The year 2024 brings a glut of cybersecurity risks for the everyday tech user to grapple with. As we become more capable of shielding our networks from penetration, the hackers and cyber-criminals of the world escalate the sophistication of their methods. For the average person, the network firewall remains a crucial linchpin for their data protection efforts.
There are numerous advanced yet affordable network security appliances ranging in price from $388 to $1,000+ that can protect you, your family, and all those with whom you connect - personally and professionally.
A lot can be said about firewalls. We will focus on performance because it is the biggest factor that sets this class of product apart from more commonly used consumer-grade alternatives. A note on performance: vendors may base throughput claims on IPerf or IMIX, and it’s not always stated which standard is being used. IMIX is a more realistic measure than IPerf. So as you delve in, check the vendor’s fine print for details. We will assume most users interested in this article have an internet connection advertised at somewhere between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps.
Here are five popular options we think buyers often consider.
The Netgate 4200 security appliance is a potent and adaptable tool for safeguarding small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and branch offices. Equipped with highly performant hardware and cutting-edge pfSense Plus software, it handles the firewall, routing, and VPN demands of prosumers with ease.
Unparalleled Performance and Flexibility
The 4200 boasts exceptional performance thanks to its 4-core Intel Atom C1110 CPU, achieving significant speed improvements in routing, firewall processing, and VPN encryption compared to previous generations. This translates to real-world benefits like faster data transfer rates and smoother network operation.
The four unswitched 2.5 GbE WAN/LAN ports provide unmatched flexibility for network configuration. You can use them for various purposes, such as creating segregated networks, establishing high-bandwidth internet connections, or connecting multiple devices at high speeds.
The Netgate 4200 is designed for performance and versatility, capable of offering 9.28 Gbps of routing speed, 3.21 Gbps of firewall throughput, and up to 1.05 Gbps of IPsec VPN throughput (IMIX).
pfSense Plus Software: Comprehensive Security Features
The pfSense Plus software on the Netgate 4200 offers a comprehensive suite of features to secure your network. These features include:
pfSense Plus software is also available on the AWS and Azure cloud platforms.
The Cisco Firepower 1010 is a next-generation firewall specifically designed for small businesses and branch offices, focusing on hardware efficiency and scalability. In terms of hardware specifications, the device includes eight RJ-45 ports, two PoE+ ports, one 1000BASE-T port, one Serial console port, and one USB port.
The 1010 model is built with a throughput capacity that can handle the demands of small business networks. It offers 890 Mbps of Firewall throughput and 400 Mbps of IPsec VPN throughput.
Compact and rack-mountable, the Firepower 1010 is designed for easy deployment in various environments. Its robust hardware and scalable performance make it a versatile and reliable choice for businesses needing advanced security with a focus on speed and connectivity.
As a part of the Cisco Firepower 1000 Series, it offers comprehensive security with advanced threat defense capabilities. The 1010 model features integrated intrusion detection and prevention, advanced malware protection, and URL filtering, effectively guarding against various cyber threats. It's engineered to provide high performance with low latency, ensuring network efficiency is maintained. The firewall is user-friendly, offering simplified management through the Cisco Firepower Management Center or Cisco Defense Orchestrator, which allows for easy policy management and detailed reporting. The Firepower 1010 also integrates with Cisco's Threat Intelligence Director, using varied intelligence sources to enhance its threat detection and response capabilities. This combination of advanced security features, high performance, and ease of management makes the Cisco Firepower 1010 an excellent choice for small businesses looking for reliable network protection to protect against data breaches.
The list price of the Firepower 1010 is $1,413.55. Additional licensing and support costs may apply throughout the life of the product.
The Fortinet FortiGate 30E is a network security appliance for home users and prosumers, featuring integrated firewall, VPN, intrusion prevention, and web filtering capabilities. It includes one Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 WAN port and four Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 LAN ports for connectivity. In terms of firewall and VPN speeds, the FortiGate 30E supports up to 950 Mbps firewall throughput and 75 Mbps VPN throughput.
The FortiGate 30E integrates multiple security functions into one device powered by Fortinet's Security Processing Unit (SPU). It offers comprehensive visibility and consistent security across all network assets, with effective protection against network vulnerabilities and the ability to block threats in decrypted traffic, including TLS 1.3. The device's advanced threat protection is enhanced by AI-driven FortiGuard Labs. Additionally, its Secure SD-WAN feature ensures reliable application performance, simplified cloud access, and robust network resilience. Management is streamlined through FortiManager, offering both real-time and historical analytics for network monitoring.
The list price of the FortiGate 30E with a 1-year software license and support is $388. Additional licensing and support costs may apply throughout the life of the product.
The WatchGuard Firebox T45 is a compact yet powerful firewall solution. It stands out for its hardware capabilities, featuring a range of ports to accommodate diverse network requirements. It has five 1GbE RJ45 connectors, supporting 1000 Base-TX (10/100/1000Mbps), 2 USB 3.0 ports (Type-A), and 1 RJ45 Serial Port.The device supports 2x2 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 dual-band radios. In terms of firewall and VPN speeds, the Firebox T45 can provide up to 1.44 Gbps of firewall throughput and 460 Mbps of IPsec VPN throughput (IMIX).
The Firebox T45 offers advanced features for network protection. It includes a stateful packet inspection firewall that scrutinizes network traffic in detail, ensuring only legitimate traffic passes through. Its capability to decrypt TLS-encrypted data allows for thorough inspection of secure traffic. The T45 also functions as a proxy firewall, adding an extra layer of security between users and the internet. It supports a range of application proxies for protocols like HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, DNS, and more, ensuring secure and efficient internet usage. Additionally, the device is equipped to protect against various cyber threats, including DoS attacks, fragmented and malformed packets, and blended threats that use multiple techniques. Finally, it offers filtering options like Browser Safe Search and integration with Google for Business, enhancing safe and productive internet usage.
The list price of the WatchGuard Firebox T45 with a 1-yr Basic Security Suite is $906.98 on Amazon. Additional licensing and support costs may apply throughout the life of the product.
The Sophos XGS 87 is a high-performance firewall appliance. The device offers a firewall throughput of 3.85 Gbps, TLS inspection of 375 Mbps, and IPSec VPN throughput of 3 Gbps. The XGS 87 has five fixed Ethernet interfaces (4 x GE copper and 1 x SFP Fiber). It also includes management interfaces (1 x COM RJ45 and 1 x COM Micro-USB) and other I/O interfaces (1 x USB 2.0 front and 1 x USB 3.0 rear).
The Sophos XGS 87 Firewall offers powerful protection and performance for prosumers. It addresses the challenge of encrypted web traffic with TLS 1.3 inspection, ensuring efficient and effective inspection of encrypted traffic without compromising performance. It includes deep packet inspection (DPI) for scanning traffic for threats without slowing down the process. The firewall also accelerates trusted business application traffic, reducing latency and optimizing performance. With integrated SD-WAN capabilities, it provides performance-based link selection, load balancing, and seamless transitions between links during disruptions. Sophos Central, the cloud management platform, simplifies firewall management, reporting, and zero-touch deployment. It also offers synchronized security features for threat detection and automatic response, enhancing network security.
The list price of the XGS 87 with 1-year Standard Protection is $713.93 on Amazon. Additional licensing and support costs may apply throughout the life of the product.
Prosumers need firewall solutions that give them more authority over setup and that are better adapted to their internet speed - an area deftly located between the lightweight configuration for the home user and one for businesses. Also, the devices should be quiet, as well as affordable. There are a large number of firewalls available that meet this criteria. The five network firewalls that we examined in this blog post come from a range of vendors who offer solutions at different price points.
These devices occupy the space between consumer-grade and commercial-grade. Each could be a good choice for a prosumer. There are some things to take into consideration. For example, you could end up pay high prices either up front or on an ongoing basis if there are additional software licensing fees. On the other hand, if you cheap out entirely, you might not achieve the performance goals that you need.
Examine each of these potential solutions closely so you can make the best possible choice for your specific needs. If you do that, your network will be both safe and high-performing.
Looking for the best firewall for your small business? Check out our article 5 Best Firewalls for Small Businesses in 2024.
Looking for the best firewall for working from home? Check out our article 5 Popular Work-From-Home Network Firewalls for 2024.
Firewalls are not becoming obsolete; rather, their role is evolving with advancing technology. They remain a fundamental component of network security, adapting to new challenges such as cloud computing, mobile devices, and sophisticated cyber threats, as well as new network security frameworks such as the zero trust model. Modern firewalls are more advanced, integrating with other security measures and providing deeper network insights to effectively protect against complex and evolving threats.
The best next-gen firewall (NGFW) varies based on specific needs and network environments. Popular choices include Fortinet FortiGate for its high performance and scalability and Cisco Firepower for its integration capabilities and robust management tools. Each of these NGFWs offers advanced features like application awareness, integrated intrusion prevention systems, and threat intelligence, catering to different requirements and budgets.
The best firewalls are properly configured and tailored to the specific needs of their network environments. Hardware firewalls, like those from Netgate or Fortinet, are highly effective security tools for robust, enterprise-level security. For individual users or smaller networks, software firewalls integrated into antivirus and anti-malware programs or operating systems can provide sufficient protection. The key to firewall effectiveness lies in regular updates, correct configuration, and integration into a broader security strategy.
The security level of a firewall largely depends on its configuration and the environment in which it's deployed. Hardware-based firewalls, often used in business settings, are generally considered more secure due to their dedicated resources and comprehensive network coverage. However, the most secure firewall is one that is properly configured, regularly updated, and part of a layered security approach that includes both hardware and software security solutions tailored to specific needs.