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

Aruba (HPE) Aruba 9106 Gateway
Aruba (HPE) Aruba 9106 Gateway
★ 4.3 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
  • Spatial Streams (MIMO): 4x4 MU-MIMO
  • Aggregate Throughput: 2.4 Gbps
  • Radios: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
  • 2.4 GHz Throughput: 574 Mbps (802.11ax)
  • 5 GHz Throughput: 1.2 Gbps (802.11ax)
  • Uplink Port Speed: Multi-Gigabit (10GBase-T capable with optional modules)
  • Max Clients: 250+
  • PoE Requirement: 95W (High Power PoE)
  • Form Factor: Compact wall-mount or ceiling-mount
  • Security: WPA3, 802.1X, Built-in WIPS

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: Exceptional Wi-Fi 6 performance with high client density support; Integrated wireless controller reduces infrastructure complexity; Strong enterprise security features with WPA3 and threat detection; Flexible deployment (wall/ceiling mount); Excellent range and coverage
  • ✘ Cons: High power consumption requires robust PoE infrastructure; Limited to wireless access point role, not a standalone gateway/firewall; Expensive upfront licensing for management and analytics; Proprietary controller integration required; May be overkill for small deployments
  • Est. Price: $1,200 - $1,800

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)