Discover the power of Netgate pfSense firewalls! Learn about features, benefits, and which model fits your business needs. Secure your network today!
What is Netgate pfSense?
Netgate pfSense is a powerful, open-source firewall and router solution designed for businesses of all sizes. Built on FreeBSD, it provides advanced security, VPN support, content filtering, and intrusion detection at a cost-effective price. Unlike proprietary firewalls, Netgate’s pfSense appliances offer full customisation, making them ideal for MSPs, enterprises, and growing businesses looking for a flexible security solution.
Key Features of Netgate pfSense Firewalls
- Advanced Firewall & Traffic Control: Stateful packet filtering and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).
- VPN & Secure Remote Access: Support for IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.
- Intrusion Detection & Prevention (IDS/IPS): Snort and Suricata integration.
- Multi-WAN & Load Balancing: Supports multiple ISPs for redundancy.
- Web Filtering & Content Control: pfBlockerNG integration for ad-blocking and DNS filtering.
- High Availability (HA) & Redundancy: CARP failover support for business continuity.
- Centralised Management & Reporting: Web-based GUI and advanced monitoring.
Advantages of Using Netgate pfSense Firewalls
- Cost-Effective Security: No expensive licensing fees.
- Scalability: Suitable for small offices, MSPs, and large enterprises.
- Flexibility & Customisation: Configure firewall rules, VPNs, and security policies.
- Reliable & High Performance: Optimised hardware appliances with pfSense Plus.
- Open-Source & Community-Driven: Regular updates and strong community support.
Choosing the Right Netgate pfSense Model for Your Business
| Model | Best For | Max Users/Devices | Performance | Key Features |
| Netgate 1100 | Home office, small business | 10-20 | Low | Basic firewall & VPN |
| Netgate 2100 | Small businesses, retail stores | 50-100 | Moderate | Multi-WAN, IDS/IPS |
| Netgate 3100 | Growing businesses, MSPs | 100-200 | High | VPN, web filtering |
| Netgate 4100 | Mid-sized enterprises | 300+ | Very High | High availability, load balancing |
| Netgate 6100 | Large enterprises, data centers | 500+ | Enterprise-Level | Multi-Gigabit throughput |
| Netgate 8200 | MSPs, high-performance networks | 1000+ | Extreme | Advanced security, redundant hardware |
FAQs About Netgate pfSense Firewalls
Q: How does pfSense compare to Fortinet or Cisco firewalls?
A: Netgate pfSense is an open-source firewall known for its flexibility, customisation, and cost-effectiveness. It is ideal for tech-savvy businesses that want full control over firewall rules, VPN configurations, and network policies. As it requires manual setup and ongoing management, it suits organisations that prefer a hands-on approach to security and networking.
Fortinet’s FortiGate firewalls provide a more automated and AI-driven security solution. With built-in Unified Threat Management (UTM), real-time malware detection, and automated security updates, Fortinet is designed for businesses seeking proactive protection with minimal manual intervention. It is particularly beneficial for mid-sized and large enterprises requiring centralised security management with cloud integration.
Cisco firewalls, including the ASA and Firepower series, offer enterprise-grade security with deep integration into Cisco’s networking ecosystem. They are widely used in large organisations and service providers that need high-performance firewalling, intrusion prevention, and advanced threat protection. While powerful, Cisco firewalls often come with higher costs and greater complexity, making them best suited to companies already invested in Cisco infrastructure.
pfSense is the best choice for cost-conscious businesses needing flexibility and control, Fortinet is ideal for organisations looking for an all-in-one, AI-powered security platform, and Cisco firewalls are suited to large enterprises requiring advanced, scalable security within a Cisco-driven network.
Q: How much does a Netgate pfSense firewall cost?
A: Pricing starts from £200 for small business models to over £2,000 for enterprise-grade appliances.
Q: Can pfSense replace a traditional hardware firewall?
A: Yes. Many businesses use pfSense as their primary firewall. We are the UK premier distributor for Netgate and have thousands of customers using Pfsense firewalls.
Q: Is pfSense difficult to set up?
A: pfSense has a user-friendly web interface with pre-built security rules. We can offer configuration help and consulting services to help with installations.
Where to Buy the Firewalls Mentioned Above
We can supply all of the firewalls mentioned above. Netgate firewalls are available for purchase via our online shopping site here, and available with next day UK delivery, pre-configured setup options and expert support services.
Have any questions? Feel free to get in touch and one of our team.
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