We use Cisco IOS SSL VPN to connect to our servers. Our local IT team and vendors use the solution to connect to our servers.
Group IT Manager at a financial services firm with 51-200 employees
A stable and easy-to-deploy solution that can be used to connect to servers
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable, and once we connect, we don't face any issues and can do our work."
- "Cisco IOS SSL VPN doesn't support the configuration of multiple VPNs."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable, and once we connect, we don't face any issues and can do our work. We also have integrated a multifactor authentication called Cisco Duo.
What needs improvement?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN doesn't support the configuration of multiple VPNs.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for three years.
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Cisco IOS SSL VPN
February 2026
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Around five users are using Cisco IOS SSL VPN in our organization. The solution is extensively used as our vendors continuously use it on a daily basis. I use the solution when I'm outside the office.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of Cisco IOS SSL VPN is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
The solution was deployed in our organization through an in-house team. Cisco IOS SSL VPN's deployment was quite fast. However, deploying Cisco Duo took some time because the vendor had to call us, and then we had to arrange to share the password on a phone call.
Initially, we received an email from the vendor mentioning the URL of our server. The domain and the port were mentioned, and then we had to allow that in our network. Once we allowed it in our network, we had to install Cisco's client. They had given us a link for downloading it. After downloading it, we had to deploy it on whichever PCs were responsible for connecting to the network.
What was our ROI?
We have seen a return on investment with Cisco IOS SSL VPN because it comes with a lot of security and networking bundled in one package.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN comes with a cost-effective subscription. For example, we got around 25 licenses with the solution.
What other advice do I have?
I am using the latest version of Cisco IOS SSL VPN.
A normal person with some networking knowledge can deploy and maintain Cisco IOS SSL VPN because it's not that complicated.
Cisco is one of the best solutions as far as routing and networking are concerned. Cisco still has some configurations to be done using the command line interface (CLI). That is a challenge if you are not familiar with CLI. The GUI interface is quite simple, and it's evolved from what it was earlier. It's good from the security point of view that you need to do those configurations using CLI.
Overall, I rate Cisco IOS SSL VPN an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Consultant at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Reliable and secure with a quick setup process
Pros and Cons
- "It is stable."
- "The product costs a lot of money."
What is our primary use case?
Currently, we are working from home, so we don't need to go to the office. Therefore, we need a way to connect to the company and for that, we need to use Cisco VPNs.
What is most valuable?
From a data security point of view, the solution is very good. We get good connectivity. Our privacy is protected. No one can come in and disturb the data.
The product has been easy to install. The process is very quick. You just enter your username and password in order to connect and start using it. It's very user-friendly.
It is stable.
What needs improvement?
I'm not well-versed in VPNs. However, this solution does make me feel like I am secure.
The product costs a lot of money.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for the past two and a half years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's quite stable. We haven't come across many glitches on the system.
How are customer service and support?
I've never had to contact technical support. I can't speak to how helpful or responsive they would be.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I'm not sure if the company has ever used a different VPN previously.
How was the initial setup?
The implementation process is very simple and straightforward. We just downloaded a script. The standard operating procedure was all there, and we just followed the steps. It was easy to download to our machines to begin using it.
The deployment and fast. Downloading and installing it takes about 45 minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
My understanding is that this product is a bit more expensive.
What other advice do I have?
We're customers and end-users.
I'm not sure which version of the solution I'm using.
I'd recommend the solution to others as it is safe and secure and makes it easy to connect. Even in environments that have low data or slower internet connection, it works well.
I'd rat the solution nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Cisco IOS SSL VPN
February 2026
Learn what your peers think about Cisco IOS SSL VPN. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2026.
881,757 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Network Operations Coordinator at a comms service provider with 5,001-10,000 employees
A stable and scalable solution for VPN dial-up with easy setup
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution as a VPN dial-up. That's all. We are working from home or anywhere else from the office. We connect using the VPN.
What needs improvement?
The scanning part is one of the key features that Cisco should provide. Secondly, FortiClient has more features than Cisco. FortiClient allows you to connect their VPN over any machine. We can change the FortiGate firewall, but we need a separate license in Cisco.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for a year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
You have to purchase SSL for every VPN license from the vendor side. Everything depends upon the licensing.
3000 people are using this solution. There is a hybrid model in my company. Most of the employees work from home, or company or country. They are connected over the SSL VPN.
I rate the solution’s scalability a ten out of ten.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have also worked with the FortiClient. FortiClient is much more versatile, easy to configure, and is more functional.
How was the initial setup?
The solution setup is easy for everyone. We must run the platform and upload the configuration file to every agent installed on the system. Every agent is easier to proceed.
What other advice do I have?
When I was in Pakistan, my company used Cisco products and the firewall. The ransomware came into our environment and breached the Cisco firewall. It passed along the Cisco firewall and then ran CMC connections. With respect to reliability, I rate it around seven.
Overall, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
IT Director at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
A tool that is easy to use and manage network connectivity and network infrastructure
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features of the solution are its ease of use, management, and support."
- "The only issue with Cisco IOS SSL VPN is on the price point. Price is an area of the solution where improvements are required."
What is our primary use case?
I use Cisco IOS SSL VPN in my company for network connectivity and, in general, for our network infrastructure.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of the solution are its ease of use, management, and support.
What needs improvement?
The only issue with Cisco IOS SSL VPN is on the price point. Price is an area of the solution where improvements are required.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for a few years. I don't have the details of the version of the solution I use.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution.
Around 100 to 200 people in my company use the product.
How was the initial setup?
The product's initial setup is not that hard.
The time taken for the solution's deployment depends on why you need it.
The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.
What about the implementation team?
I can manage the solution's deployment process by myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
My company makes payments on a quarterly basis to the vendor to cover the licensing costs attached to the product. Cisco IOS SSL VPN is an expensive product. There are no additional costs apart from the licensing costs attached to the product.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
During the evaluation process, my company did look at products from HP. My company chose Cisco over HP since it is a well-known product and a good solution provider.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Cisco IOS SSL VPN to those who plan to use it.
I rate the overall tool an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Integrated with SSO and MFA and helps with mobility
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco IOS SSL VPN is integrated with domain controller, SSO and MFA."
- "The solution needs to integrate password-less technology so that you don't have to remember passwords each time that you log in, which is otherwise tedious. We should be able to log in as long as our system is connected to the internet."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for mobility and remote access.
What is most valuable?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is integrated with domain controller, SSO and MFA.
What needs improvement?
The solution needs to integrate password-less technology so that you don't have to remember passwords each time that you log in, which is otherwise tedious. We should be able to log in as long as our system is connected to the internet.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable but takes time to troubleshoot.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The tool is scalable, but scalability depends on your licensing. My company has about 10,000 users for Cisco IOS SSL VPN.
How are customer service and support?
We work closely with the tech support team whenever there is an issue. They are very supportive and cooperative. They are fantastic in terms of skill.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The tool's installation is complicated and depends on how you want to do it. Our environment needs to support a large number of users. We had a complicated design. Product troubleshooting is difficult. The overall deployment took three to five months to complete.
What other advice do I have?
You need a stable infrastructure for the tool's deployment if you have many users. You need reports to be ready before the deployment. I rate the solution a ten out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Management Consultant at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
Provides efficient connectivity and has a simple configuration process
Pros and Cons
- "Cisco IOS SSL VPN provides fast connectivity and the option to connect through multiple servers."
- "The product's RPA tools need enhancement for simplified business process automation."
What is our primary use case?
We use the product to connect to remote computers securely.
What is most valuable?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN provides fast connectivity and the option to connect through multiple servers. We connect to any nearer server while working in any specific geographical area.
What needs improvement?
It is challenging to automate processes in a VPN. The product's RPA tools need enhancement for simplified business process automation. Its design could be more user-friendly.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Cisco IOS SSL VPN for two to three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The platform has good stability. However, we get logged out of a session if we don't use it for a long time. Otherwise, it works fine.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Earlier, we connected the VPN using a traditional two-factor authentication method, likely using hardware tokens or a similar mechanism. In comparison, Cisco IOS SSL VPN provides a simpler username and password-based authentication.
How was the initial setup?
The platform is simple to configure. The deployment process involves the installation of virtual machines and accessing credentials for the users. Configuring the machines becomes easier if the clients provide access to their user accounts.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the product in-house with the help of our technical team.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Cisco IOS SSL VPN and rate it a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
DevOps consultant with 51-200 employees
A scalable and stable solution that is easy to deploy and maintain
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very stable."
- "The product’s dashboard is not good enough."
What is our primary use case?
I use the solution for remote access to the company’s resources.
What is most valuable?
Overall, Cisco IOS is a great solution.
What needs improvement?
The product’s dashboard is not good enough.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is great. Almost 500 people in our organization are using the solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is not very complicated for people who are familiar with the solution.
What about the implementation team?
To deploy the product, we must acquire the equipment and have the license to use it. We need one IT engineer to deploy and maintain the solution.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay a yearly licensing fee for the product. The licensing fee is expensive.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I rate the product an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Director at a comms service provider with 1,001-5,000 employees
Immediate deployment, excellent software, and highly stable
Pros and Cons
- "I have found that Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable."
- "The company sets the policies for the default location, and destination, which the VPN connects. If there is a problem with one of those locations, which happens sometimes when I travel I need to have an option to select a different available location. Currently, I am unable to see that from a user's point of view."
What is our primary use case?
I use it for dialing into the corporate network.
What is most valuable?
I have found that it works well. I am able to connect it to the corporate network. I can also access it outside of my corporate network, so it does both.
What needs improvement?
The company sets the policies for the default location, and destination, which the VPN connects. If there is a problem with one of those locations, which happens sometimes when I travel I need to have an option to select a different available location. Currently, I am unable to see that from a user's point of view.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this virtual private network for the past six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I have found that Cisco IOS SSL VPN is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN is scalable and we have more than one thousand users.
How are customer service and support?
I have not had to use technical support.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was easy and straightforward. They give you a link to download the application. You download from the link and installation takes place immediately.
What other advice do I have?
Cisco IOS SSL VPN Is a good solution. They use an open SSL framework and VPN. The software is excellent. I would rate Cisco IOS SSL VPN a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Private Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: February 2026
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