats.
- Scalability for Growth: Whether you’re a small business or managing multiple offices, WatchGuard solutions grow with you.
- Ease of Use: With intuitive management tools, you can monitor and secure your network effortlessly.
- Proactive Protection: Upgrading to WatchGuard ensures your business is ready to tackle future security challenges.
Final Thoughts from Speedster IT
The risks associated with outdated networking hardware like DrayTek routers are too great to ignore.
At Speedster IT, we strongly advise businesses to take a proactive approach by upgrading to WatchGuard’s next-generation firewalls.
By investing in modern technology, you protect your business from vulnerabilities and ensure long-term growth and resilience.
Get in touch with us at Speedster IT if you would like to invest in your business security and purchase a WatchGuard firebox from us, we are WatchGuard experts!
0204 511 9111