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

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 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)