Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall comparison

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs. Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

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Categories and Ranking

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Ranking in Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions

2nd

Ranking in WAN Edge

2nd

Average Rating

8.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Network Management Applications (4th)

Forcepoint Next Generation ...

Ranking in Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions

8th

Ranking in WAN Edge

9th

Average Rating

7.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Firewalls (24th)

Featured Reviews

MienkuanSung

Presale director at a hospitality company with 11-50 employees

Jul 24, 2024

A stable and scalable solution for internet traffic and bandwidth but have high cost

Customers collaborate with ISPs and currently work with three ISPs, using options like LSM VPN and MPLS VPN to reduce line costs. They are considering moving from their current setup to an MPLS VPN and might also consider using a DIA line for internet access. However, due to government regulations and audits of internet access, they are cautious about using an internet line. They are still deciding which bank should be the first to implement this change. If I want to improve the SD-WAN in the future, they might consider integrating it with technologies like SignalR and SRv6 into the SD-WAN control plane. This would enhance functionality, such as SRv6 video capabilities. They can simply use an SD-WAN solution based on SRv6.

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OusaidAbaz

Security Network Architect at Inmac

Mar 19, 2024

Provides decent protection for the LAN but complicated interface

We had some licensing issues with its web filtering capabilities. That's why we migrated our web filtering to Cisco Umbrella. Moreover, the interface is complicated. It's difficult to locate all the necessary menus and functions. For example, one of the many issues is with SSH. Even now, we haven't successfully opened the port to connect using SSH mode when we want to change the configuration. It's like a black box—not very open to changes and customization. It's simply not easy to configure. There are other problems, too. For example regarding Forcepoint's Websense component. We had a lot of problems managing the web settings within Websense. That's why we migrated to Cisco Umbrella for cloud-based web filtering. It's not that Forcepoint is inherently bad. The issue is that it's not user-friendly. It is not easy to use. The developers need to redesign the interface (GUI) for better management. It is very difficult to manage. For example, simple actions require too many clicks compared to FortiGate or Palo Alto. That's the main problem.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"This solution comes with comprehensive technical support."

"This solution can scale from SMB to the enterprise level. It is very impressive."

"It is very stable with very good firmware."

"If I have to give a neutral view of all the SD-WAN platforms that I have known so far, Cisco is good in routing."

"Huge companies use SD-WAN. It is largely scalable."

"The most valuable features are zero-disk provisioning and link load balancing on an application basis."

"The most valuable features in Cisco SD-WAN are the QoS, AI, and simple interface for users to access."

"The most valuable feature is the ease of central management."

More Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN pros

"We find the product to be stable and reliable in terms of performance."

"The product's initial setup phase is easy."

"When comparing this solution to others this one has better reporting, user management, and is easy to use."

"They offer templates that provide detailed reports categorized by user, device, and internal network access."

"Forcepoint is a complete package because it has network and systems applications. Other firewalls are only for the network."

"It is a scalable product. I know a customer who has deployed more than 4,000 firewalls in a single deployment."

"The solution offers sandboxing, which can be integrated at any time."

"I don't have anything bad to say about the product. I absolutely love it."

More Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall pros

Cons

"Cisco SD-WAN could improve the integration with the cloud."

"An area for improvement lies in enhancing the integration with the security functions of the SD-WAN."

"The main issue is that not in the technology, but it comes back comparison. When we do a comparison with other SD WAN solutions, they are priced better."

"Simplifying the definition and implementation could add significant value, as it can be complex due to multiple product integrations and customization requirements."

"The product should improve its prices."

"The solution should not be so bound to ISPs."

"The integration of Cisco SD-WAN with cloud solutions could improve. For example, if any of the applications are hosted in the Amazon AWS cloud we can use a virtual transit gateway for integrating Cisco SD-WAN."

"The Cisco way of thinking is to create umbrella-like solutions. I would prefer it if this solution was separate from the entire monstrous Cisco portfolio."

More Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN cons

"Next Generation Firewall's configuration could be improved."

"They need to work on stability, it has not been the best in our experience."

"The endpoint protection capabilities of the product are an area of concern where improvements are required."

"The security features need to be improved."

"They should have a local vendor who can provide support. Most of the support is overseas, so the time zones can be a problem."

"The network interface could be better, and it could be cheaper."

"If I want to allow access to Facebook, yet not allow the user to access videos, then I am not able to do it with this product."

"Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall could change its interface, allowing standard or direct connect modes to be configured."

More Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"You have to pay between 3000 and 10,000 euros, or something in that range. The core switches Nexus cost me between 10,000 and 20,000 euros."

"This is not a cheap option but if you move from Capex to Opex, I expect you should have lower costs."

"In the Russian market where we operate, this solution is expensive."

"The product is not too expensive."

"The price of the solution is the only negative factor, it is much more expensive compared with the Cisco Meraki SD-WAN solution."

"SD-WAN as a service is probably something in the neighborhood of $100 to $200 a month per location."

"On a scale of one to five, I would rate Cisco's pricing as a three."

"The pricing is fair, and it's on par with the market vendors. But based on the competition, Cisco could work on the pricing, go deep on discounts and provide more commercially viable solutions to customers."

More Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN pricing and cost advice

"We would love to take other solution from Forcepoint, but unfortunately the price is too high. That's why we are not considering using Forcepoing for our proxy and DLB. They have a very good DLB, but the matter in the end is the cost."

"The solution is expensive."

"It requires a yearly subscription."

"Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is reasonable, it is priced the same as other firewalls."

"The cost is fair, but it could be improved."

"The big advantage of this solution is that we can select the right model for our requirements, which is not too expensive."

"We have just a subscription for the cloud, and this license is great. The license is so good."

"The pricing of the solution is normally competitive with other products."

More Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall pricing and cost advice

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801,634 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

40%

Computer Software Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Computer Software Company

17%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Cisco SD-WAN?

When considering the most valuable features of Cisco SD-WAN, the decoupling of self-monitoring stands out significantly.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco SD-WAN?

The product is expensive.

What needs improvement with Cisco SD-WAN?

What do you like most about Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall?

The product's initial setup phase is easy.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall?

There is a need to make payments towards the licensing charges attached to the product. The product is not expensive.

What needs improvement with Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall?

A VPN client feature is missing in our region, which we hope Forcepoint will address in future updates.

Fortinet FortiGate vs Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Comparisons

Compared 20% of the time

Meraki SD-WAN vs Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Compared 13% of the time

VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN vs Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Compared 10% of the time

Juniper Session Smart Router vs Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Compared 7% of the time

Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform vs Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Compared 7% of the time

More Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Competitors

Fortinet FortiGate vs Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

Compared 26% of the time

Palo Alto Networks Advanced Threat Prevention vs Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

Compared 15% of the time

Check Point NGFW vs Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

Compared 14% of the time

Netgate pfSense vs Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

Compared 7% of the time

Sophos XG vs Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

Compared 7% of the time

More Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall Competitors

Product Reports

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN

Download Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN product report

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall

Download Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall product report

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall report

Also Known As

Cisco SD-WAN

Forcepoint NGFW, Stonesoft Next Generation Firewall, McAfee Network Security Platform, Intel Security Network Security Platform

Learn More

Cisco

Forcepoint

Overview

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN serves to connect remote offices, reduce MPLS costs, and facilitate cloud and internet access while providing secure connectivity and centralized management for hybrid networks.

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is leveraged for secure connectivity, load balancing, VPN, centralized network management, and migrating from traditional networks to SD-WAN. It supports hybrid networks, enabling centralized management across branches and data centers, improving security, and optimizing bandwidth usage. Industries such as banking and retail benefit from its capabilities for secure and efficient network management.

What are the main features of Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN?

Centralized Management: Simplifies network operations and administration.
Application-Level Routing: Enhances performance for critical applications.
Segmentation: Provides robust network segmentation for security.
Policy Configuration: Customizable policies for traffic management.
Real-Time Traffic Visibility: Enables monitoring for better insights.
Load Balancing: Distributes network traffic efficiently.
Hybrid Cloud Connectivity: Seamless integration with cloud services.
Deep Packet Inspection: Detailed traffic analysis for security.
High Security: Offers strong security protocols to protect the network.
Ease of Deployment: Features like zero-touch provisioning simplify setup.

What benefits should be considered in reviews?

Cost Savings: Reduces operational expenses through efficient network management.
Reliability: Proven performance and uptime for critical operations.
Scalability: Grows with the organization's needs.
Integrated Health Monitoring: Proactively identifies and resolves issues.
Industry Trust: Cisco's reputation for quality and support.

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN's implementation in banking enhances secure transaction communication between branches and data centers. Retailers utilize it to ensure steady connectivity for point-of-sale systems and inventory management. Organizations benefit from centralized management, making it easier to handle networks across multiple locations.

Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall is a versatile and comprehensive solution for perimeter security, offering features such as SD-WAN, IPS, VPN, and cloud or on-premises subscription keys. It is preferred by many clients over Cisco and is used for obligation redundancy, VPN access, and as the main point of security in infrastructure.

The product is praised for its simplicity, flexibility, complete feature set, scalability, and central management capabilities. Other valuable features include IPS, firewall, sandbox, application control, filtering, security management center, connectivity, and integration capabilities.

Sample Customers

Doyle Research, Ashton Metzler & Associates

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)

Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN vs. Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall