Cisco ASA vs Palo Alto Networks Firewall

March 18, 2022

Introduction

In today's world, cloud networking has become more complex and challenging than ever. One of the most critical components of cloud networking is firewall security. Two of the most popular firewalls in the market today are Cisco ASA and Palo Alto Networks Firewall. Although both firewalls offer similar functionalities, there are significant differences between them. In this blog post, we will provide a factual and unbiased comparison between Cisco ASA and Palo Alto Networks Firewall.

Performance and Throughput

When it comes to performance and throughput, Cisco ASA offers a commendable performance with a maximum of 200 Gbps of throughput. On the other hand, Palo Alto Networks Firewall offers an excellent performance of up to 100 Gbps of throughput. Although Cisco ASA has a better performance than Palo Alto Networks Firewall, it comes with a higher price tag.

Security Features

Both firewalls offer a wide range of security features, including VPN, intrusion prevention, URL filtering, and application control. However, Palo Alto Networks Firewall takes the lead with its unique and advanced security features. Its signature WildFire feature helps detect and block advanced malware and other cyber threats before they can cause damage. Additionally, its App-ID feature enables administrators to control the use of applications and prevent the occurrence of security breaches.

User Interface

Cisco ASA has a straightforward user interface with a focused and minimalist design. On the other hand, Palo Alto Networks Firewall has a more polished and modern user interface. With its user-friendly design, Palo Alto Networks Firewall enables administrators to navigate through the system with ease.

Support

Both firewalls have excellent support from their respective vendors. Cisco ASA offers standard and premium support options while Palo Alto Networks Firewall provides 24/7 support to its customers.

Pricing

Pricing is a crucial factor for most businesses. Cisco ASA can be more costly than Palo Alto Networks Firewall, but the cost varies depending on specific configurations and models. Palo Alto Networks Firewall, on the other hand, provides more competitive pricing than Cisco ASA, making it the better option for businesses with limited budgets.

Conclusion

To summarize, both Cisco ASA and Palo Alto Networks Firewall are excellent firewalls with their unique features and benefits. However, Palo Alto Networks Firewall has a few distinct advantages over Cisco ASA, including advanced security features and more user-friendly interface. Nevertheless, the choice ultimately depends on the individual needs of a business and available budgets.

References

Cisco ASA Data Sheet. Cisco. [Online]. Available at: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/security/asa-5500-series-next-generation-firewalls/datasheet-c78-458737.html. [Accessed on March 18, 2022].
Palo Alto Networks Firewall Features. Palo Alto Networks. [Online]. Available at: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/firewalls/features. [Accessed on March 18, 2022].
Palo Alto Networks WildFire. Palo Alto Networks. [Online]. Available at: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-subscriptions/wildfire. [Accessed on March 18, 2022].