While the FortiGate 800D NGFW vs FortiGate 600F caters to particular target markets, they share a few similarities as well. It’s the minor variations in specs that keep people wondering about what kind of FortiGate firewall they might need.
In a few years, the 800D will officially be out of service. For newcomers and existing users, that means it’s time to set your eyes on other Fortinet models. In comparison, the FortiGate 600F hasn’t been hit with an end-of-life (EOL) date just yet.
Of course, this is bound to change eventually, but it’s helpful to know what makes the 600F a more viable choice for the long term. This article offers a clear comparison of the FortiGate 800D NGFW and 600F to help navigate your next choice in firewall hardware.
Enterprise Ready Fortinet Firewalls
There are several firewall solutions Fortinet offers that are more than suitable for larger organizations. On top of that, businesses get the benefit of next-generation firewall (NGFW) tech. Although the 800D is still more than capable of many of today’s network security standards, the model itself is slowly phasing out.
By April of 2028, the 800D will be a firewall of the past. If you’re currently working with this firewall right now, there are plenty of features in other FortiGate models that can get the job done. No need to stress, as there’s more than enough time to figure out what firewall hardware comes next.
What is the FortiGate 800D NGFW?
Feature-rich, to say the least, the 800D FortiGate NGFW delivers network security that’s more than suitable for large enterprises. Regardless of the firewall model’s approaching end of life in a few years, it’s still a powerhouse of a machine.
Take a look at some notable specifications from the FortiGate 800D:
- Firewall Throughput: 36 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 4.2 Gbps
- NGFW Throughput: 4 Gbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 3 Gbps
- Concurrent Sessions: 5,000,000
Dense in its specifications, these limitations are everything but the word. While catered to bigger organizations, this has historically been a great scalable solution for companies of all sizes. However, you want to be careful about going too big early on, as you may not be able to grow into it before it reaches its EOL.
What is the Fortinet FortiGate Firewall 600F?
Offering support for up to 750 users, this firewall solution is built to handle quite a lot. You’ll find a few similarities here, but what helps the 600F stand out in this comparison is its lifespan. Right now, the 600F isn’t facing an EOL date, making it a top choice for many sizable organizations.
Here’s how the specs of the 600F compare at a glance:
- Firewall Throughput: 139 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 14 Gbps
- NGFW Throughput: 11.5 Gbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 10.5 Gbps
- Concurrent Sessions: 8,000,000
Based on these focal points alone, it’s evident that the 600F excels across the board. Sure, some of this comes down to it being a newer model. Without looking into the fine print, many people would overlook the comparable benefits here.
How FortiGate Models 800D vs 600F Match Up Against Each Other
If you were to dive off into the datasheet for each of these firewalls, you’d get stuck in an endless list of numbers and technicalities. Nonetheless, it is important to go through all of this information, as it can muddy up your decision-making. Check out the table below for the only comparison you need between the FortiGate 800D NGFW vs the 600F.
| Specifications | Fortinet FortiGate 800D | Fortinet FortiGate 600F |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Gbps) | 36 | 139 |
| IPS Throughput (Gbps) | 4.2 | 14 |
| NGFW Throughput (Gbps) | 4 | 11.5 |
| Threat Protection Throughput (Gbps) | 3 | 10.5 |
| VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 20 | 55 |
| Concurrent Sessions | 5,000,000 | 8,000,000 |
| Firewall Policies | 10,000 | 30,000 |
| Interface | Multiple GE RJ45 GE SFP 10 GE SFP slots and bypass GE RJ45 pairs | Multiple 25GE SFP28 10 GE SFP+ GE SFP Slots GE RJ45 |
Whether you’re a veteran in IT or just starting a new business, the specs make it clear that the 600F wins here. This is not due to capabilities alone but also based on the normal lifecycle of FortiGate firewalls. It’s normal for manufacturers to phase out old models to focus on delivering support for newer technology.
The Bottom Line
Even if you haven’t heard of them before, both the FortiGate 800D NGFW and the 600F are widely used with larger operations. While these specific models aren’t always a necessity, it all comes down to the network demands of your business.
The specs and capabilities that the 600F brings to the table can’t be ignored, as they’re about as current as it gets. Make sure to get in touch with us at Firewalls to learn more. We’ll walk you through how Fortinet and its 600F model is a great option for your company’s network security.
