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

Fortinet FortiGate 400G
Fortinet FortiGate 400G
★ 5.0 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Firewall Throughput: 400 Gbps
  • Threat Prevention Throughput: 150 Gbps
  • IPsec VPN Throughput: 80 Gbps
  • Max Sessions: 32 million
  • New Sessions/sec: 500000
  • Interfaces: 8x 100GbE or 16x 40GbE + 2x Management
  • Form Factor: 2U Rack-mounted

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: High-density 400 Gbps throughput for large enterprises; Advanced threat protection with AI-driven IPS; Excellent VPN scalability; Redundant power supplies and hot-swappable modules; Strong FortiOS ecosystem integration
  • ✘ Cons: High power consumption (2000W+) requiring dedicated cooling; Significant capital investment with complex deployment; Requires FortiCare licensing for optimal threat protection; Large physical footprint in data centers; Limited to enterprise-grade use cases
  • Est. Price: $8,500 - $12,000

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)