If you aren’t already familiar with SonicWall TZ series firewall solutions, then you’ve found a solid starting point for yourself. However, regardless of your experience with SonicWall firewalls, this firewall comparison offers actionable insight for any organization looking for next-generation security hardware.
At its core, the Gen 8 lineup with the TZ series comes with a combination of firewalling, networking, SD-WAN, centralized management, and more. When it comes to SonicWall firewall reviews, small and growing businesses have several options to choose from here.
Key Takeaways:
- Different TZ models support varying business and network environments
- Gen 8 combines firewalling, networking, SD-WAN, centralized management, and more
- Advanced security helps protect against modern and emerging threats as you scale
- Zero-Touch deployment simplifies setup across distributed locations
- Scalable connectivity supports growing organizations and branch networks
Unpacking SonicWall TZ Series Firewall Security Architecture
Before I dive into the unique specs between each firewall model, I want to offer some insight into SonicWall Gen 8 security architecture. This goes beyond standard firewalling and networking features.
This can be seen across the Capture Advanced Threat Protection, cloud-based sandbox analysis, and overall SonicWall ecosystem integration. From centralized management, Zero-Touch deployment, Cloud Secure Edge Connector, and more, the TZ series comes with more than a handful of reliable options.
What is the SonicWall TZ Series Firewall TZ280?
Seen as a great starting point for many young businesses, the SonicWall TZ280 is perfect for small offices and lean branch locations. Aside from everything SonicOS 8 has to offer, the specs showcase exactly what makes this firewall unique.
Here’s a brief overview of what that looks like for the TZ280:
- Firewall Throughput: 2.5 Gbps
- Threat Prevention Throughput: 1 Gbps
- App Inspection Throughput: 1.5 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 1.5 Gbps
- Max Concurrent Connections (SPI): 1,000,000
In the realm of small business firewalls, the TZ280 comes with strong security as a price-conscious solution. It also gives you plenty of room to grow, giving you years of support while seamlessly ushering your network into an upgrade when the time comes.
What is the SonicWall Gen 8 TZ480 Firewall?
Moving a step up through the TZ series, you’ll encounter the TZ480 firewall. This is another small-business firewall with a little extra room for the needs of distributed enterprises or SD-Branch locations.
Here’s a quick overview of some surface-level specs:
- Firewall Throughput: 4 Gbps
- Threat Prevention Throughput: 2 Gbps
- App Inspection Throughput: 2.2 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 2.2 Gbps
- Max Concurrent Connections (SPI): 1,200,000
Moreover, the TZ480 is built to focus on security challenges like encrypted traffic, connected devices, and the security needs behind mobile workforces. Tack on all of the same benefits of the SonicOS 8 architecture, and you have a stacked small- to mid range firewall.
What is the SonicWall TZ680 Mid Range Firewall?
Categorized as a reliable mid range firewall, the TZ680 comes with a bump in performance compared to the models listed above. With this SonicWall firewall, you’re getting a combo of enterprise-grade security with simple management and scalability.
Check out a few of the leading specs in the list below:
- Firewall Throughput: 5 Gbps
- Threat Prevention Throughput: 2.5 Gbps
- App Inspection Throughput: 3 Gbps
- IPS Throughput: 3 Gbps
- Max Concurrent Connections (SPI): 1,600,000
Distributed deployments aren’t a problem for the TZ680 either. Thanks to Zero-Touch deployment, SonicExpress onboarding, high availability and Cloud Secure Edge integration, you get the security you need, and a whole lot more on top.
SonicWall TZ280 vs TZ480 vs TZ680 Firewall Comparison
Comparing SonicWall TZ280 vs TZ480 vs TZ680 comes down to a focus on different business and branch networking requirements. Use the table below as an easy reference point when deciding on which of these SonicWall firewalls is right for your operation.
| Specifications | SonicWall TZ280 | SonicWall TZ480 | SonicWall TZ680 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firewall Throughput | 2.5 Gbps | 4 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
| Threat Prevention Throughput | 1 Gbps | 2 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| App Inspection Throughput | 1.5 Gbps | 2.2 Gbps | 3 Gbps |
| IPS Throughput | 1.5 Gbps | 2.2 Gbps | 3 Gbps |
| TLS/SSL Inspection & Decryption Throughput | 430 Mbps | 650 Mbps | 800 Mbps |
| IPsec VPN Throughput | 1.2 Gbps | 2 Gbps | 2.5 Gbps |
| Max Connections (SPI) | 1,000,000 | 1,200,000 | 1,600,000 |
| New Sessions per Second | 12,000 | 18,000 | 26,000 |
| Interfaces | 8 x 1 GbE copper 2 x 1G SFP 1 x Console 1 x USB Type-C | 8 x 1 GbE copper 2 x 5/2.5/1G SFP+ 1 x Console 1 x USB Type-C | 8 x 1 GbE copper 2 x 10/5/2.5/1G SFP+ 1 x Console 1 x USB Type-C |
No matter which way you look at it, all you need to remember is that performance increases as you scale through the lineup. Rest assured, SonicWall makes plenty of room for growth, while giving you the ecosystem you need to seamlessly make changes when the time comes.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Whereas the TZ280 is great for small offices getting their start, the TZ480 aims for growing organizations, and the TZ680 is great for mid-range companies. The SonicWall TZ series firewall is one that not only offers security, but the flexibility you need to grow without the network bottlenecks.
It’s crucial to consider SonicWall firewalls reviews, but you also don’t need to face this decision all on your own. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Firewalls.com for the security solutions and hands-on support your network needs for the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the SonicWall TZ Series Firewall Suitable for Small Companies?
It combines next-gen security, networking, SD-WAN, and centralized management in a desktop form factor.
Which SonicWall TZ Firewall Offers the Most Security Performance Out of This Comparison?
The TZ680 leads the way on this, promising up to 5 Gbps of firewall inspection throughput.
How Does the TZ Series Support Branch Offices?
It does this with the help of SD-WAN, Zero-Touch deployment, VPN, and centralized management for distributed locations.
Are TZ Series Firewalls Reliable for Scalable and Growing Networks?
Most definitely, especially considering there are numerous models to help you scale with increased throughput, connection capacity, and expanded interfaces.
What Management Features Come With the SonicWall TZ Series Firewalls?
Businesses can look forward to SonicOS8, which supports Network Security Manager (NSM), CLI, SSH, Web UI, REST APIs, and SonicExpress.
