If you’ve ever had to dive off into a firewall datasheet before, then you know there’s a ton of information to sort through. For example, with Fortinet, a lot of businesses get stuck with the comparison of FortiGate NGFW vs threat protection.
Understanding Fortinet’s throughput measurements and what they’re for will be a huge help in choosing the right FortiGate model. This article focuses on what makes NGFW and threat protection unique so you don’t get confused between the two.
Key Takeaways:
- NGFW and threat protection throughput measure FortiGate performance under different security workloads
- NGFW throughput includes firewall, IPS, and app control testing
- Threat protection throughput adds malware protection for deeper inspection
- More enabled security services can reduce throughput due to increased processing demand
- Choosing the right FortiGate model requires matching throughput specs against the real-world needs of your network
Navigating the Spec Sheets of FortiGate Models
Spec sheets from next generation firewall solutions commonly display numerous performance metrics. All of this has a bearing on your hardware performance in various ways, and I highly advise any organization to go through a heavy evaluation.
Moreover, there’s much more to consider than just NGFW and threat protection throughput alone. Understanding the specs is crucial for being able to gauge the hardware and size it up to the real-world demands of your business network. Nevertheless, for this particular comparison, I’m highlighting key comparisons between FortiGate NGFW vs threat protection.
What is FortiGate NGFW Throughput?
First off, it helps to know that FortiGate NGFW throughput measures your firewall performance. Moreover, this is done when next-gen security features are actively enabled.
Here’s a bird’s-eye view of what Fortinet’s NGFW throughput is all about:
- Measured with firewall, IPS, and application control enables
- Shows firewall performance while running essential next-gen features
- Throughput cap varies depending on the FortiGate firewall you’re working with
- Provides a more realistic performance measurement than basic firewall throughput
All in all, companies should utilize NGFW throughput as a more practical performance indicator. If you’re wanting real-world performance data, this particular feature is a big part of making it happen.
What is FortiGate Threat Protection Throughput?
With FortiGate threat protection throughput, this actively measures firewall performance when multiple security layers are in play. In addition to that, this is a metric that provides helpful insight into how your firewall performs under a more comprehensive workload.
The list below offers a few quick comparable details you’ll want to know:
- Includes malware protection
- Better representation of performance when a full security stack is in place
- Throughput cap also varies depending on the FortiGate model you’re using
- Best for organizations needing real-world firewall performance data when using advanced threat prevention features
A big part of this specific feature is to help companies maintain security effectiveness without running into one bottleneck after another. This gives you the flexibility you need with advanced security features without creating hurdles for yourself at the same time.
Comparing FortiGate NGFW vs Threat Protection Throughput
As with any technical aspect of Fortinet products, this topic can get more and more complex the deeper you go. For a more simplified understanding of this comparison, use the table below as your main reference point.
| Category | FortiGate NGFW | FortiGate Threat Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Security Features Enabled | Firewall, IPS, and app control | Firewall, IPS, app control, and malware protection |
| Main Purpose | Measures performance while running core next-gen security capabilities | Measures performance while running a broader security stack for advanced threat prevention |
| Performance Impact | Higher throughput due to fewer security services being enabled during testing | Tends to have slightly lower throughput due to the additional workload of malware detection and inspection |
| Level of Inspection | Provides inspection for network threats, intrusion attempts, and app activity | Adds malware inspection on top of NGFW capabilities for deeper threat analysis |
| Core Difference | Represents FortiGate performance with firewall, IPS, and app control | Focuses on FortiGate performance with the added layer of malware protection being enabled |
Remember, you aren’t choosing one over the other here. It’s about understanding their unique place in digital threat protection from FortiGate firewalls. Both are highly important and core components of any Fortinet firewall you work with, whether it’s for small business or enterprise-level security.
Final Thoughts
Considering every business should thoroughly evaluate firewall specs and performance, that means it’s vital to understand FortiGate NGFW vs threat protection. Moreover, a lot of this understanding will overlap into other next-gen firewall models you’ll come across.
Although the datasheets can definitely be intimidating, I’m here to focus on the need-to-know more than anything else. Of course, if you ever need hands-on guidance for your IT solutions, we’re always on standby at Firewalls.com. Link up with one of our team members and avoid any headaches or bottlenecks in your IT setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Compare FortiGate Models Using NGFW or Threat Protection Throughput?
It depends on the security features you plan to focus on. If you intend to use advanced protections like malware inspection, threat protection throughput has the performance estimate you’re looking for.
Why is Threat Protection Throughput Lower Than the NGFW Throughput in Most Cases?
Threat protection throughput includes all NGFW features, on top of malware protection, which adds more inspection and processing resources.
Does a Higher NGFW Throughput Rating Mean a FortiGate Firewall is More Secure?
Not exactly, as NGFW throughput measures performance under a specific security configuration.
How Do I Know Which FortiGate Throughput Spec Matches My Business Needs?
Always review the security services your network will actually put to use. This includes examples like IPS, app control, malware protection, and other threat prevention tools.
Can FortiGate Threat Protection Throughput Impact the Firewall Model I Choose?
Yes, businesses should always consider threat protection throughput to make sure it can handle the expected traffic volumes.
