PACKETPERF

Primary Device

Netgate 4100
Netgate 4100
★ 3.6 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Firewall Throughput: 10 Gbps
  • Threat Prevention Throughput: 3.5 Gbps
  • IPsec VPN Throughput: 6 Gbps
  • Max Sessions: 12 million
  • New Sessions/sec: 150,000+
  • Interfaces: 4x Gigabit Ethernet (Configurable WAN/LAN)
  • Form Factor: Compact Desktop / 1U Rack Unit
  • Processor: Multi-core x86-64 Intel-based
  • Memory: 8-16 GB RAM
  • Storage: 512 GB SSD

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: Open-source pfSense platform with full transparency and community support; Exceptional value-to-performance ratio for enterprise firewalls; Flexible VPN support (IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard) with strong throughput; Low power consumption and operational costs; Highly customizable for specialized security deployments; Multiple NIC options for complex network topologies
  • ✘ Cons: Smaller commercial support ecosystem compared to Cisco/Fortinet/Palo Alto; Steeper learning curve for non-networking staff; Limited GUI for advanced configurations (CLI proficiency required); Fewer pre-built integrations with enterprise management platforms; Community-driven support response times may be slower than commercial vendors
  • Est. Price: $1,200 - $2,500

Compare Against

Palo Alto Networks ION 3200H-C5G-WW
Palo Alto Networks ION 3200H-C5G-WW
★ 4.3 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Device Type: 5G Cellular Gateway / SD-WAN Branch
  • Cellular Connectivity: 5G NR (FR1), LTE, 3G fallback
  • Broadband Interfaces: 2u00d7 Gigabit Ethernet (WAN)
  • LAN Interfaces: 4u00d7 Gigabit Ethernet
  • Management Port: 1u00d7 10/100 Ethernet
  • Throughput (5G): Up to 1 Gbps (5G downlink dependent on carrier)
  • Max Concurrent Sessions: 250,000+
  • Form Factor: Desktop/Rack-mountable
  • Dimensions: 430 u00d7 258 u00d7 44 mm
  • Weight: ~2.3 kg
  • Power Consumption: 90-150W
  • PoE Support: No
  • SD-WAN Features: Multi-WAN load balancing, failover, dynamic path selection

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: Dual WAN with 5G cellular provides automatic failover; Native SD-WAN simplifies branch connectivity; Compact form factor suitable for small offices; Supports multiple carriers with fallback; Enterprise-class security and DPI capabilities
  • ✘ Cons: Higher initial capital cost compared to traditional broadband-only gateways; 5G coverage varies by region and carrier; Requires separate cellular contract/SIM; Limited to Gigabit Ethernet speeds on wired interfaces; May require professional installation and configuration
  • Est. Price: $4,500 - $6,500

Popular Comparisons

Netgate 4100 vs Fortinet FortiGate 400G Netgate 4100 vs Aruba (HPE) Aruba 9106 Gateway Netgate 4100 vs Palo Alto Networks ION 3200 Netgate 4100 vs Palo Alto Networks ION 3200H-C5G-WW Netgate 4100 vs Ubiquiti Dream Machine Special Edition (UDM-SE)