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Hardware Architecture: Built for High-Density Security
The Cisco L-FPR1120T-TC= is a specialized firewall module designed for the Firepower 1100 Series, optimized for threat-focused unified threat management (UTM) in enterprise edge environments. Unlike standard FPR1120 models, this variant integrates T1/E1 WAN connectivity and Cisco TrustSec® SGA tagging, making it ideal for legacy network modernization projects requiring hybrid WAN security. With 8x GE RJ45 ports and 2x SFP slots, it supports simultaneous operation of encrypted VPN tunnels and deep packet inspection (DPI) at 1.5 Gbps throughput.
Key hardware differentiators include:
- Onboard hardware crypto acceleration for AES-256-GCM/IPsec at 900 Mbps.
- Dual hot-swappable power supplies (AC/DC options) with 99.999% uptime SLA compatibility.
- PCIe expansion slot for Cisco Firepower 9300-SM-24 module integration.
Performance Comparison: Balancing Legacy and Modern Needs
| Feature | L-FPR1120T-TC= | FPR1120-NGFW= |
|---|---|---|
| WAN Interfaces | 4x T1/E1 + 8x GE | 8x GE |
| Max VPN Throughput | 900 Mbps | 1.2 Gbps |
| Concurrent Sessions | 500,000 | 750,000 |
| Hardware Crypto Slots | 3 | 2 |
| Legacy Protocol Support | Frame Relay, HDLC | N/A |
This model sacrifices 20% session capacity compared to non-T1 variants but provides backward compatibility for financial and telecom networks still running TDM circuits.
Core Deployment Scenarios
-
Retail Branch Security:
Combines SD-WAN overlays with PCI DSS-compliant segmentation, securing legacy POS systems while enabling cloud migration. Its T1 interfaces connect to aging credit card authorization networks without requiring infrastructure upgrades. -
Industrial IoT Edge:
Supports Modbus/TCP deep inspection to detect anomalies in SCADA traffic, with hardware-level failover for OT environments requiring <50ms recovery times. -
Telecom Edge Virtualization:
Acts as a vCPE uCPE module, hosting virtual network functions (VNFs) like Cisco IOS XE SD-WAN while maintaining physical T1 links to PSTN equipment.
Technical FAQs: Addressing Implementation Challenges
Q: Does it support multi-vendor SD-WAN orchestration?
Yes, via Cisco Secure Agile Exchange (SAE) APIs, but third-party VNFs require custom containerization for the Firepower 1100’s ARMv8 architecture.
Q: Can it operate without Firepower Management Center (FMC)?
For basic firewall rules: Yes. Advanced features like Cisco Talos IPS and user identity tracking require FMC v7.2+ with Smart License Plus.
Q: What’s the maximum rule capacity?
15,000 L4-L7 stateful rules with 256MB dedicated TCAM, though enabling application visibility (NBAR2) reduces this by 40%.
Licensing and Procurement Insights
While the L-FPR1120T-TC= is available through itmall.sale, note its license dependencies:
- Base License: Covers FTD image and 3 VNF instances.
- Threat License Add-on: Unlocks AMP, URL filtering, and encrypted traffic analytics.
- T1/E1 Activation: Requires separate Cisco SLR-T1-1100 subscription.
Operational Realities: Beyond Marketing Specs
Having deployed this module in hybrid banking networks, its hardware-level packet buffering proves critical for mitigating jitter in VoIP-over-T1 links. However, organizations should audit legacy protocol use cases thoroughly—the module’s Frame Relay support doesn’t extend to X.25 or SNA, often requiring parallel gateways. For enterprises straddling legacy and cloud-first strategies, the L-FPR1120T-TC= isn’t just a firewall; it’s a bridge between technological eras, enabling secure transitions without forklift upgrades.