PACKETPERF

Primary Device

Netgate 6100
Netgate 6100
★ 3.2 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Firewall Throughput: 2.5 Gbps
  • Threat Prevention Throughput: 1.5 Gbps
  • IPsec VPN Throughput: 1.2 Gbps
  • Max Sessions: 512,000
  • New Sessions/sec: 50,000
  • Interfaces: 8x GbE Ethernet ports + management port
  • Form Factor: 1U Rackmount

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: Compact 1U form factor suitable for datacenter deployments; Robust VPN capabilities with strong throughput performance; Excellent value for mid-tier enterprise security; Runs pfSense or OPNsense for flexibility
  • ✘ Cons: Throughput plateaus below 3 Gbps, insufficient for high-demand core network roles; Limited redundancy options compared to modular enterprise firewalls; May require additional hardware for advanced threat prevention at scale
  • Est. Price: $3,500 - $5,000

Compare Against

Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)
Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)
★ 4.3 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Device Type: UniFi Network Appliance / Gateway
  • Processor: Quad-core ARM (MediaTek MT7986)
  • RAM: 2 GB DDR4
  • Storage: 32 GB eMMC + 1 TB HDD (for protect/video)
  • Network Interfaces: 1u00d7 WAN (2.5G), 3u00d7 LAN (GbE), 1u00d7 Console (USB)
  • Routing Throughput: 3.5 Gbps
  • Switching Capacity: 5 Gbps fabric
  • Max Concurrent Connections: 100,000+
  • VPN Support: IPsec, WireGuard, L2TP
  • Security Features: Built-in IPS/IDS, DPI, threat management
  • Form Factor: Compact Desktop (1U appliance)
  • Power Consumption: 35W typical
  • PoE Output: 1u00d7 802.3af (for optional AP)
  • Management: UniFi OS + Cloud integration
  • Redundancy: Dual WAN capable

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: All-in-one network appliance with built-in UniFi OS, video storage, and robust security; Excellent value for SMBs combining routing, switching, and threat protection; Includes 1TB HDD for UniFi Protect video surveillance; Silent fanless design or passive cooling; Seamless integration with UniFi ecosystem; Low power consumption (~35W)
  • ✘ Cons: Limited to 2.5G WAN uplink (not enterprise-grade 10G); Overkill for very small networks (branch offices with <50 users); Less granular control than dedicated enterprise firewalls (Cisco ASA, Fortinet FortiGate); Storage not user-upgradeable; Noise from HDD if used heavily for video recording; Requires UniFi Cloud account for optimal features
  • Est. Price: $299 - $349

Popular Comparisons

Netgate 6100 vs Fortinet FortiGate 400G Netgate 6100 vs Aruba (HPE) Aruba 9106 Gateway Netgate 6100 vs Palo Alto Networks ION 3200 Netgate 6100 vs Palo Alto Networks ION 3200H-C5G-WW Netgate 6100 vs Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)