If you’re looking at network security in the scope of hardware vs software firewalls, you might wonder what the real differences might be. Understandably so, especially for business owners and IT teams looking to optimize their approach to network security.
It’s important to discern the differences in various network firewalls so you can align what’s best with your business needs. Aside from the type of firewall, you’ll also want to consider network size, volume of traffic, and overall structure of your IT setup.
Once you have a clear understanding of firewall hardware and software solutions, some of that decision-making will start to get easier.
A Brief Look at Hardware vs Software Firewalls
It’s pretty easy to separate the two when looking at the topic from a surface-level perspective. With hardware firewalls, you’re dealing with physical equipment that comes with sizing and deployment considerations.
In the realm of firewall software, these can be individual or bulk installations across one or more devices. This delivers a highly customizable, localized, and flexible option. Nevertheless, both are equally common when it comes to network security.
What is Firewall Hardware?
For those hoping for dedicated devices for their network protection, hardware is a good way to go. It also provides a more hands-on approach to the tech, which is a preference for some.
Here are a few leading traits of firewall hardware solutions:
- Application layer filtering
- Deep packet inspection
- A great long-term and scalable option
- Specialized hardware for higher overall performance
- A central gateway to all devices on your network
It’s true that specs are bound to vary with different firewall appliances, but these points are pretty universal. Stacking this up against software options will inherently look a little different.
What is Firewall Software?
If you aren’t too interested in dealing with all the hardware or simply don’t need that much support, firewall software isn’t a bad idea. These are security applications that can be directly installed on devices within your network.
These are a few notable features in firewall software you should know about:
- Generally, a much more cost-effective option
- Built-in antivirus protection, real-time monitoring, and other integrations
- Dependent on the resources of the host device
- A flexible option for growing small businesses
- Manage network traffic and security at the endpoint
The reality is that both hardware and software firewalls are more than suitable for all kinds of businesses. At the same time, it’s evident certain solutions are catered to specific network security requirements. This is entirely common but requires a little digging to find what can match the current and future needs of your operation.
Comparing Hardware vs Software Firewalls
Taking into account that both options are viable, this comparison is more about highlighting their core differences. In the table below, you get a look at the direct differences between firewall hardware and software solutions.
| Specification | Hardware Firewall | Software Firewall |
|---|---|---|
| Scalability | Can scale from small to large network demands | Limited to the resources of the host device(s) |
| Performance | Won’t have a potential negative impact on individual device performance | Might slow down device performance due to the reliability on host resources |
| Deployment | Physical device that’s integrated into the physical network setup | Installed software on individual devices or server rooms |
| Security | Network-wide advanced threat detection | Application-specific controls and endpoint protection |
There’s no need to confuse yourself when trying to compare the two firewall options. Both are great in their own right, but first, it’s more important to know exactly where your network needs stand.
Final Thoughts
Once you’re able to discern the current and ongoing needs of your network security, it’ll feel easier to choose the right firewall appliance. Always keep in mind that it’s normal to make upgrades in this space.
Even when you make a choice, you can expect to segue into an upgrade 3-5 years down the road. As always, you can easily contact us for additional information and support from the Firewalls team.
