Cisco M9200SME1FK9=: Technical Specifications
Core Architecture: Storage Media Encryption for M...
Technical Specifications and Hardware Design
The Cisco FPR1120-NGFW-K9 is a compact, rack-mountable next-generation firewall (NGFW) tailored for small to midsize businesses (SMBs) and branch offices. Built on Cisco’s Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) platform, it combines ASA firewall capabilities with Snort IPS, Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), and URL filtering in a 1U form factor. Key hardware specs (per Cisco’s FPR1100 Series Datasheet):
- Throughput: 400 Mbps (IPS enabled), 1 Gbps (firewall-only)
- VPN Performance: 200 Mbps (IPsec), 150 Mbps (SSL)
- Ports: 8x1G RJ45, 2x1G SFP, 1xConsole
- Power Draw: 35W (typical), 50W (max)
- Storage: 120GB SSD for event logging
Performance Benchmarks vs. Competing SMB Firewalls
To contextualize its value, compare the FPR1120-NGFW-K9 against similarly priced NGFWs:
| Metric | FPR1120-NGFW-K9 | Vendor X SMB Firewall | Vendor Y Branch NGFW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threat Inspection Speed | 400 Mbps | 300 Mbps | 350 Mbps |
| Concurrent Sessions | 200,000 | 150,000 | 180,000 |
| VPN Tunnels Supported | 50 | 30 | 40 |
| Encrypted Traffic Analysis | TLS 1.3 + SSH | TLS 1.2 only | TLS 1.2 + limited SSH |
Cisco’s 33% higher session capacity and TLS 1.3 decryption give it an edge in environments with heavy SaaS usage (e.g., Microsoft 365, Zoom).
Core Security Capabilities
1. Integrated Threat Intelligence
The FPR1120 leverages Cisco Talos’ real-time threat feeds to block zero-day exploits, phishing domains, and ransomware C2 traffic. Unlike cloud-only models, it stores 30 days of threat intelligence locally—critical for sites with unstable internet.
2. Centralized Management Flexibility
Manage via:
- Cisco Defense Orchestrator (CDO): Cloud-based tool for multi-device policy orchestration.
- Firepower Management Center (FMC): On-premises option for air-gapped networks.
A common concern is scalability: A single FMC instance can manage 50+ FPR1120 devices, making it viable for distributed retail or healthcare chains.
3. SSL/TLS Decryption
The firewall decrypts TLS 1.3 traffic at up to 150 Mbps, enabling visibility into encrypted threats without requiring endpoint agents. For compliance, excluded domains (e.g., banking sites) can be whitelisted via CDO.
Deployment Scenarios and Limitations
1. Retail Branch Security
A typical deployment secures 10–20 POS systems, enforcing PCI-DSS compliance via customizable application filters (e.g., block unauthorized card skimmers).
2. Remote Workforce Hub
With 50 IPsec VPN tunnels, the FPR1120 supports hybrid work models. However, its 200 Mbps VPN throughput caps simultaneous users at ~75 (assuming 2.5 Mbps/user).
3. Industrial IoT Gateway
The firewall’s -10°C to 45°C operating range suits unheated warehouses, but lacks native support for OT protocols like Modbus TCP—requiring manual policy creation.
Licensing and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The base FPR1120-NGFW-K9 includes:
- Firepower Threat Defense (FTD)
- Cisco Support for hardware
Mandatory subscriptions (priced annually via itmall.sale):
- IPS and Malware License: Enables Snort 3.0 and AMP.
- URL Filtering: Integrates with Cisco Umbrella.
- VPN Plus: Adds Always-On VPN and 2FA support.
Over 5 years, the TCO averages $8,400—30% lower than managing discrete firewall/VPN/IPS appliances.
Where to Source Reliable Units
Counterfeit Cisco hardware remains prevalent in the SMB market. For guaranteed firmware integrity and warranty coverage, purchase the FPR1120-NGFW-K9 exclusively through authorized partners like itmall.sale’s Cisco security portfolio.
Final Evaluation: Why This Firewall Is a SMB Game-Changer
Having deployed FPR1100 series firewalls across 50+ clinics and retail branches, the FPR1120-NGFW-K9 stands out for its balance of simplicity and enterprise-grade features. While its throughput may seem modest, the real-world impact lies in preventing lateral movement during breaches—a capability often absent in SMB-focused rivals. Organizations hesitant to replace aging ASA 5506-X units should prioritize this model; delaying upgrades risks exposing legacy SSL VPNs to post-quantum cryptography threats.