A Look at Some of the Best Firewalls for Educational Institutions

By Lucas Modrall

Posted On April 15, 2025

A Look at Some of the Best Firewalls for Educational Institutions
A Look at Some of the Best Firewalls for Educational Institutions

Any reputable school, whether it’s pre-k or higher education, should consider what the best firewalls have to offer. It’s safe to assume there are a range of diverse needs related to network security in educational institutions.

Schools aside, there’s a generally growing need for more comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. Especially those that are easy to integrate, offer long-term support and have the features needed for specific environments.

While there are many aspects to network security in education, firewall solutions are a core focal point. This article takes a look at some of the best firewalls for educational institutions in our modern digital landscape.

The Importance of Firewall Tech in Education

From phishing attempts to ransomware and even DDoS attacks, schools can be a hot target for a broad range of cyber threats. You can only hope schools have IT expertise on staff, but that isn’t the case for every institution. Firewall appliances can not only prevent attacks but also provide a transparent look at network traffic, among other features.

Here are a few other reasons why firewalls matter in education:

  • Helps schools remain compliant with certain data and privacy regulations
  • Delivers support for networks that expect consistently high traffic
  • Optimizes resources on the network
  • Provides students the security they need to ensure their information is protected

The topic is much more than that, and it gets a bit more complex when you start to look into the reality of your network security toolkit. While this should include a variety of tools, the firewall solution you go with will play a significant role.

Main Features to Look For in Firewalls for Schools and Universities

Many of the features you’re going to learn about here are commonly found in modern firewall solutions. In the same vein, there are plenty of details that shouldn’t be overlooked, even if they’re common in this day and age.

Features like content filtering, threat prevention, and intrusion detection are a must for network security in education. Secure VPN connections can be highly important too. A big benefit to this is having remote access for students and faculty.

Whether it’s a virtual learning experience or uploading necessary files, VPN connections are there when you need them most. Another angle to consider is cloud and hybrid security solutions. Some firewall integrations offer the best of both worlds. This can be a win for on-premise and cloud-based learning. Going the hybrid route gives a lot of flexibility to teachers and students throughout the school year.

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Best Firewalls for Educational Institutions

Once you get to the point of searching for the right firewall option, this always comes with a long list of options. You can easily narrow your search by starting with a few industry leaders who are known for the solutions they bring to the market.

1. SonicWall NSA 2700

It’s common for schools to utilize a range of firewall solutions or rack mounts for more than one piece of hardware. This is primarily due to the heavy demand on their network, which could be thousands of users, for example.

While SonicWall definitely has more than one viable option for schools, the NSA 2700 isn’t a bad start. One of these may not get the job done for the entire school, but rack-mounting several of them could get the job done. The NSA 2700 offers support for up to 200 users, comes with 5.5 Gbps firewall throughput, and easily handles high-bandwidth applications.

2. Fortinet FortiGate 600F

Built to support up to 750 users, the FortiGate 600F is a powerhouse of a firewall. This includes firewall throughput at 36 Gbps and even 7 Gbps for VPN throughput. Its approach to high-speed performance and user capacity makes it more than ideal for educational environments.

It’s also known to be pretty easy to manage with a simpler take on security policy configuration. You also can’t forget about their FortiCare and FortiGuard services. This comes with benefits like malware protection, intrusion prevention, and web filtering.

3. Sophos XGS 4500

One of the best network security providers on the market, Sophos knows its way around modern firewall solutions. In the context of educational institutions, the Sophos XGS 4500 can definitely handle the student base.

It can withstand up to 2,500 users, and this includes a hefty firewall throughput of 80 Gbps. Perfect for larger schools, it’s more than suitable if you need security for remote learning, application support, and advanced threat protection. Unique features like Xstream protection and AI-driven threat detection are a few big selling points for this firewall.

Let’s Wrap Up

There are many caveats that play into the right network security solutions for schools and universities. However, knowing the various best practices for firewalls can help guide you toward the right model.

Due to the demand of the school’s network, more substantial firewall solutions are a requirement. If you’d like some help narrowing down your search, our team can help you avoid the trial and error.

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Cloud Managed Firewalls: Balancing Performance and Security

By Lucas Modrall

Posted On April 8, 2025

Cloud Managed Firewalls: Balancing Performance and Security
Cloud Managed Firewalls Balancing Performance and Security

If you’re looking for a different kind of real-time monitoring and flexible network security, cloud managed firewalls are a great option. Even though you aren’t working with hardware, you’re still getting the benefit of many advanced security features.

Cloud network security is crucial to cloud-based infrastructure, which is becoming increasingly common in the business world. Most people won’t argue with the benefits of cloud technology, but you also need the right security measures in place. This article breaks down various aspects of cloud managed firewalls and how you can find the right balance between performance and security.

Overview of Cloud Managed Firewalls

You get a lot of the same next-gen features that you’d get out of hardware but with a bit more flexibility. Cloud environments aren’t a foreign concept in today’s world. Some business network infrastructures are built entirely reliant on cloud tech.

Here are a few key details about cloud networking security:

  • Widely used in remote and data-driven workforces or large workforces like healthcare and tech
  • A scalable and suitable firewall solution for businesses at every stage
  • Prominent advantages primarily consider scalability and flexibility due to zero dependency on hardware
  • Transitioning to new cloud firewall solutions can be relatively seamless
  • Managed firewall services, including cloud tech, can take a lot of the workload off of your hands

What most business owners or IT teams struggle with is finding the right balance between performance and security. No one firewall solution has it all, but you can definitely find something that aligns with current and future business objectives.

Performance Considerations in Cloud Network Security

Cloud managed firewalls can be very adaptable, but it’s still important to choose an option that can meet most, if not all of your needs. This also means you should have a pretty good idea of what the future of your network security might call for.

If you want the best cloud firewall based on performance, consider looking into the following features:

  • Throughput, latency, and potential for scalability
  • Artificial intelligence and automation
  • Capabilities in load balancing and prioritizing traffic
  • Number of supported users
  • End-of-life dates

Firewall technology may seem like it’s always evolving, but you still need to keep the mindset on the long term. Your network security toolkit should include multiple layers, and cloud solutions are just one of many. To help navigate the ins and outs of the tech and your network security, this is where cloud managed firewall services can help.

The Benefits of Managed Firewall Services

At its core, managed firewall services essentially handle the bulk of maintaining your network security. Whether you’re working with hardware or cloud managed firewall solutions, outsourcing can be highly advantageous.

Not only from a time savings perspective but also due to the round-the-clock support and expertise it’s able to deliver. It helps to take out any of the guesswork while ensuring you’re prepared for every digital threat or firewall transition.

While businesses are definitely more than capable of doing this on their own, there can be a staggering number of layers to it all. Managed firewall services help companies find that balance in performance and security. This can be seen in the email security, infrastructure support, remote monitoring, and many other benefits it brings to the team.

Let’s Wrap Up

It’s important to understand that cloud managed firewalls aren’t the best choice for every organization. However, it does cater to a specific crowd, which is becoming more of a norm, if anything.

Between remote workforces and modern demand in tech and industry, cloud tech is one of the most scalable solutions out there. We’re always here to help you learn more about firewall tech. Give us a shout if you find yourself looking to apply cloud firewall solutions to your company’s network security.

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Fortinet FortiGate 200F vs 200E: Reading In Between the Specs

By Lucas Modrall

Posted On April 1, 2025

Fortinet FortiGate 200F vs 200E: Reading In Between the Specs
Fortinet FortiGate 200F vs 200E Reading In Between the Specs (1)

With many options for small and large organizations, it doesn’t hurt to look into the differences in FortiGate 200F vs FortiGate 200E. Although they’re similar in many ways, the fine print in the specs will show you exactly what it’s built for. For example, whereas the 200F is rated for up to 300 users, the FortiGate 200E maxes out at 200.

Nevertheless, there’s a lot more to consider when it comes to the right choice for your business network security. This article will focus on comparing the Fortinet FortiGate 200F vs 200E so you can determine which best aligns with your network demands.

Sizing Up the Fortinet FortiGate 200F vs 200E

There’s no question that both FortiGate models bring a lot of support to network security. However, at a glance, it’s pretty clear the FortiGate 200F is a bit stronger in several ways. This considers more than just the number of supported users.

Both firewalls promise user-friendly management, sizable firewall throughput, and the support of FortiCare and FortiGuard services. They’re much more diverse than they seem on the surface, which is why it’s helpful to take a look at the finer details.

What is the FortiGate Firewall 200F?

Aside from the fact that Fortinet firewalls are highly reliable, there are several aspects of the 200F that make it special. With the ability to support hundreds of users on top enterprise-grade security features, the 200F is robust, to say the least.

Here are a few surface-level specs that make it unique compared to other Fortinet models:

  • Firewall Throughput: 27 Gbps
  • IPS Throughput: 5 Gbps
  • NGFW Throughput: 3.5 Gbps
  • Threat Protection Throughput: 3 Gbps
  • VPN Throughput: 2 Gbps
FortiGate 200F

This makes perfect sense for those who work in IT. For those who feel like they’re in foreign territory, comparing these specs with the 200E can offer some clear perspective.

What is the FortiGate Firewall 200E?

The 200E has no issue supporting enterprise-level network security, but its specs are just a tad shy of what the 200F is capable of. With the FortiGate 200E, it can handle up to 200 users and comes with many of the same strong security features as the 200F.

You can see where the 200E differs when you take a look at the same specifications:

  • Firewall Throughput: 20 Gbps
  • IPS Throughput: 2.2 Gbps
  • NGFW Throughput: 1.8 Gbps
  • Threat Protection Throughput: 1.2 Gbps
  • VPN Throughput: 900 Mbps

While this is more than enough for many organizations, it still falls short in a few ways compared to the 200F. Both are still active, viable firewall solutions on the market, but these details are important to consider for several reasons.

A Look Past the Surface

Considering how technical firewall tech can get, there’s nothing wrong with simplifying some of the decision-making. There’s a lot of technical documentation you could sort through, but not all of it would be relevant to your search. When you’re considering the future of your company’s network security, remember this comparison in the table below.

This is more than enough detail to get you started in the right direction. You’ll always find similarities between firewall models. It’s their dense list of specs where you can discover whether or not it’ll be able to meet your needs.

Final Thoughts

The reputation of Fortinet FortiGate firewalls stands tall and for more than one good reason. Aside from their time on the market, it’s their equipment that makes them a number-one choice for many organizations. In this comparison, the Fortinet FortiGate 200F is the more scalable solution here.

Regardless of your expertise with firewall tech, choosing the right hardware can feel like a convoluted experience. Give our team members a shout here at Firewalls for any assistance you might need in choosing the best Fortinet firewall for your needs.

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Network Security Tools Every Business Should Consider

By Lucas Modrall

Posted On March 25, 2025

Network Security Tools Every Business Should Consider
Network Security Tools Every Business Should Consider

Unfortunately, we don’t exist in a time where network security tools can be looked at as a maybe, whether in a professional or personal environment. The threats have simply become too common and significant to be overlooked.

In the same vein, many businesses have learned from their mistakes over the years. Being vulnerable when it comes to your internal network is not something you want to let slide on the day-to-day.

Regardless of the size of your operation, every business should utilize a layered defense strategy when it comes to their network. This article highlights many of the modern tools you can use to improve your network security from every angle.

The Most Essential Network Security Tools

Feel free to keep it as simple or complicated as you like, but it’s essential to learn about your options in network security. Some businesses do just fine with a single piece of firewall hardware, but this doesn’t follow the advice of a layered defense. This considers more than just surface-level firewall tech.

1. Firewalls

Even though they aren’t alone in network security, it’s definitely a leading factor. Firewall tech can come in a broad range of capabilities and feature sets to meet the demands of every business that’s out there.

Many of the network security tools mentioned in this article can be found in what a firewall can bring to the network. It’s still important to look at this piece by piece, as not all firewall tech is built the same. Overall, firewalls will ensure you have eyes on every layer of your network traffic.

2. Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems

While intrusion detection (IDS) focuses on suspicious activity, intrusion prevention (IPS) can detect and block malicious traffic. It’s important to note that these features aren’t found with every firewall that’s out there either.

Not only does this help keep the network protected, but it can also give you an idea of where and what the problems are. These features are a great bonus to any company, but especially those that deal with a substantial amount of network traffic.

3. Network Switches

Another layer you should consider adding to the roster is network switches. Being able to connect multiple devices isn’t the selling point here. What’s really enticing about a network switch is that it works to manage the flow of data.

If utilized correctly, you can ensure specific data points only reach certain devices or personnel. In more technical terms, network switches forward data packets between local devices. They’re a great layer to add against network security threats, and they can be a huge benefit for organizing and streamlining data access.

4. Encryption

It might sound rudimentary, but encryption is just as important as firewall hardware itself. Again, this is commonly included with many other cyber security tools, but it shouldn’t be seen as a back-burner priority.

Having encryption as a part of your network security architecture will offer:

  • Data is encrypted to be accessed by authorized users only
  • Essential for the confidentiality of data 
  • A must-have for industries under data and security regulations
  • Data is encrypted whether it’s in transit or being stored

This is another layer that many people would be familiar with but rarely understand its true importance in regard to data. It offers more than just secure encrypted emails, and it’s easier than ever to integrate.

5. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

A bit different from the standard two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication carries the same principle. Essentially, you’re integrating multiple forms of ID as a requirement to gain access to the network or certain data.

This merely makes it that much harder to get in from the outside and is extremely easy to integrate with existing security architecture. When you combine all of these layers into one strategy, your business is equipped to face top cyber security threats at any given time.

Selecting Your Suite of Network Security Tools

To hone in on what strategy works best for you demands a multi-faceted approach. One that considers the size of your organization, budget, physical space, hardware, software, cloud-based solutions, and more.

Even if it all seems like overkill, it’s better than leaving your business vulnerable to the most common cyber security threats. Having multiple security layers working cohesively like this ensures you’re covered from every angle. No matter the type of digital threat, your business network remains unaffected.

Let’s Wrap Up

Any approach to network security can feel highly technical, but it never has to be complicated. Keep in mind that many of these features can be found with numerous all-in-one solutions.

On top of that, you’re never alone in the process, regardless of how much experience you have with the tech. If you’d like to learn more about your options with network security tools, give us a shout at Firewalls on how we can help.

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SonicWall Firewall Models NSA 6600 vs 6700: An Inevitable Transition

By Lucas Modrall

Posted On March 18, 2025

SonicWall Firewall Models NSA 6600 vs 6700: An Inevitable Transition
SonicWall Firewall Models NSA 6600 vs 6700 An Inevitable Transition

If you don’t look past the surface, you might not immediately see the difference between NSA 6600 and 670 SonicWall firewall models. The best way to protect your business in the modern scope of cyber security is to always be one step ahead.

That in itself considers numerous factors in your network security toolkit, and firewall tech is a big part of it. Business owners, as well as IT teams, should always remember that it’s normal for firewall tech to go through cycles.

While the SonicWall NSA 6600 and 6700 are both currently in use, the 6600 will meet its end of life in May of 2026. This article focuses on the differences in specs between the two firewall models, showcasing the need to upgrade to meet current cyber security demands.

An Overview of SonicWall NSA 6600 vs 6700

While both firewall models hail from one of the best network security providers, one is bound to be a more suitable choice. Overall, it can’t be argued that the NSA 6700 offers better performance and scalability for several reasons.

For one, it’ll be in service for years compared to the end of life that’s coming for the 6600 in 2026. Making that transition is crucial before the time comes so you don’t encounter any vulnerabilities in your network. To truly understand the importance of upgrading here, you’ll want to get a look at the specs in each firewall.

What is the NSA 6600?

As we speak, there are many companies out there who are actively putting the NSA 6600 to use. Many of them aren’t too worried about upgrading either, as it’s a normal part of upkeep when it comes to firewall tech.

Here are a few specs in the SonicWall NSA 6600 that are great for a comparison:

  • Firewall Inspection Throughput: 12 Gbps
  • Full DPI Throughput: 3 Gbps
  • Application Inspection Throughput: 4.5 Gbps
  • Connections per Second: 90,000
  • Site-to-Site VPN Tunnels: 6,000

If you know anything about firewalls, then you know this is barely getting into all of the details. However, it does act as a great reference point when you’re considering an upgrade to a newer model.

What is the NSA 6700?

The short answer is that the NSA 6700 is a stronger option, but knowing exactly where helps to paint a clearer picture of performance. Rated for over 2,500 users and boasting a sizable throughput, the NSA 6700 brings a lot to business network security.

This is how the 6700 stacks up against the 6600 with comparable specs:

  • Firewall Inspection Throughput: 36 Gbps
  • Threat Prevention Throughput: 19 Gbps
  • Application Inspection Throughput: 20 Gbps
  • Connections per Second: 153,000
  • Site-to-Site VPN Tunnels: 6,000
NSA 6700

Among the numerous upgrades found in the NSA 6700, there will also be a lot of similar specs as well. That’s why it’s important to focus on what changed, as this can have a lot to do with the needs for effective network security.

Side-by-Side Comparison of SonicWall NSA 6600 vs 6700

Regardless of your experience with firewall technology, we can all agree the details can get pretty technical. To help streamline your understanding of these SonicWall firewall models, the table below summarizes some of their key differences.

It’s evident that the SonicWall NSA 6700 is a stronger machine at the end of the day. Going with this particular model sets you up for the long term. Even if the NSA 6600 serves many businesses just fine right now, it’ll soon be a relic of the past once 2026 rolls around.

Final Thoughts

Considering the specs, end-of-life dates and even the SonicWall firewall price are all important topics here. Whether your operation is small or large, the NSA 6700 would be the smarter choice for your business network security.

It’s a stellar mid-range option that acts as a very scalable option right now. If you ever find yourself getting curious about the SonicWall NSA 6700, chat with the Firewalls team for additional information.

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