Both the SonicWall NSv 270 and 470 come from the same line-up, but each serves particular target markets. The short version is that the 270 is best for mid-sized companies, while the 470 is better for high-demand networks.
It’s important to ask why that is and reflect on the current and future needs of your internal business network. Whether you have an in-house, remote, or hybrid workforce, NSv firewalls are great for many reasons. This article highlights multiple comparisons between the SonicWall NSv 270 vs 470, giving you actionable details to work with.
The Gist of SonicWall NSv 270 vs NSv 470
SonicWall’s brief range of network security virtual appliances might seem pretty similar, but the fine print shouldn’t be overlooked. While they definitely share many features, they separate themselves across several areas of capability.
Not to be confused with the traditional hardware firewall, the NSv series is widely popular as they’re virtual appliances. Instead of having to worry about upgrading your entire physical infrastructure for the next firewall model, you can do it through a cloud environment. Similarities aside, the differences will help guide the bulk of your decision-making process.
What is the SonicWall NSv 270?
Starting with the most entry-level option, the SonicWall NSv 270 is a great option for smaller, budding companies. This doesn’t mean its capabilities should be underestimated, as it delivers powerful network security in a public, private, or hybrid cloud environment.
Here are a few important specifications to consider about the NSv 270:
- Firewall Inspection Throughput: 6 Gbps
- Threat Prevention Throughput: 3.5 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 4 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 1.4 Gbps
- SSO Users: 500
This barely scratches the surface of the firewall specs, and it’s already pretty impressive for an entry-level network security solution. New generation firewall solutions go far and beyond, and in some cases, even more so with the cloud approach. If you have a hunch that the NSv 270 might not be enough, then it might be a good idea to look into what the 470 can deliver.
What is the SonicWall NSv 470?
If you know anything about how firewall models are labeled, then it’s safe to assume the NSv 470 would be a bit stronger. However, stronger isn’t always the right solution, as your choice should be heavily influenced by the actual demands of your network.
SonicWall firewalls are reliable, to say the least, and these are the specs that help the 470 stand out in the NSv line-up:
- Firewall Inspection Throughput: 9 Gbps
- Threat Prevention Throughput: 7 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 6 Gbps
- VPN Throughput: 3.5 Gbps
- SSO Users: 10,000
This is a pretty significant jump from the specs listed about the NSv 270. Remember, depending on your needs, features like support for up to 10,000 SSO users could be overkill. In the same vein, if you’re on track to scale, thinking head doesn’t hurt.
Comprehensive Overview of SonicWall NSv 270 vs NSv 470
Of course, the minor details mentioned above aren’t the only specifications that matter when it comes to network security. This is especially true when it comes to business, as you’re dealing with a lot more sensitive data than your home network. Nevertheless, the table below provides a more comprehensive comparison that you can use as a guide to your next steps.
| Specifications | SonicWall NSv 270 | SonicWall NSv 470 |
|---|---|---|
| Firewall Inspection Throughput (Gbps) | 6 | 9 |
| Threat Prevention Throughput (Gbps) | 3.5 | 7 |
| IPS Throughput (Gbps) | 4 | 6 |
| VPN Throughput (Gbps) | 1.4 | 3.5 |
| SSO Users | 500 | 10,000 |
| Max Supported vCPUs | 2 | 4 |
| Connections per Second | 13,760 | 37,270 |
| Site-to-Site VPN Tunnels | 75 | 6,000 |
| IPSec VPN Clients (Max) | 50(1,000) | 2,000(4,000) |
There’s nothing wrong with hard firewalls, but it may not always be the best choice, depending on your needs. Aside from the specs, the cost of SonicWall firewalls is an understandable consideration. This is another aspect of virtual appliances that can be helpful, as they tend to be more affordable and come with an easier learning curve.
The Bottom Line
You’ll always have numerous firewall options to choose from, but your business will benefit from exploring what new generation firewall tech can offer. Keep in mind this includes hybrid environments as well, so you don’t have to fully rely on cloud solutions alone.
In this context, it’s the NSv 470 that makes the most sense. It comes with the same learning curve as the 270 but gives you more flexibility to scale. For those of you who could use some extra guidance, our team of firewall experts is always a click away.
