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.
- 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.