In cyber security, SonicWall firewalls are a topic with quite a bit of hardware to consider. While both the SonicWall NSa 5700 and 5600 deliver some advanced features, there’s a reason they stand on their own.
For the most part, both firewall models find a great balance for mid-range businesses. While the firewall models may seem relatively close to each other, the specs make it pretty obvious where they differ.
Although you can find both firewall models currently in use on the market, it’ll only be a matter of time before the 5600 comes to an end. For this article, you’re getting a look at the SonicWall firewall NSa 5700 vs 5600, determining which is the better option.
Reviewing the SonicWall Firewall NSa 5700 vs 5600
Both of these SonicWall firewall models are built for scalability, but their specs don’t always match up when you compare them. The full scope of these SonicWall NSas is pretty extensive, but you can ease into it by starting with surface-level details.
For example, the 5700 promises higher threat prevention throughput. On the other hand, the NSa 5600 is known to be optimized for more moderate traffic. It also doesn’t hurt to remember that the cost of SonicWall firewall solutions can vary quite a bit. These devices are much more than just a firewall for antivirus, and you can see how in the specs highlighted below.
What is the SonicWall Firewall NSa 5700?
If you’re working from the perspective of a mid-sized organization, the NSa 5700 is more than enough security for your internal network. This also comes with an interface that anyone can learn while delivering a seamless approach to network control.
Here are a few stats that help show the difference this firewall can make:
- Firewall Inspection Throughput: 28 Gbps
- Application Inspection Throughput: 18 Gbps
- Anti-Malware Inspection Throughput: 16 Gbps
- IPSec VPN Throughput: 15 Gbps
- Max Connections (DPI): 3,500,000
If you work in IT or know anything about network security hardware, these specs say a lot. These are just a few examples of the many specifications that are perfect for growing, mid-size companies.
What is the SonicWall Firewall NSa 5600?
You might immediately think this is the weaker of the two SonicWall firewall models, but the tech shouldn’t be held in that light. It’s true that this particular model’s end-of-life (EOL) is coming in the first quarter of 2026. However, that doesn’t mean its specs aren’t more than suitable for today’s realm of cyber security.
See for yourself by reviewing the specs of this firewall below:
- Firewall Inspection Throughput: 9 Gbps
- Application Inspection Throughput: 3 Gbps
- Anti-Malware Inspection Throughput: 1.7 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 4.5 Gbps
- Max Connections (DPI): 1,000,000
It’s understandable to wonder why you might need an upgrade if all of this looks like it’s more than enough. Regardless of the manufacturer, it’s pretty common for firewall models to go through cycles. It’s the same when a company jumps from the SonicWall NSa 2700 to a model like the 5600. At one point, the 2700 was enough until they needed an upgrade that would meet the growing needs of the organization.
Direct Comparison of SonicWall NSa 5700 vs 5600
You can easily get lost in all of the technical details. To avoid any unnecessary confusion, let the table below help guide your decision-making on what sounds best for you.
| Specification | SonicWall NSa 5700 | SonicWall NSa 5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Inspection Throughput (Gbps) | 28 | 9 |
| Max Supported Access Points | 512 | 96 |
| Threat Prevention Throughput (Gbps) | 15 | N/A |
| IPS Throughput (Gbps) | 17 | 3 |
| Application Inspection Throughput (Gbps) | 18 | 3 |
| Anti-Malware Inspection Throughput (Gbps) | 16 | 1.7 |
| IPsec VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 15 | N/A |
| VPN Throughput | N/A | 4.5 |
| Max Connections (DPI) | 3,500,000 | 1,000,000 |
With a direct comparison, you can see where the NSa 5600 falls short of the 5700. At the end of the day, there’s a lot to consider when choosing a firewall for your business. This is where working with the experts can help you really hone in on the details that matter most.
Let's Wrap Up
There’s no argument that both SonicWall firewall models are viable choices on the market. However, it also has to be said in the same breath that the NSa 5600 is on its way out.
For newcomers, this makes the NSa 5700 the obvious choice if you’re looking for something new and long-term. As always, you can also get in touch with our team for more direct answers to your most pressing questions.
