Cisco Firewall: Big Performance, Small Package—How the 1200 Series Delivers
- Read Time: 3 mins
In this article...
- What makes the Cisco 1200 Series firewall different?
- Key features and security capabilities
- Who should consider the 1200 Series
- Cisco firewall cost and pricing factors
- Why partner with HBS for Cisco firewall security
Choosing the right firewall. Easier said than done.
As one of your best and most important lines of defense against threats, a firewall protects your people, your data and your ability to operate without disruption. It should do more than just sit at the edge. It should give you control, visibility and peace of mind.
However, with so many models, features and price points, how do you find the right one?
Most firewall comparisons come down to feature checklists. We believe the Cisco Secure Firewall 1200 Series has the rare combination of compact size, high throughput, enterprise-grade security and a price tag that’s hard to match.
In many cases, clients can upgrade to a 1200 Series with three years of security licensing for less than it costs to renew their current firewall.
Strong Threat Detection
A modern firewall recognizes and stops threats in real time while monitoring every bit of traffic.
What to look for:
- Deep packet inspection
- Intrusion prevention (IPS)
- Threat intelligence feeds
The 1200 Series advantage:
Powered by Cisco Talos, the 1200 Series uses global threat intel and advanced inspection to identify and block threats before they hit your network.
Application Awareness
Apps drive your business. But some can introduce unnecessary risk.
What to look for:
- Application visibility and control
- Granular policy creation
The 1200 Series advantage:
See exactly what’s running and set rules by on app, user, or behavior.
Secure Remote Access
With hybrid teams and mobile devices, your firewall needs to secure more than just the office.
What to look for:
- Built-in VPN
- Identity-based access control
- Zero Trust support
The 1200 Series advantage:
Give remote users secure access without opening your network to unnecessary risk. Built-in VPN and Zero Trust access make it easier to manage who’s in—and who’s not.
Scalability and Fit
Too much firewall and you’re overpaying. Too little and you’re under protected.
What to look for:
- Right-sized performance
- Rack-mountable or compact options
- Room to grow
The 1200 Series advantage:
The most basic model (1210) offers 6 Gbps throughput—perfect for SMBs, branch offices and growing networks—without overengineering. And because of its unmatched price-to-performance ratio, many organizations can upgrade to a 1200 Series—with three years of security licensing—for less than renewing their existing firewalls.
Simplified Management
Security shouldn’t automatically mean complexity.
What to look for:
- Centralized management
- Intuitive configuration
- Visibility and reporting tools
- Flexible deployment options (on-prem or cloud)
- Built-in SD-WAN capabilities
- Easy migration support
The 1200 Series advantage:
Manage it your way—through Cisco Defense Orchestrator in the cloud or your existing Cisco on-premise tools. With full SD-WAN features, you can connect locations securely and efficiently. Plus, comprehensive migration tools make it easier to upgrade or replace your firewalls without downtime or disruption.
Is the Cisco 1200 Series Right for You?
It’s a great fit if you need:
- Enterprise security features without enterprise complexity
- Protection for branch sites, remote workers, or lean IT environments
- A platform that scales with you
- Easy integration into an existing Cisco environment
- Enterprise-grade capabilities in a compact form factor at a price point that outperforms most competitors
How HBS Can Help Your Firewall Decision
We’ll help you choose, configure and optimize a firewall that delivers maximum security and value without overspending. Whether you’re upgrading outdated hardware or protecting a new location, we’ll make sure your firewall fits your needs today and tomorrow.
Let’s talk firewalls.
Reach out to explore Cisco firewall pricing, request a tailored quote, or schedule a security assessment.
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