Both the WatchGuard Firebox T40 and T45 serve very similar target markets, but it’s important to look into the details a little further. More important, firewall specifications and the scope of where their end of life (EOL) date lands help you map out the future of your network security.
Even if they’re both great for small to mid-sized businesses, you’re still going to come across quite a few differences in the numbers. This article gives you a clear comparison of the Firebox T40 vs T45 so you can take action with the right information.
Go-To Solutions in WatchGuard Firebox T-Series
Similarities aside, a majority of the differences end up in scalability factors and clear differences in overall performance. If you think your business fits the bill here, then it’s a good idea to see what the datasheet says.
Between the T-Seires and M-Series from the firewall company, you have plenty of room to grow from one device to the next. For the time being, if you’re in the range of small to mid-sized companies, it can feel challenging to choose between the T40 and T45.
What is the WatchGuard Firebox T40?
Promising high-speed connections, comprehensive reporting, and more, the T40 is a great option for getting your network security off the ground. It’s true that it is somewhat limited in terms of scalability, but it acts as a decent segue if you’re just getting started with firewall hardware.
With a quick look, these are the specs you’ll find in the Firebox T40:
- Firewall Throughput (IMIX): 1 Gbps
- VPN Throughput (IMIX): 272 Mbps
- Antivirus Throughput: 623 Mbps
- IPS Throughput: 510 Mbps
- Concurrent Connections: 4,300,000
The figures here might seem baseline at best, but you’d be surprised at the long-term support this could offer. A side note to think about here is that the EOL for the T40 comes in 2028, so you’ll have a few years before an upgrade is necessary.
What is the WatchGuard Firebox T45?
WatchGuard products pack a punch, and the Firebox T45 shows this with enterprise-level security built for smaller operations. The specs vary here and there, but the T45 is a bit stronger in many ways compared to the T40.
Here’s how those same categories look with the Firebox T45:
- Firewall Throughput (IMIX): 1.44 Gbps
- VPN Throughput (IMIX): 460 Mbps
- Antivirus Throughput: 874 Mbps
- IPS Throughput: 716 Mbps
- Concurrent Connections: 3,850,000
Firebox WatchGuard hardware and their related services go far beyond these points alone. While they act as a solid reference point, you’ll need to know more before you can make the right decision for your business.
Comparing the Firebox T40 vs the T45
If you know what to look for, comparing firewall solutions can be pretty straightforward. From an overall perspective, it can be highly technical, which is what makes the decision-making more difficult than it needs to be. The table below highlights key areas side by side so you can align the numbers with your network demands.
| Specifications | Firebox T40 | Firebox T45 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput (Gbps) | 1 | 1.44 |
| VPN Throughput (Mbps) | 272 | 460 |
| Antivirus Throughput (Mbps) | 623 | 874 |
| IPS Throughput (Mbps) | 510 | 716 |
| Concurrent Connections | 4,300,000 | 3,850,000 |
| New Connections per Second | 18,000 | 26,500 |
| VLANs | 50 | 50 |
| VPN Tunnels (Branch/Mobile) | 30/30 | 30/30 |
| Interfaces | 5 | 5 |
Once you size up all of the numbers, it becomes clear what the capabilities and limitations are. There are many companies where these firewalls wouldn’t make the cut. However, if you’re just getting started or still growing into a mid-range organization, these should feel like more than enough support.
Let’s Wrap Up
WatchGuard is a network security solutions company that’s well-known for many reasons. They make firewall solutions easy to understand and integrate for companies of all sizes.
In this comparison, the Firebox T45 is a strong contender for young companies needing a long-term option. Regardless of how simple they are to manage, you still need to know what you’re getting into. Consider giving us a shout, and we’ll walk you through any questions or concerns you might have about WatchGuard Firebox firewalls.
