How to Choose the Best Firewall Hardware
A firewall hardware is a device used for network security that monitors data packets to prevent them from entering or leaving without your knowledge, protecting against unauthorized access from malicious software or applications running on devices in your network.
The CUJO AI Smart Internet Security Firewall is an AI-powered appliance that will protect your home office against network-based threats without adding more hardware to your hardware clutter. Compact in size, it won’t add to the burden of protecting networks at your workplace.
1. Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway
The Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway is a router and firewall designed to manage network traffic efficiently. Featuring advanced security policies that utilize encryption technology to keep your data protected, as well as an inbuilt VPN system which ensures its protection when transmitted over the internet, this device helps protect networked environments from breaches.
The USG is an ideal solution for small businesses and home users, offering reliable security and high performance routing at an economical price point. It can create virtual network segments for traffic management purposes while prioritizing voice/video call clarity with top QoS priorities.
This device is compatible with UniFi Controller software, enabling users to easily manage wireless networks and devices through one centralized interface. It features a built-in DHCP server as well as supporting IPV4 connections; additionally it can connect directly to fiber, cable or ADSL modems via its WAN port or by Ethernet cable directly with any router.
2. WatchGuard Firebox T35
WatchGuard has several smaller appliances with plenty of features; we recently tested one called T35-W which proved very easy to set up and manage thanks to its user-friendly browser admin console. In particular, this unit boasts botnet detection as well as data loss prevention features.
The T35’s small footprint makes it a suitable solution for smaller sites, from start-up businesses to larger organizations seeking easy, comprehensive UTM protection at remote sites or SMBs.
The T35’s ruggedized design can withstand extreme temperatures, moisture and dust conditions to remain operational even in harsh environments. With five 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed LAN backbone infrastructures and gigabit WAN connections – as well as a Power over Ethernet port to power a cloud-managed Wi-Fi access point or third-party security camera without incurring AC power costs or hassle – administrators save both cost and hassle in running AC power to their location.
3. Netgate pfSense Plus
Netgate pfSense Plus is an open source router and firewall software solution built on FreeBSD that has become one of the most sought-after solutions among small businesses, home lab enthusiasts and others interested in networking. However, some users may be unfamiliar with what differentiates between pfSense Plus and CE (Community Edition).
pfSense Plus is the premium version that is replacing pfSense Factory Edition as the commercial-grade network security product for businesses and professionals. It provides advanced features and capabilities tailored specifically for cloud secure networking needs at a fraction of the cost associated with proprietary alternatives.
Netgate oversees pfSense Plus, which boasts additional features not available in their free pfSense CE software. They aim to release three updates each year with instance types, hardware support updates and bug fixes as well as RAID configuration and high availability options suitable for data centers or mission-critical deployments.
4. Protectli Vault FW4C
If you need a hardware firewall to run pfSense or OPNsense, this is one of the top choices available. It has multiple ports and pushes data through at 1 gigabit fiber speed while offering AES encryption in hardware.
Specifications: Intel J3710 Celeron Quad Core/ 4 Thread CPU at 1.6 GHz (Bursting up to 2.6 GHz). AES-NI Hardware Support. 4 Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet NIC Ports that are fanless and nearly silent.
Barebones unit for maximum customization (no RAM & mSATA). Coreboot BIOS optional and must be installed by user; tested with popular open source solutions like pfSense, untangle and OPNsense; US-based support with 30-day money back guarantee included.
