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 3200
Palo Alto Networks ION 3200
★ 4.3 Value Score

Technical Specifications

  • Product Type: SD-WAN Branch Office Appliance
  • Throughput (Estimated): 1-2 Gbps
  • Max Interfaces: 6-8 ports
  • Form Factor: Desktop/Rackmount
  • Processor: Multi-core Intel
  • Memory: 8-16 GB RAM
  • Storage: 256 GB SSD
  • Encryption: AES-256, IPsec, TLS
  • Management: Cloud-based (Panorama/Prisma SD-WAN)
  • Power Consumption: 150-200W

Curation Review

  • ✔ Pros: Excellent SD-WAN orchestration and cloud integration; Seamless integration with Palo Alto Networks security stack (firewalls, threat prevention); Reliable branch office routing with redundancy and failover capabilities
  • ✘ Cons: Premium pricing typical of enterprise Palo Alto solutions; Requires Panorama or Prisma SD-WAN management subscriptions (additional cost); Steep learning curve for smaller organizations unfamiliar with Palo Alto ecosystem
  • Est. Price: $8,000 - $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)