Firewall/Switch

jamoor · 11 May 2012 at 18:39

We currently have a TZ180, however we have reached its node limit, to update the nodes it costs around £210 to 25 nodes.

New ones e.g. a TZ200 isn't much more, however has unlimited nodes.

I have also been recommended a Cisco ASA5505 which I believe isn't too dissimilar?

Having a look at the ongoing running costs of the sonicwall, it seems to be quite a bit for the comprehensive security suite etc, around £200 a year.

Any ideas on which would be best?

#Chri5# · 11 May 2012 at 21:41

Don't forget the TZ 180 range goes EOL for support in July 2014, so I would putting the node upgrade money to a current model.

There's a SonicWall TZ 205 now, though I can't remember how it compares to the TZ 200 on the pricelist.

Any firewall vendor which has services like IPS or gateway AV is going to charge a subscription fee - it's just paying for your AV. If you don't want the services, there are individual SKUs for 8x5 or 24x7 support (so cover for swap-out, firmware upgrades etc).

I've setup an ASA5505 for a customer (forced on them by their parent co) and don't remember it being able to do as much as a TZ in terms of security services. In fact, is the 5505 still a current model?

derfderfley · 12 May 2012 at 20:20

A 5505-UL will probably run you more than the TZ205, and unless your familiar with Cisco kit will have a pretty steep learning curve. Plus as Chri5 says, you'll lose the UTM stuff.

jamoor · 12 May 2012 at 23:50

derfderfley said:
A 5505-UL will probably run you more than the TZ205, and unless your familiar with Cisco kit will have a pretty steep learning curve. Plus as Chri5 says, you'll lose the UTM stuff.

TBH I don't need to learn anything really as it will be managed by our IT providers.

Just a case of which is decent value for money, the TZ180 has been faultless thus far.

derfderfley · 13 May 2012 at 19:03

jamoor said:
TBH I don't need to learn anything really as it will be managed by our IT providers.

Just a case of which is decent value for money, the TZ180 has been faultless thus far.

Last time I checked a 5505-UL will run you around £500 if you shop around, and around £1k at rrp. It goes without saying, don't get charged full rrp by your IT provider.