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Understanding Next Gen Firewalls: A New Age in Network Security

By Zoe Bolding

Posted On November 5, 2024

Understanding Next Gen Firewalls: A New Age in Network Security

Seen as a significant upgrade to traditional firewall technology, next-gen firewalls (NGFW) are a new frontier in network security. The features and capabilities of NGFWs allow them to meet the modern demands of businesses and IT teams.

With benefits like better application layer protection, advanced traffic inspection, and future-proofing, NGFWs bring a lot to the table. As with any firewall technology, there are several different models for companies to choose from.

Navigating the specifications of NGFWs can be challenging, especially if you aren’t exactly sure what you’re looking for. In this article, you’ll gain an understanding of next gen firewalls and what makes them so unique.

What is a Next Gen Firewall?

The main scope of an NGFW is to give users more robust and comprehensive security and network management features. Improved application awareness, overall control, and improved intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are selling points for NGFWs.

Other notable next gen firewall features include:

Cloud-delivered threat intelligence
Multi-layered threat protection
Promises up to layer 7 protection
Highly adaptable with ongoing security updates
Easier security management overall

Although this is all very true, it can be hard to see the real value in an NGFW if you aren’t sure how they stack up to traditional firewall solutions. It’s not that older models aren’t worth the time or money, but their overall capabilities may not always meet modern IT demands.

How Next Gen is Better Than Older Model Firewalls

Once you get down to the details, the difference between NGFWs and older models becomes pretty apparent. For example, traditional firewalls generally operate at layers 2 and 4 of the OSI model. As mentioned above, NGFWs operate up to layer 7, and they also make use of dynamic, context-relevant security measures.

NGFWs are also better suited to visualized network environments. This means it can be more effective with more complex cyber attacks and security threats. Next gen firewalls come with more application awareness and threat intelligence integrations. Leveraging external data and cloud-provided intelligence, NGFWs are able to respond to modern cyber security threats much more effectively.

Next Gen Firewalls for Different Use Cases

As you can expect, there are a decent variety of next gen firewall features on the market. Different models are built to meet the unique needs of the user, and they can span companies of small to large sizes and everything else in between. When looking at NGFWs from a business standpoint, you can categorize them based on the size of the business they’re meant to serve.

Small business firewalls: Generally come with lower ISP speeds, standard security measures, and other benefits like cloud management and configuration support.
Medium business firewalls: They offer a decent mid-range in ISP speeds, higher throughput, dynamic cloud security, advanced threat protection, and higher Gbps for firewall and VPN
Enterprise firewalls: Usually more expensive and coupled with robust features, these usually feature much higher ISP speeds, automation features, and detailed network visibility. Expansion modules, unified security controls, and high bandwidth support are also common traits of enterprise-level firewalls.

Of course, your needs in firewall tech will be unique, but there are many firewalls that can easily cover the base needs of any size business. Considering the many NGFWs that are available, it’s important to consider where you find the firewall tech that you’re looking for as well.

Choosing a Next Gen Firewall That's Right for You

While the specifications of each firewall are always important, the provider you work with is an equally important topic. This is not only due to the quality of the products but also because the industry experience and back-end support matter.

In a quick search online, you’ll immediately be flooded with options for NGFWs. These also come from numerous sources, many of which won’t be able to provide the ongoing support and education you want in this space.

At Firewalls.com, we not only have an extremely vast catalog, but we offer all of the education you need to make informed decisions. With thorough specifications for each firewall, you won’t have a hard time aligning the right model with your operational demands.

In Summary

Even if next gen firewall technology is new to you, it’s quickly being regarded as the new standard in corporate network security. Sure, some of it might come with a learning curve, but that’s why working with us at Firewalls.com is a good starting point.

Next gen firewalls deliver capabilities that can withstand the modern cybersecurity environment. If you’re looking to learn more about NGFWs or simply have questions or concerns, Firewalls.com is always happy to help point you in the right direction.

SonicWall TZ400 vs TZ470: How Do They Compare?

By Zoe Bolding

Posted On October 24, 2024

SonicWall TZ400 vs TZ470: How Do They Compare?

While a majority of SonicWall firewalls offer similar benefits, we’re going to focus on comparing the SonicWall TZ400 vs TZ470. From meeting the needs of different businesses of different sizes to modern features in network and firewall security, SonicWall has you covered.

As you might expect, the SonicWall TZ470 is seen as a clear upgrade compared to the TZ400. On another note, the TZ400 has been discontinued, which means it doesn’t hurt to consider an upgrade.

You can still find licenses available for existing TZ400s, but it’s important to be critical of the differences between these two models. This article will highlight what separates the TZ400 from the 470 to help guide your decision-making on modern firewall solutions.

Comparing SonicWall TZ400 and TZ470

When you stack up the specifications side by side, some of the differences are pretty evident. The TZ400 has been discontinued, but that doesn’t mean its capabilities aren’t still viable in today’s world of network security. Before we get into a detailed side-by-side comparison, some of the surface-level differences between the two firewalls can’t be ignored. For example, many companies would benefit from the higher firewall throughput in the TZ470.

Not to mention, the TZ470 supports more demanding networks that demand a higher number of connections and VPN throughputs. Once again, it isn’t that the TZ400 isn’t worth the time or money; it merely underperforms compared to the TZ470 in several ways.

What is the SonicWall TZ400?

Undoubtedly a flexible firewall security option, the TZ400 was once an optimal choice for many businesses. It still is in certain cases, as plenty of people still use the firewall and its associated licenses. However, its discontinuation will eventually phase out the product, as this event has already made way for newer models, such as the TZ470.

A few notable aspects of the SonicWall TZ400 include:

Blocks malware and zero-day security threats
Single-pass DPI architecture
Best for small to mid-size organizations
Configuration and management are handled through the cloud
No expansion slots
No power over ethernet (oE) support

It may seem like a mild choice for larger businesses, but for those who are just getting started, it was a great entry-level option. Once again, you’ll find plenty of people still using this model, but it doesn’t always match up to more advanced firewall technologies.

What is the SonicWall TZ470?

Also considered an entry-level firewall security option, the TZ470 goes a bit beyond some of the parameters of the TZ4700. It’s powered by SonicWall’s OS7 and comes with a range of helpful security features that are more than suitable for modern-day network security.

A few angles that help the TZ470 stand out include the following:

3.5 Gbps firewall throughput
2.5 GbE ports
Higher DPI max connections
More options with network interfaces
Better VPN throughput

If you were to read through all of the specifications between the two models, you’d likely have a hard time finding what truly makes them different. Considering the technicalities of the topic, reading a side-by-side comparison of SonicWall TZ400 vs TZ470 can help immensely.

SonicWall TZ400 vs TZ470

It’s important to keep in mind that choosing a firewall that’s right for your business shouldn’t automatically default to the newest and brightest model. Although this is an easy choice to make, it’s more important to compare the details with your network needs. In the table below, you’ll find several firewall parameters between the TZ400 and TZ470 that offer a clear picture of their core differences.

Specific Feature	SonicWall TZ400	SonicWall TZ470
Interface Ports	7x1 GbE and 1 USB	8x1 GbE, 2x2.5 GbE, 2 USB 3.0 and 1 console
Firewall Throughput	1.3 Gbps	3.5 Gbps
Threat Prevention Throughput	600 Mbps	1.5 Gbps
Max Connection (SPI)	150,000	1,000,000
New Connections Per Second	6,000	12,000

The list goes on from here, as the TZ470 comes with higher capabilities in many categories than the TZ400. Both serve the same purpose but offer a varying range of benefits and capabilities that should help guide your decision-making process.

Final Thoughts

Starting at the technicalities of firewall security technology can raddle the brain a bit, but the differences definitely matter. Both models are great entry-level firewalls, but the TZ470 is a first choice for many small to mid-size businesses.

This article is a brief yet detailed comparison of SonicWall TZ400 vs. TZ470 to help you avoid any confusion when searching for the best firewall for your business. Make sure to reach out to us at Firewalls.com if you’d like to dive deeper into the SonicWall TZ470 and its benefits for modern business networks.

Everything You Need to Know About SonicWall TZ300 vs TZ370

By Zoe Bolding

Posted On October 17, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About SonicWall TZ300 vs TZ370

Businesses of all sizes need to make use of various systems and technologies to keep their operations protected. One of the most universal ways to do so is to take advantage of firewall hardware and software. Considering the vast number of models and specifications available, it can be advantageous to compare some of the best options out there.

SonicWall is a brand that stands tall in the world of firewall technology. With a variety of models to choose from and plenty of long-term support when you need it, they cover much more than your base security needs. More specifically, this article will focus on comparing the differences between the SonicWall TZ 300 and TZ 370.

Comparing SonicWall TZ 300 and TZ 370

You can size up each SonicWall model against numerous parameters. While you’re bound to find a few similarities, there are some features that are clearly an advancement. Also known as Dell SonicWall TZ300, this model and the TZ370 both drive substantial performance in their own ways.

To help summarize the core of this comparison, you’ll find most differences fall into categories like security, wireless management, and long-term costs. However, for a comparison to be remotely effective, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of TZ370 and TZ300 SonicWall firewalls.

What is the SonicWall TZ 300?

As an all-in-one enterprise firewall solution, the SonicWall TZ 300 is more than sufficient when it comes to network security. It’s important to note that the SonicWall TZ300 end of life has already become a reality. Nevertheless, knowing what it brings to the table can offer a clear comparison to why the TZ370 exists today.

Here are a few details that helped the TZ300 stand out during its prime:

Standard high-speed intrusion prevention
802.11ac access points for efficient wireless management
750 Mbps of firewall throughput
Easy installation and protections for remote users

These are enough selling points for many businesses, but the technology offers much more than those details alone. While the TZ300 SonicWall has been discontinued, you can still find it actively being used in many corporate and IT environments.

TZ300 Features

Anti-malware, URL filtering, and advanced cyber threat protection are what the TZ300 can promise. This includes network provisioning for up to eight APs and even supports guest access and client isolation.

The firewall was also made popular due to its 10 site-to-site VPN connections, not to mention its extremely simple installation. Whether you decide to use a rack mount or not, the TZ 300 won’t be too hard to hide among other network hardware.

Even with simple remote access, network management features, and security and speeds that are more than enough for modern needs, it may not cut it for some organizations. It all comes down to operational requirements. If it doesn’t sound like the TZ300 offers enough, there’s a good chance the TZ370 can get the job done.

What is the SonicWall TZ 370?

A clear upgrade compared to the TZ300, the SonicWall TZ 370 comes with a few upgrades that make it a primary choice for many companies. In short, the performance of this firewall promises 3.0 Gbps throughput and 1.0 Gbps VPN throughput.

It’s designed for teams ranging from 11 to 25 users, making it a notable choice for small to mid-sized businesses. This SonicWall model also provides several advanced security features and is cost-affordable with long-term ownership.

A few of the TZ370s prominent features include:

Supports up to 900,000 simultaneous connections (SPI)
Up to 1,000 single sign-on users
Powered by SonicWall’s latest operating system OS7
Cost-effectiveness that’s suitable for growing companies
Vast security features with different packaged options

As you might expect, the firewall’s features are much more diverse than these points alone. It’s the successor to the TZ350, so you can assume they’ve made a few advancements since the TZ300.

TZ370 Features

Although the TZ370 is designed for small to mid-sized teams, its overall capacity as a firewall goes further than you might expect. Between Total Secure Essentials, Total Secure Advanced, and Secure Upgrade Plus, you have all of the security coverage you could need.

With SonicWall’s OS7, users get the benefit of edge-to-edge network security, all within an easy-to-use interface. Even though the TZ370 was released back in 2020, it’s still a go-to choice for businesses and IT teams alike.

There’s plenty to appreciate about other SonicWall models, but it’s important to remember each serves a similar yet unique purpose. That’s the leading benefit of comparing different models, as you’re able to see exactly where your needs lie in firewall hardware. To know exactly what kind of network security your business needs, a side-by-side comparison of each TZ firewall can help.

SonicWall TZ 300 vs. TZ 370

If you were to dig into the specifications of both firewall models, you would be digging for quite some time. There’s no doubt the topic can be quite technical, but it doesn’t have to be. In the table below, you’ll find an important and brief comparison of the SonicWall TZ 300 vs. TZ 370.

Specific Feature	SonicWall TZ300	SonicWall TZ370
Interface	5x1GbE, 1 USB, and 1 console	8x1GbE, 2 USB 3.0, 1 console
SSO Users	500	1,000
VLAN Interfaces	25	128
Max APs	8	16
Firewall Throughput	750 Mbps	3 Gbps
Threat Prevention Throughput	235 Mbps	1 Gbps
Site-to-Site VPN Tunnels	10	100
Power Supply	24W External	36W External
Max Connection (SPI)	100,000	900,000
New Connections Per Second	5,000	9,000

While this table could be longer, it’s more than evident that the TZ370 outperforms the TZ300 in more ways than one. After looking at the specifications in a clear-cut comparison, it becomes pretty clear why the TZ300 was discontinued.

The Bottom Line

With a simple search online, you’ll quickly see that there are numerous firewall models and providers to choose from. SonicWall is easily one of the most reputable options on the market, but navigating their catalog can be tough for newcomers. If you’d like additional guidance on the SonicWall TZ370, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Firewalls.com.

SonicWall NSA 3600 vs NSA 3700: Comparing the Old and the New

By Zoe Bolding

Posted On October 10, 2024

SonicWall NSA 3600 vs NSA 3700: Comparing the Old and the New

The SonicWall NSA 3600 and 3700 aren’t the only network security appliance (NSA) firewalls the brand has to offer. When it comes to NSa next-generation firewall (NGFW) solutions, the SonicWall brand delivers several solutions for mid-sized networks.

It’s vital to note that the NSa 3600 has run its course and was eventually replaced by the 3700. Nevertheless, this prompts discussion about what exactly makes the 3700 a better choice and what features saw an upgrade.

This article will help summarize the core differences between SonicWall NSa 3600 and 3700. Moreover, it will shed light on the essential role of such technology for modern mid-sized businesses.

The Leap to SonicWall NSA 3700

There’s no argument that the SonicWall NSa 3600 has served its purpose for quite some time. However, when stacked against its replacement, the 3700, you’ll find plenty of clear differences and benefits in the new version.

While the technology of the 3600 is still more than viable in today’s world, it isn’t so easy to find. The NSa 3700 SonicWall firewall was released as the new replacement, offering advanced specifications that are too good to ignore.

Regarding the differences between the two models, this is pretty easy to discern, as you can match up their specifications side by side. You’re bound to come across a few similarities, but SonicWall has done a great job of improving and optimizing features in the NSa 3700.

SonicWall NSA 3600

Including a long list of features that are similar to those found in the newer model, the 3600 is still a viable piece of firewall hardware. Deep packet inspection, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and application control are a few surface-level features. As you might expect, network firewall security can get a lot more complex than this.

A few other notable protection features the NSa 3600 supports include:

URL filtering
Anti-malware
DDoS/DoS attack prevention
Maintaining robust network security
IPS

The scalability of this technology and its multifaceted functionalities is what make it such an excellent solution for enterprise environments. In the same vein, even with all of these, including security features, there’s always going to be something a little more powerful on the market.

It’s important to note that the SonicWall NSa 3600 can no longer be purchased, as it was replaced by the NSa 3700. At a glance, they may not seem too different, but once you look at the specifications, you can easily see where the upgrades went.

SonicWall NSA 3700

Regarded as another mid-range enterprise firewall, the SonicWall NSa 3700 comes with many of the same features as the 3600 but is a bit more powerful. Built with the OS7 operating system, the 3700 promises better throughput speeds, network firewall security, and more.

Here are a few key details that help the NSa 3700 stand out:

Supports 200 to 300 users
IPS blocking
Capture ATP sandboxing
Real-time deep memory inspection
Supports up to 3,000 site-to-site VPNs

Of course, the real comparison between the two lies in all of the finite specifications. It’s pretty clear that the 3700 is stronger in a few ways, but a clear, side-by-side look can be helpful. The section below offers a table comparison highlighting important features between the NSa 3600 and 3700 and their capabilities.

SonicWall NSa 3600 vs SonicWall NSa 3700

Although both firewalls come with a substantial list of specifications, we’re going to focus on some of the most important details. The table below highlights several ways the NSa 3700 is considered a decent upgrade compared to the NSa 3600.

Feature	SonicWall NSa 3600	SonicWall NSa 3700
Max Firewall Throughput	3.4 Gpbs	5.5 Gpbs
Threat Prevention Throughput	1.1 Gpbs	3.5 Gpbs
Application Inspection Throughput	1.1 Gpbs	4.2 Gpbs
VPN Throughput	1.5 Gpbs	2.2 Gpbs
SPI Max Connections	325,000	2,000,000
DPI Max Connections	175,000	750,000
Site-to-Site VPN Tunnels	800	3,000

The list can keep going from there, but it’s evident why someone would want to upgrade to the NSa 3700. Again, this is more of a must than anything else, as the NSa 3600 has been discontinued in light of the upgrade.

Finding the firewall technology you need for your business also includes working with a reliable supplier. Considering the nuances of the technology, you want to source your firewall hardware from someone who has a thorough understanding of the nuances mentioned above.

In Summary

Breaking down the specifics of firewall technology can feel like a headache for some, especially if you’re new to the technology. Regardless of your experience, it’s a vital component to any modern enterprise that’s looking to grow and keep their operations protected.

If you’d like to learn more about the SonicWall NSa 3700, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Firewalls.com. We have the expertise and firewall hardware that your enterprise needs.

Best Network Switches: Enhance Speed and Versatility for Your Business

By Zoe Bolding

Posted On October 3, 2024

Best Network Switches: Enhance Speed and Versatility for Your Business

Offering faster and more reliable wired connections compared to Wi-Fi, the best network switches can significantly improve network functionality. This goes for printers, computers, and the many other essential devices layered throughout the corporate world.

With a compact design, you get the benefit of numerous ethernet ports, allowing multi-device connectivity to the router and office devices. If you’re looking to improve network reliability and minimize the risk of downtime, this is a great way to go.

As you might expect, there are quite a few network switches on the market. This includes varying features, capabilities, and price points tailored to businesses of all sizes. In this article, you’ll get a look at a handful of recommended network switches that won’t disappoint.

Best Network Switches for the Office

It’s no secret that wired networking is much faster and more consistent than the likes of Wi-Fi. This helps businesses eliminate potential issues with signal degradation and interference. You also have varying options when it comes to port availability. On the other hand, freeing up the router like this can lead to a better overall wireless connection as well.

When looking for the best ethernet switch, it’s important to consider more than just features like port availability. Other notable aspects of network switches include power over ethernet (PoE) and different network speeds.

They’re also great for those who need a scalable solution where they can add or take away connections at will. Overall, your search for the best network switch should start with well-known manufacturers.

1. SonicWall

With a surprising variety available, SonicWall’s switches cover more than just the basics. Feature-rich to say the least, the brand offers non-PoE, PoE, and Full PoE solutions. Management of their best network switches is pretty easy, considering any adjustments can be made in a single glass pane interface.

Other aspects of SonicWall switches that are important to note include:

Granular control over users, traffic, and segments
PCI and HIPAA-compliant
Support for features such as QoS, VLANs, and Layer 2 switching
Easily integrates with other switches for cohesive connections and added range

Of course, price points are bound to vary and tend to increase with the number of ports you choose. Nevertheless, the long-term reliability outlasts the upfront costs by far.

2. Sophos

Part of what makes Sophos stand out is their stance on cloud-managed network switches. They offer just as many port options, spanning from 8 to 48. As one would hope, they’re more than efficient with LAN edge connectivity and VLAN segmentation.

You won’t have to worry about port security, and everything can be managed through several portals. Whether you use Sophos Central, a web interface, or CLI, you can be flexible in how you manage network control.

Here are a few other key details you should know about:

Primarily designed for small to medium-sized businesses
High-speed uplink models such as SFP (1G) or SFP+ (10G)
Use Sophos Synchronized Security to easily integrate switches and keep security risk low

If you’re looking for as many ports as possible the Sophos CS110-48 is a recommended network switch. As far as cost goes, Sophos switches can range from $400 to $2,000+ for the most part.

3. Aruba

Featuring easy access and management through the Instant On mobile app, Aruba makes it easy to set up and manage networking. You can also manage it through a cloud-based web portal, which comes with all of the setup guidance you need.

A few details about Aruba switches that make them a reliable choice include:

High-performance switching capacity such as 176 Gbps
Layer 3 static routing, VLANs, and ACLs to protect and segment the network
Great for bandwidth-heavy applications like video conferencing and VoIP

Aruba switches have no issue prioritizing critical traffic and guaranteeing uninterrupted power to PoE devices. Depending on the scale of your needs, Aruba has many different models available. Once you find what you’re looking for, you have network switch capabilities that can scale with your business needs over time.

4. Fortinet FortiSwitches

A name that stands tall among others in this article, Fortinet network switches come with some unique benefits that help them stand out. Focusing on a combination of security, performance, and manageability, FortiSwitches is an excellent choice for many reasons.

Notable features and specifications of FortiSwitches include:

Easy full integration into Fortinet Security Fabric via FortiLink
Supports both standalone and FortiLink modes
High performance 10/40 GE capable
Managed through a single interface with FortiGate

With more than enough adaptability for companies of all sizes, Fortinet is a seamless option that’s very simple to integrate. For data centers, servers, and firewall aggregation, FortiSwitches are an excellent option.

Final Thoughts

Although the best network switch manufacturers mentioned in this article are widely popular, they aren’t the only options on the table. Others, such as Cisco Meraki and Ruckus Wireless are viable options as well.

From another standpoint, where you source their products matters as well. You can find answers to all of your questions by browsing the many network switch solutions available with us at Firewalls.com.

Need assistance choosing a Network Switch? Our certified security experts can help you find the right switch for your business! Give us a call at 866-645-2140.

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