Alternatives to Cisco Meraki

Exploring Top Alternatives to Cisco Meraki Firewalls

While Cisco Meraki offers robust cloud-managed security solutions ideal for many business environments, your organization might require different features or pricing structures. Finding the perfect firewall alternative requires careful evaluation of your specific network security needs.

When searching beyond Cisco Meraki's ecosystem, numerous viable options exist in today's cybersecurity marketplace. The challenge lies in identifying solutions that align with your technical requirements, budget constraints, and long-term security strategy.

Effective evaluation should focus on core capabilities rather than marketing promises. Consider how each alternative addresses your specific security vulnerabilities, integration requirements, and support needs.

Top 10 Firewall Solutions to Consider

1. FortiGate Network Firewall

Available as hardware, virtual appliance, or SaaS offering

Recognized for exceptional threat prevention capabilities

1. Check Point NGFW

Hardware-based solution from a pioneering cybersecurity developer

Known for comprehensive threat intelligence integration

1. Juniper NGFW

Flexible deployment options including hardware, virtual, and containerized solutions

Strong performance in high-throughput environments

1. Huawei Unified Security Gateway

Physical and virtual deployment options

Competitive pricing for enterprise-grade protection

1. Sophos SG Firewall

Includes advanced email security features

Available in multiple deployment formats

1. WatchGuard Firebox

Combines stateful inspection with intrusion prevention

Suitable for various deployment scenarios

1. SonicWall Firewall

Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes

Multi-format availability for diverse environments

1. Forcepoint NGFW

SD-WAN capabilities with robust boundary protection

Flexible implementation options

1. Hillstone NGFW

Specialized in IoT security integration

Available in multiple formats

1. Wijungle Unified Network Security Gateway

All-in-one solution combining multiple network security functions

Integrated load balancing and traffic management

Key Evaluation Criteria

When assessing these alternatives, focus on:

• Core firewall functionality and connection filtering

• Intrusion prevention capabilities

• Protection against DDoS and malformed traffic

• Additional integrated functions like load balancing

• Comprehensive activity monitoring

• Availability of free trials or demonstrations

• Overall value proposition and total cost of ownership

The ideal firewall solution should provide comprehensive protection while aligning with your organization's specific operational requirements and budget constraints.

Fortinet's FortiGate network firewall stands out as a leading next-generation firewall (NGFW) and has been acknowledged in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls. This solution is versatile, supporting deployments across physical, virtual, and cloud environments. FortiGate is available in various models, from entry-level hardware appliances for small offices to high-end devices for data centers and multi-tenant cloud settings, along with virtual software options for custom hardware.

Key Features:

• SD-WAN creation
  
• Intrusion detection and prevention
  
• Traffic scanning
  
• VLAN creation
  
• VPN management
  

As Fortinet's flagship product, FortiGate excels, especially in its hardware appliance form. The company developed its own chip, ensuring superior traffic processing speed compared to competitors. Now, it also offers the firewall in software versions.

Powered by FortiOS, FortiGate integrates with the Fortinet Security Fabric, an adaptive architecture that provides integrated threat detection and automated responses. It leverages machine learning and AI for behavioral-based cyber threat detection and prevention.

The NGFW supports endpoint profiling and stateful traffic management. Users can create firewall rules to establish different trust zones within their network and extend network boundaries to remote workers, distant sites, and cloud platforms. SSL offloading enables the firewall to inspect unencrypted traffic, enhancing virus scanning and external activity profiling, leading to IP blacklisting. It can also function as a reverse firewall, scanning outgoing traffic for data loss prevention, including email scanning.

Additional features include wireless LAN controls and web threat scanning. FortiGate implements sandboxing for downloads to prevent malware from reaching any network endpoint.

While FortiGate offers four entry-level hardware models, they may not be cost-effective for small, budget-constrained businesses. This solution is more suited for larger organizations and comes at a premium price point due to its advanced capabilities.

FortiGuard services, which provide security features, are licensed on a per-device basis. These services can be purchased as a single subscription or bundled with or without hardware. FortiCare support, the foundation of Fortinet’s service, includes firmware updates, technical support, and basic FortiGuard subscriptions. Advanced premium support options are also available.

FortiGate network firewalls are a top choice for Cisco Meraki alternatives due to Fortinet's leadership in network security. The FortiGate series, with its specialized chips for faster traffic scanning, makes the hardware highly competitive. Additionally, the software can be deployed as a SaaS package or a virtual appliance, providing flexibility for different environments.

Check Point stands out as a premier NGFW solution provider catering to organizations of all sizes. Recognized as a leader in Gartner's 2020 Network Firewall Magic Quadrant, Check Point offers robust security features with intuitive management interfaces.

Their NGFW portfolio spans from entry-level appliances for small offices to high-performance solutions for enterprise data centers, including specialized options for industrial control systems.

Notable capabilities include:

• Industrial site protection options

• VPN connectivity for secure internet access

• Advanced sandboxing for downloaded files

• Comprehensive content inspection

The Quantum brand encompasses fifteen hardware models with varying throughput capacities, organized into specialized sub-categories: Lightspeed, Gen V, Spark, and Rugged. For cloud environment protection, Check Point offers CloudGuard.

Their comprehensive feature set includes firewalls, intrusion prevention, IPsec VPN, anti-bot technology, antivirus protection, email security with anti-spam capabilities, application control, mobile access solutions, URL filtering, identity awareness, and centralized policy management.

A standout advantage is Check Point's OS-level SandBlast technology, incorporating Threat Emulation and Threat Extraction to defend against zero-day attacks and targeted threats.

Users appreciate the consistent software architecture and intuitive interface across all models. The product line strategically addresses different market segments: Quantum Spark targets small businesses, Quantum Rugged serves industrial environments, Quantum Lightspeed is optimized for data centers, while various Quantum Security Gateway editions accommodate mid-sized to large enterprises.

Check Point's flexible licensing model allows customers to select predefined packages or build custom solutions using their "Software Blades" approach. This modular structure lets organizations activate only needed features like firewall, IPS, or VPN functionality.

While ideal for midrange organizations prioritizing strong security and management capabilities, Check Point's extensive feature set may prove overwhelming for some. Organizations with more focused security requirements might benefit from simpler, more targeted solutions.

Exploring Juniper Networks Firewall Solutions

Juniper Networks stands out in the network security landscape with its comprehensive Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) offerings. Recognized as a challenger in Gartner's 2020 Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls, Juniper provides robust security solutions with exceptional visibility from endpoint to cloud environments.

Deployment Flexibility

Juniper offers remarkable deployment versatility with three distinct options:

1. SRX Series - Physical hardware appliances tailored for various organization sizes from SMBs to large enterprises and data centers
   
2. vSRX - Virtual firewalls specifically engineered to protect public cloud infrastructures
   
3. cSRX - Container firewalls designed to secure containerized applications and microservices environments
   

Management Infrastructure

The foundation of Juniper's security ecosystem consists of:

• Junos OS: The powerful network operating system driving all appliances
  
• Junos Space Security Director: A centralized web interface for comprehensive policy management across physical, logical, and virtual firewall deployments
  

Core Security Capabilities

Juniper NGFWs deliver essential protections including:

• Comprehensive web security
  
• Network segmentation with granular user access controls
  
• Advanced malware detection systems
  
• J-flow traffic reporting (based on NetFlow protocol)
  
• Risk scoring and QoS prioritization features
  
• Intrusion detection/prevention services
  
• Threat intelligence integration
  

Organizational Benefits

Juniper firewalls are particularly advantageous for organizations already utilizing Juniper networking equipment. The unified command structure across devices creates administrative efficiencies by eliminating the need to learn multiple vendor-specific coding languages.

Licensing Structure

Juniper implements a subscription-based licensing model. Each licensed feature requires purchasing, installing, and activating the corresponding license. The Juniper Agile Licensing Portal serves as the central hub for license administration and management.

Huawei USG Overview and Features

Huawei's Unified Security Gateway (USG) is a comprehensive network firewall solution, catering to midsize and large enterprises, chain organizations, cloud service providers, and major data centers. Renowned in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA), Huawei USG was named a Customers' Choice in 2021 by Gartner Network Firewalls and recognized as a Challenger in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls.

Key Features:

• AI-based threat detection
  
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
  
• Traffic shaping
  

The Huawei USG is part of the HiSecEngine product line, which includes next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) that use AI to detect sophisticated attacks across multiple packets. This range offers solutions for data centers, campuses, branch offices, and small businesses.

Deployment Options:

• Desktop: The HiSecEngine USG6500E series, such as the USG6510E and USG6530E, are compact desktop AI firewall appliances ideal for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), branch offices, and franchises.
  
• Rackmount: The HiSecEngine USG6500E (fixed-configuration), USG6600E, USG6600F, and USG6700E (fixed-configuration) series are designed for SMBs, chain organizations, institutions, and data centers.
  
• Data Center Chassis: The USG9500 series, including the USG9520, USG9560, and USG9580, offer high throughput (up to 1.92 Tbit/s) for cloud service providers and large enterprise networks.
  
• Software Virtual Appliance: The USG6000V series, from USG6000V1 to USG6000V8, provides virtualized gateway services, including vFW, vIPsec, vLB, vIPS, vAV, and vURL remote query, suitable for virtual environments.
  

The HiSecEngine range caters to all business sizes. For small businesses, the HiSecEngine USG6500E desktop series offers several models with varying capacities, affecting their prices.

Innovative Features:

• AI-powered threat defense
  
• Application control
  
• Bandwidth management
  
• URL filtering and web protection
  
• Antivirus
  
• VPN
  
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
  
• DDoS mitigation
  
• Policy management
  

All Huawei USG products can be purchased directly from Huawei or through accredited partners, providing flexibility and robust security for various deployment scenarios.

Sophos Network Security Solutions: A Comprehensive Overview

Sophos offers versatile deployment options for their network security solutions, available as hardware appliances (SG Series), software installations, or cloud-based systems. A standout feature is the complimentary Sophos UTM Manager (SUM), enabling centralized control of all security appliances—a capability many competitors charge extra for.

The hardware lineup is categorized by form factor and organizational needs:

Desktop models (SG 105/105w through SG 135/135w) serve small businesses and satellite offices, with "w" variants supporting wireless connectivity.

1U rack-mountable appliances (SG 210 through SG 450) address mid-market requirements with enhanced performance capabilities.

2U models (SG 550 and SG 650) deliver enterprise-grade protection for larger organizations and data center environments.

Core Security Capabilities:

• Comprehensive data loss prevention with email content inspection

• Secure remote access through VPN infrastructure

• Mobile device security management

• Advanced threat detection and endpoint protection systems

• Built-in intrusion prevention system (IPS)

Every SG Series model includes the same fundamental security services, with differences primarily in throughput capacity and port density. This scalable approach ensures businesses of all sizes can implement appropriate protection without sacrificing functionality.

Licensing Structure:

Sophos employs a subscription-based model with two approaches:

1. Individual module subscriptions for specific security functions
   
2. Comprehensive FullGuard licensing for complete protection
   

Support options include:

• Standard: Basic support with manual updates, knowledge base access, community forums, and hardware replacement

• Premium: 24/7 technical assistance, automatic updates, and expedited replacement services

Implementation Process:

1. Select your preferred deployment model
   
2. Choose appropriate licensing structure
   
3. Consider value-added options like subscription extensions, centralized management tools, and enhanced reporting capabilities
   

WatchGuard Firebox: A Comprehensive Network Security Solution for SMBs

WatchGuard's Firebox offers a unified security platform designed specifically for small to midsize businesses and distributed enterprises. While not targeting large corporations or extensive data centers, this solution provides exceptional performance and comprehensive protection.

The all-in-one security appliance integrates multiple cybersecurity tools including anti-virus protection, stateful firewall capabilities, spam filtering, application control functionality, intrusion prevention systems, and URL filtering. This integration creates significant efficiency for businesses by consolidating security management through a single command interface.

Deployment Flexibility

Firebox provides three deployment options to accommodate different business environments:

1. Tabletop Appliances: Compact, high-performance hardware units (T15-T80 models) ideal for home offices, small businesses, and branch locations.
   
2. Rackmount Solutions: 1U rack-mounted hardware available in various models - M270-M670 series for growing midsize organizations, and M4600-M5600 series for distributed enterprise environments.
   
3. Virtual/Cloud Implementation: FireboxV and Firebox Cloud deliver software-based security with the same robust protection features, perfect for organizations transitioning to virtual or cloud infrastructures.
   

Advanced Protection Features

The solution includes essential security capabilities such as:

• Stateful packet inspection firewall
  
• Intrusion prevention systems
  
• Web content filtering
  
• Gateway antivirus protection
  
• Granular application control
  
• Comprehensive anti-spam measures
  

Additionally, Firebox addresses sophisticated threats through file sandboxing, data loss prevention tools, and specialized ransomware protection.

Licensing and Support

All hardware purchases include a one-year warranty. Security modules are available as individual subscriptions or as comprehensive suites. WatchGuard offers tiered support options including Standard, Plus (with 24/7 availability), Gold, and Premium levels, providing escalating priorities for support cases.

Purchasing Process

When considering WatchGuard Firebox, follow these steps:

1. Select your preferred appliance type based on deployment needs
   
2. Choose between Total Security Suite or Basic Security Suite
   
3. Connect with an authorized WatchGuard reseller to complete your purchase
   

The solution particularly benefits organizations seeking to reduce hardware complexity while maintaining robust security controls across their network infrastructure.

Firewall Solutions Overview

SonicWall’s firewall solutions cater to diverse organizational needs with adaptable deployment options across physical, virtual, and cloud infrastructures

Their unified SonicOS powers all devices, integrating advanced threat prevention, traffic optimization, and SSL decryption for bidirectional content inspection

A standout offering is the Capture Cloud Platform, enabling centralized management and live demo access for hands-free evaluation of tools

Deployment models are segmented into four tiers, addressing businesses of all scales

The TZ Series targets SMBs and remote offices with hybrid wired/wireless gateways, combining SD-WAN and threat detection in compact appliances

Mid-sized enterprises and data centers benefit from the NSA Series, scaling from the 2650 to 9650 models for high-throughput environments

Large distributed organizations leverage the NSSP 12000 Series, blending on-prem security with cloud intelligence for cross-site protection

Virtualized infrastructures utilize the NSV Series, offering hypervisor-compatible defenses from NSV 10 to 1600 for cloud workload security

Core capabilities extend beyond traditional firewall functions

SSL offloading enables deep packet inspection to block malicious content, while behavioral analytics identify insider threats and network anomalies

Integrated features include VLAN segmentation, wireless controller functionality, and bandwidth prioritization via traffic shaping tools

Subscription-based licensing includes optional premium support tiers, with costs varying by appliance type and deployment scale

While praised for cost-efficiency through bundled security modules like single sign-on and encrypted traffic analysis, SonicWall faces brand recognition challenges in enterprise-tier markets

Prospective buyers should evaluate hardware specifications against projected growth, as scalability varies significantly between entry-level and high-end product lines

Forcepoint Next-Generation Firewall: Enterprise Security Solution

Forcepoint NGFW delivers comprehensive network protection through intelligence-aware security mechanisms that receive continuous updates in real-time. This robust solution combines software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) capabilities, advanced intrusion prevention systems, and cloud-based Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) integration to ensure optimal network and data protection.

What sets Forcepoint apart is its versatility across deployment environments, functioning effectively in physical hardware, virtual instances, and cloud infrastructures.

Notable Capabilities:

• Virtual network implementation and SASE architecture support

• Advanced intrusion prevention technology

• IP address blacklisting functionality

Forcepoint NGFW excels in traffic management, enabling organizations to create and administer virtual network infrastructures like SD-WAN and SASE. This functionality allows businesses to unify multiple locations and cloud platforms under a single security umbrella. Additionally, these appliances can function as VPN servers.

Management and Administration

The Security Management Center (SMC) provides centralized control, allowing administrators to deploy, monitor, and update up to 2,000 Forcepoint NGFW devices from a single interface. The platform features unified software across physical and cloud deployments (supporting AWS, Azure, and VMware), Sidewinder security proxies for critical applications, and policy-driven management.

Additional security features include application whitelisting/blacklisting based on client version, anti-malware sandboxing, and sophisticated anti-evasion defenses.

Product Range:

• Data Centers & Campus Networks: 6200, 3400, and 3300 series

• Network Edge Security: 2100 and 1100 series

• Branch Offices & Remote Sites: 300, 120, and 60 series

• SMBs & Home Offices: 50 series

• Cloud & Virtual Infrastructure: Unified NGFW software solutions

Ideal Use Cases

Organizations with multiple locations seeking unified administration will benefit significantly from Forcepoint's solutions. Similarly, businesses heavily invested in cloud services like Microsoft 365 will find these firewalls particularly advantageous.

Pricing structures vary based on capacity requirements and desired features. Interested organizations can request customized demonstrations.

Hillstone Networks has carved out a significant presence in the network firewall market, offering robust solutions for both enterprises and service providers. Their Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) products, such as edge protection solutions, are designed to combat cyber-attacks and safeguard infrastructure. This performance and vision led to Hillstone Networks being included in the 2020 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Firewalls. Additionally, they were recognized in the 2021 Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for Network Firewalls.

Key features of Hillstone's NGFW offerings include:

• Comprehensive security for networks, site-to-site connections, and IoT devices
  
• Advanced malware scanning
  
• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
  

Hillstone’s NGFW lineup is divided into two primary product lines: the X-Series for data centers and the A-Series for general use. Both series are available as network appliances. One of Hillstone's standout innovations is its twin-mode operation, which simultaneously analyzes traffic at both the network and application layers.

The NGFW products from Hillstone are scalable, suitable for small to large campuses, and can be deployed in carrier-class multi-tenant data centers. They offer flexible deployment options across physical, virtual, and cloud environments. Key features encompass:

• Network firewall and VPN capabilities
  
• Antivirus and intrusion prevention
  
• Web/URL filtering
  
• IP reputation protection
  
• Botnet Command and Control (C&C) prevention
  
• IoT security
  

Hillstone’s NGFW products are categorized as follows:

• The A-Series NGFW are physical appliances designed for edge protection in physical enterprise networks.
  
• The E-Series (E1000-E5000) NGFW provide enhanced security and application visibility for multi-tenant solutions in virtual environments.
  
• The X-Series NGFW, including models like the X10800, X8180, and X7180, are tailored for data centers and multi-tenant cloud-based security-as-a-service settings.
  
• The T-Series intelligent NGFW uses statistical clustering, behavioral analytics, and correlation analysis to detect and prevent sophisticated attacks.
  
• The CloudEdge Virtual NGFW is a software-based solution for virtual environments, supporting multi-tenant and firewall as a service (FaaS) models.
  

Hillstone’s unique approach to threat detection and prevention makes it an attractive option for businesses that prioritize functionality over brand recognition. The X-Series, with its multi-tenant architecture, is especially appealing to managed service providers. The A-Series, meanwhile, integrates multiple cybersecurity tools into a single, efficient package.

Hillstone NGFWs can be purchased directly from the manufacturer or through channel partners and authorized resellers. Online product demonstrations are also available upon request.

Comprehensive Network Security Lösung

Wijungle offers a consolidated approach to network protection

by integrating multiple security functions into a unified hardware platform

eliminating reliance on fragmented solutions like standalone firewalls or VPNs

Gartner’s 2020 Peer Insights report highlighted the platform

as a top-rated network firewall vendor globally

emphasizing its enterprise-grade capabilities

Core functionalities include AI-driven anomaly detection

real-time traffic prioritization (QoS)

and automated threat mitigation via IPS/IDS mechanisms

Scalable deployment options cater to diverse organizational needs

from compact branch office units to data center-grade appliances

with centralized cloud-based management for multi-site operations

Unique to Wijungle is its perpetual licensing model

where hardware retains full operational capacity post-subscription expiry

only losing vendor support and region-specific SMS alerts

While SMBs benefit from cost-effective all-in-one security

larger enterprises might prioritize modular solutions

over bundled features from emerging vendors

Behavioral analytics powered by machine learning

enable adaptive defense against zero-day exploits

complementing traditional signature-based protocols

Pricing scales dynamically with concurrent user counts

making it budget-friendly for growing businesses

but potentially costly for high-density environments

The platform’s web application firewall (WAF) module

and hotspot authentication gateway

address modern hybrid workforce security challenges

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