Regardless of your experience with firewall hardware, making the right choice for your business needs can be a challenging one. Part of this comes down to the many options available, but also due to the learning curve between various firewall technologies.
There are several ways you can help streamline the search. Focusing on reputable firewall manufacturers and suppliers is equally important. You want to lean towards those with a positive track record and years of industry experience.
As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly popular topic, it’s more important than ever for companies to look into modern firewall hardware. For this article, you’ll gain a direct list of the best firewall hardware and manufacturers on the market.
Understanding Firewall Security
Before you break into the vast world of firewall technology, it’s crucial to understand how it works, its role in cybersecurity, and why it’s so important. In short, a firewall helps to monitor network traffic from many angles while effectively keeping potential threats at bay.
This includes a blend of blocking or allowing certain traffic, which is entirely based on specific security protocols to keep your network protected. It’s more than just protecting end-points, as cyber threats can find their way in through many avenues.
Here are a few core features of how firewall technology works:
- It acts as a line of defense between unsafe and secure areas of the network
- They check network packets to protect organizations against potential cyber threats
- There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here, as there is a substantial variety in firewall tech
- Without a firewall, any device connected to the internet is much more vulnerable to cyberattacks
Cybersecurity is an important topic in today’s world, and there’s plenty you can do to protect yourself and your organization. Of course, considering the vast amounts of firewall tech on the market, it can be helpful to start with a few leading manufacturers. This would include the likes of SonicWall, Fortinet, WatchGuard, Sophos, and many others.
The Best Firewall Manufacturers
This is another area of the conversation that can start to feel confusing. Aside from the technology itself, there’s also a massive list of firewall manufacturers, each bringing something unique to the table. Some of this comes down to personal preference, but the capabilities of firewall technology are something that can’t be argued with.
Clearly, some manufacturers will be a better choice for certain businesses, but it can be advantageous not to put all of your eggs in one basket. In the sections below, you’ll learn more about who makes the best hardware firewall devices, on top of software and virtual solutions.
1. SonicWall
Offering a wide variety of next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), SonicWall doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality and innovation. From small to large enterprises, they’re able to deliver scalable security solutions for businesses of all kinds.
This includes benefits like advanced threat protection, efficient firewall management interfaces, and virtual firewalls. Blending traditional firewall technology with newer innovations, they ensure their firewall technology will last for the long term.
2. Fortinet
It never hurts to give yourself options, and Fortinet remains a valid alternative to the likes of SonicWall. Also providing some impressive NGFWs, Fortinet, also known as FortiGate, offers speed and efficacy.
Some of the brand’s stand-out features in this space include ASIC-powered security, very detailed network protection features, and more. Fortinet has also jumped on the AI bandwagon, as they’re already using it to improve security and efficiency.
3. WatchGuard
When looking at the range of WatchGuard Firebox firewalls, you get some pretty comprehensive options. Some manufacturers come with a massive list of options, which is great for a broad audience, but it can be a bit confusing for newcomers.
WatchGuard helps make it simple by focusing on tabletop, cloud-based, and virtual firewalls. Each is set up to deliver a streamlined understanding and application of reliable network and computer firewall hardware.
4. Sophos
You might think all firewalls deliver the same outcome, but this couldn’t be any further from the truth. While Sophos offers detailed cyber threat protection like many other manufacturers, they still know how to deliver a unique product and experience.
This comes from their focus on performance, as well as flexibility in the capabilities of their tech. High-speed connections, SD-WAN optimization, and eliminating network bottlenecks are just a few examples. Businesses also get the added benefit of cloud-managed security.
Is a Firewall Hardware or Software?
First and foremost, you can find both hardware and software firewall solutions. To help avoid confusion, it’s helpful to look at this question as simply as possible. The table below offers a glimpse into hardware vs software firewall solutions and what you can usually expect.
| Parameters | Hardware Firewalls | Software Firewalls |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Physical next-generation firewall devices | Primarily virtual or cloud-based |
| Installation | A physical installation, including cable management | Easily installed onto existing network security infrastructure |
| Scalability | Limited to the extent of the physical hardware’s capabilities | Much more flexible and dynamic in its features, with cloud and virtual technology aiding its scalability |
| Complexity | Requires configuration and skilled staff for installation and maintenance, such as IT teams. | Easier to deploy through cloud automation, with no expert hands-on experience required |
You can make the topic more complicated with the specifics, but this provides a surface-level comparison that’s easier to understand. Firewall technology doesn’t have to be overly complex; you just have to make sure your organization’s cybersecurity needs are covered.
Final Thoughts
At first, firewall technology can feel a bit intimidating, especially if you don’t have any first-hand experience. Working with IT alongside manufacturers and firewall suppliers is the best way to go about it.
This guarantees you find exactly what your business demands without falling into too much trial and error along the way. If you’d like to learn more about finding the right firewall tech for your business, reach out to us at Firewalls.com. We’re here to answer questions and concerns and provide direction on the best firewall hardware in today’s market.
