Through combined security and simple management, Barracuda has made it easy for businesses to upgrade their network security stack. In the context of Barracuda CloudGen Firewall F280 vs F380, you’re definitely going to run into a few differences.
What many companies overlook is just how important the spec differences are. This is especially true when it comes to making such a long-term decision. Firewall solutions are a big part of defense against network security threats. However, they require more than an understanding of current network demands.
This firewall comparison aims to make the target market for these models apparent. In this article, you’re getting a direct breakdown of Barracuda CloudGen Firewall F280 vs F380 so you can avoid sorting through the noisy datasheets.
Upgrade With Your Barracuda Security Provider
For those looking to upgrade with their existing Barracuda security provider, going with the next firewall in line always makes for a smooth transition. However, comparing the F280 against the F380 also helps new companies end up with the right choice from the jump.
The right security partner will make sure there’s no confusion with transitions. On top of that, with solutions like Firewalls.com, you’ll have the technical support you need to be prepared way ahead of time. Whether you’re getting into your first firewall or looking to upgrade from the F280, this firewall comparison can help.
What is the Barracuda F280 Firewall?
Delivering high performance in its own right, the F280 is built to handle up to 300 users. A perfect starting point for smaller organizations, the model does a solid job of balancing performance and simplicity.
Here are a few of the most important specs from the F280:
- Firewall Throughput: 3.7 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 1.1 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 1.2 Gbps
- NGFW Throughput: 1 Gbps
- Concurrent Sessions: 250,000
For those who know anything about firewall Barracuda solutions, there’s a good chance you’re up to speed on what these specs mean. Once again, more than suitable for plenty of modern businesses, but it doesn’t necessarily stack up to the benefits of the F380.
What is the Barracuda Firewall F380?
Coming in with a bit more strength, the F380 from Barracuda Networks is rated for up to 500 users. Even with the same focus of simple management and easy configuration, there are some differences in the datasheet you’ll want to know about.
This is how the specs in the F380 compare to the list above:
- Firewall Throughput: 5.2 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 1.4 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 2 Gbps
- NGFW Throughput: 1.4 Gbps
- Concurrent Sessions: 400,000
Bigger isn’t always better here, as it’s more important to gain a clear perspective on your current and potentially evolving network demands. Even so, existing users of the F280 would do well to eventually upgrade to the F380 when the time comes. The point is to be as proactive as possible with this decision-making.
Barracuda CloudGen Firewall F280 vs F380 Firewall Comparison
If you really want to be able to decide between the two or know when to upgrade, you’ll need to know more about these solutions as a whole. Take a look at the table below for a deeper look at some of the most essential details behind this firewall comparison.
| Specification | F280 | F380 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Gbps) | 3.7 | 5.2 |
| VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 1.1 | 1.4 |
| IPS Throughput (Gbps) | 1.2 | 2 |
| NGFW Throughput (Gbps) | 1 | 1.4 |
| Threat Protection Throughput (Mbps/Gbps) | 900 | 1.2 |
| Concurrent Sessions | 250,000 | 400,000 |
| New Sessions | 10,000 | 15,000 |
| Copper Ethernet NICs (GbE) | 6 x 1 | 8 x 1 |
| Power Supply | Single, external | Single, internal |
It’s easy to see the upgrades when you line them up side by side. Even if the F280 is more of what you need right now, the F380 will be the next best option to go with. While the F280 is still running strong with backend support, it’s bound to meet its end of life before the F380.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, choosing between the Barracuda CloudGen Firewall F280 vs F380 depends on your existing network needs and expected growth. The F280 is still a strong option for businesses getting started with their network setup, but it doesn’t match the strength of the F380.
Part of knowing which direction to take requires working alongside a trusted security provider. Consider having a chat with us at Firewalls for a more conclusive take on which of these firewall models from Barracuda is best for your situation.
FAQ
Can the F280 Handle Multiple Branch Offices or Remote Users?
Yes, the F280 supports VPN connections up to 1.1 Gbps, making it relatively capable in this context. Then again, the F380 would be the better option for larger network deployments, considering its higher throughput.
How Does the F380 Future-Proof a Growing Small Business Network?
With things like higher firewall throughput, concurrent connections, and expanded VPN capacity, the F380 is better suited to accommodate growing network traffic.
Is Upgrading From the F280 to F380 Complicated?
Aside from Barracuda’s overall simple take on firewall management, working with a reliable security provider can help a ton as well. This is there to streamline setup, minimize downtime, and ensure everything is configured properly.
Do Both Models Support Advanced Threat Protection for Modern Cyber Risks?
Absolutely, both firewalls use behavior analysis, sandboxing, and threat signatures to protect against ransomware, malware, and evolving cyber threats. This promises enterprise-grade security for small businesses, whether they’re starting out or experiencing active growth.
