There’s always going to be a vast range of firewalls to choose from. Whether you’re starting with your first hardware firewall or looking for the right upgrade, the specs are where you’ll find the answers. In the scope of FortiGate firewall 900G vs 3000F, it’s safe to say there are some obvious differences between the two.
However, your decision lies beyond surface-level information. Between user limits, throughput capability, and more, there’s quite a bit to consider here. For this article, you’re getting a focus on FortiGate firewall 900G vs 3000F and what sets them apart on multiple fronts.
Key Takeaways:
- The FortiGate 900G is ideal for mid-tier, growing enterprises needing support for up to 1,000 users
- The 3000F FortiGate models are designed for large-scale, high-performance networks, handling up to 2,000 users
- Hardware specs like firewall throughput, concurrent sessions, and VPN capacity are critical for matching a firewall to your network’s demands
- Both firewalls leverage FortiCare, AI, and ML-powered FortiGuard services
- Secure SD-WAN capabilities help optimize hybrid and cloud-first networks, combining unified management, automation, and efficiency
Understanding the Role of Hardware Specs in Fortinet FortiGate Firewalls
Hardware specifications provide a lot of insight into firewall performance as a whole. Common metrics that are important to consider include throughput, concurrent sessions, and supported user counts, to name a few.
It’s important to note that various FortiGate Fortinet models are aimed at different roles in the business world. From those with a standalone operation to larger enterprises with branch offices, there’s a firewall model built for the job. Overall, evaluating hardware specs helps you to plan for not only what your network needs right now, but future growth as well.
What is the Fortinet FortiGate 900G?
Designed to be an enterprise-grade firewall, FortiGates’ 900G supports up to 1,000 users. Moreover, it does well to handle encrypted and data-intensive traffic for hybrid environments as well.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most important specs behind the hardware:
- NGFW Throughput: 31 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 42 Gbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 30 Gbps
- SSL VPN Throughput: 10 Gbps
- Concurrent Sessions: 16,000,000
While the firewall is geared toward enterprise-level operations, this is a great option for mid-tier businesses as well. Couple these specs with FortiCare and FortiGuard services, and you benefit from layered threat protection and proactive support.
What is the Fortinet FortiGate 3000F?
When it comes to the FortiGate 3000F, this model comes with a specs sheet that focuses on supporting large-scale businesses and high-performance networks. However, it should be noted that its support for a range of 500 to 2,000 users shows its adaptability to different-sized operations.
Below, you can find a quick comparison of the spec categories mentioned above:
- NGFW Throughput: 34 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 36 Gbps
- Threat Protection Throughput: 33 Gbps
- SSL VPN Throughput: 11 Gbps
- Concurrent Sessions: 70,000,000
In short, Fortinet’s 3000F has no problem handling heavy encrypted traffic and numerous security services simultaneously. It’s a true powerhouse of network security for larger organizations that need long-term support for the long-term.
A Streamlined Comparison of FortiGate Firewall 900G vs 3000F
Figuring out which of these firewalls is best for your network considers more than just a handful of throughput specs. However, streamlining the important details without having to dive into the entire datasheet can help you save a bit of time with your decision-making. The table below offers a direct comparison of Fortinet FortiGate security specs across several important categories.
| Specifications | FortiGate 900G | FortiGate 3000F |
|---|---|---|
| NGFW Throughput (Gbps) | 31 | 34 |
| IPS Throughput (Gbps) | 42 | 36 |
| Threat Protection Throughput (Gbps) | 30 | 33 |
| SSL VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 10 | 11 |
| Firewall Throughput (Gbps) | Up to 164 | Up to 397 |
| Concurrent Sessions | 16,000,000 | 70,000,000 |
| New Sessions per Second | 720,000 | 870,000 |
| Firewall Policies | 50,000 | 200,000 |
| IPsec VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 55 | 105 |
| Max Number of FortiAPs (Total/Tunnel) | 2,048 | 4,096 |
| Interfaces and Modules | 4 x 25 GE SFP28 / 10 GE SFP+ Ultra Low Latency Slots 4 x 10 GE SFP+ / GE SFP Slots 8 x GE SFP Slots 16 x GE RJ45 Slots 1 x 2.5 GE / GE HA Port 1 x GE Management Port 2 x USB Ports (Client / Server) 1 x Console Port | 6 x 100 GE QSFP28 / 40 GE QSFP+ Slots 16 x 25 GE SFP28 / 10 GE SFP+ / GE SFP Slots 16 x 10 GE / 5 GE / 2.5 GE / GE RJ45 Ports 2 x 10GE/ GE RJ45 Management Ports 1 x USB Ports (Client / Server) 1 x Console Port |
Clearly, both of these firewalls from Fortinet are pretty strong in the scope of business network security. Then again, it’s essential not to side with the firewall that comes with a higher capacity by default.
It’s about what your network needs now and in the near future. With end-of-life (EOL) dates leading to firewall upgrades every three to five years, it helps to think about your network demands in these intervals.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, comparing the FortiGate firewall 900G vs 3000F highlights which types of businesses they serve best. For the 900G, this model is more ideal for mid-tier, growing enterprises that have a need for higher throughput. With the 3000F, it’s clear this FortiGate model is best for already large-scale environments.
Examples of this would include things like data centers, branch organizations, and networks with heavy encrypted traffic. If you’d like more support in navigating which of these firewalls is best for you, our team at Firewalls.com is always on standby to help. Reach out to us to learn more about these FortiGate models and how they correlate to your existing network demands.
FAQ
What is the Main Throughput Difference Between FortiGate Firewall 900G vs 3000F?
The 900G supports up to 1,000 users with 164 Gbps, while the 3000F is capable of up to 2,000 users and 397 Gbps firewall throughput.
How do Fortinet FortiGate Firewalls Ensure Security Across Hybrid Networks?
FortiGates use AI and ML-powered FortiGuard services, an integrated security fabric, and SSL inspection to protect data. This also helps to enforce policies and secure traffic across on-prem, cloud, and remote connections.
Which Fortinet FortiGate Firewall is Better Suited for Mid-Tier Enterprises Versus Large-Scale Data Centers?
The 900G is ideal for mid-tier or growing businesses, while the 3000F is best for large-scale enterprise networks.
What Role do FortiCare and FortiGuard Services Play in FortiGate Firewall Performance?
FortiCare provides proactive support and maintenance, while FortiGuard focuses on real-time threat intelligence and automated protection. All of this helps to ensure consistent security and uptime.
How do FortiGates like the 900G and 3000F Integrate with Fortinet FortiGate Security Fabric and SD-WAN Solutions?
FortiGates integrated with the security fabric for end-to-end protection and use secure SD-WAN to optimize hybrid and cloud-first networks with unified management and automation.
