🌐 FortiGate 120G SD-WAN vs Cisco C8300 vs Prisma ION 3200
AI-powered analysis across 32 matched specifications
Performance Overview
Scores based on quantifiable specification values (1-10 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | FortiGate 120G Fortinet | Catalyst 8300 Cisco | Prisma SD-WAN ION 3200 Palo Alto Networks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Metrics | |||
| Firewall Throughput | 39 Gbps | -- | -- |
| IPS Throughput | 5.3 Gbps | -- | -- |
| SSL Inspection Throughput | 3 Gbps | -- | -- |
| SD-WAN Throughput | Integrated in FortiOS | 2 Gbps | -- |
| IPsec VPN Throughput | Hardware-accelerated | 9.3 Gbps | -- |
| IP Throughput | -- | 10 Gbps | -- |
| PoE Support | -- | -- | 90W total (802.3af/at/bt) |
| 5G Ready | -- | Yes | ION 3200H-C5G-WW variant available |
| Compute | |||
| Processor | NP7 ASIC | 12-core (or 8-core) x86 processor | -- |
| Acceleration | NP7 ASIC hardware acceleration | Hardware-accelerated IPsec | -- |
| Memory | |||
| Memory | -- | 8GB DRAM default (expandable to 32GB) | 16GB RAM |
| Storage | -- | -- | 128GB eMMC storage |
| Networking | |||
| WAN Interfaces | Multiple GE RJ45 WAN + dedicated FortiLink | -- | -- |
| LAN Interfaces | GE RJ45 + 10GE SFP+ uplinks | -- | -- |
| Built-in Ports | -- | 4x RJ45 GE + 2x SFP (up to 10G); or 6x | 8x 10/100/1000 GE RJ45 + 2x 1Gbps SFP combo |
| Port Speeds | GE / 10GE SFP+ | GE / up to 10G SFP | GE / 1Gbps SFP |
| Expansion / PCIe | |||
| Expansion Slots | -- | 2x NIM + 2x SM + PIM (model-dependent) | -- |
| 5G Module Support | -- | 5G NIM module compatible | ION 3200H-C5G-WW variant available |
| I/O & Ports | |||
| Console Port | -- | -- | 1x RJ-45 UART/USB Type B |
| USB Ports | -- | -- | 2x Type-A |
| Management | |||
| Management Platform | FortiOS; FortiManager centralised; FortiCloud; REST API | Cisco SD-WAN Manager; DNA Center; ThousandEyes; REST API | Palo Alto Strata Cloud Manager; AIOps; ADEM; REST API |
| Software | FortiOS | Cisco IOS XE; Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN | -- |
| Integrated Features | Integrated Secure SD-WAN; Universal ZTNA | Catalyst SD-WAN; ThousandEyes; Umbrella integration | AIOps; ADEM |
| Power | |||
| Power Supply | -- | Single or dual redundant PSU | External AC adapter; redundant DC option |
| Physical / Environmental | |||
| Form Factor | 1U rack-mount | -- | 1U (8.87"W × 13"L × 1.66"H); rack/desktop/wall |
| Cooling | -- | -- | Fanless — no moving parts |
| Operating Temperature | -- | -- | 0°C to 40°C (ION 3200); -40°C to 70°C (3200H hardened) |
| Security | |||
| Security Certifications | -- | -- | FIPS 140-2 (certified models) |
| Other Certifications | -- | -- | IEC 62368-1, FCC/CE Class A |
| Software & OS Compatibility | |||
| Operating System Support | FortiOS | Cisco IOS XE | -- |
| Licensing Model | Integrated SD-WAN and ZTNA — no extra licence | Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN | -- |
| Warranty & Support | |||
| Target Use | Medium branch, regional hub, up to 150 users | Medium to large branch (100+ users); regional hub | -- |
Expert Analysis
These three SD-WAN appliances serve distinct market segments with different architectural approaches. The FortiGate 120G excels in security-focused deployments with its impressive 39 Gbps firewall throughput, 5.3 Gbps IPS capability, and integrated security features including ZTNA at no additional licence cost. Its NP7 ASIC provides hardware acceleration that delivers consistent performance under load, making it particularly suitable for branches requiring robust threat protection alongside SD-WAN connectivity.
The Cisco Catalyst 8300 offers superior flexibility with its modular expansion system supporting 5G NIM modules and delivering 9.3 Gbps hardware-accelerated IPsec VPN throughput. Its 12-core x86 processor and expandable memory (up to 32GB) provide headroom for feature-rich deployments, while integration with Cisco's ecosystem including ThousandEyes and Umbrella makes it compelling for organisations already invested in Cisco infrastructure. The Prisma SD-WAN ION 3200 distinguishes itself with practical features for edge deployments: 90W PoE support for powering access points and phones, fanless silent operation, and flexible mounting options including wall and desktop placement. Its 16GB RAM and 128GB storage provide ample resources for local processing, while the hardened variant operates from -40°C to 70°C for challenging environments.
Value propositions differ significantly: Fortinet delivers security-first integration, Cisco offers ecosystem depth and modular flexibility, while Palo Alto Networks focuses on edge deployment practicality with PoE and environmental hardening. Organisations prioritising security throughput should consider the FortiGate 120G, those needing cellular connectivity and expansion options will favour the Catalyst 8300, while branches requiring PoE or operating in harsh conditions would benefit from the ION 3200's specialised capabilities.
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