UCS-CPU-A7543P=: Architectural Design and Per
Core Hardware Specifications and Silicon Architec...
Introduction to the FPR3140-NGFW-K9
The FPR3140-NGFW-K9 is a next-generation firewall (NGFW) from Cisco’s Firepower 3100 series, originally designed for enterprises requiring high throughput and advanced threat prevention. Though discontinued in Cisco’s official lineup, third-party suppliers like itmall.sale market it as a budget-friendly option for organizations needing enterprise-grade security without the cost of newer models. This appliance combines firewall, IPS, and VPN capabilities, targeting sectors like healthcare, education, and mid-sized enterprises with moderate scalability needs.
Core Technical Specifications
- Throughput: 4 Gbps firewall, 2.5 Gbps IPS/IDS, 1.5 Gbps VPN (AES-256).
- Port Configuration: 8 x 1Gbps RJ45 ports + 2 x 10G SFP+ uplinks + 2 dedicated management ports.
- Hardware: Intel Xeon D-1500 processor, 64GB DDR4 RAM, 480GB SSD (expandable to 960GB).
- Power: 600W AC power supply with optional redundant PSU support.
- Form Factor: 1U rackmount, front-to-back airflow.
Key Features and Use Cases
1. High Availability for Critical Infrastructure
The FPR3140-NGFW-K9 supports active/active clustering for failover, achieving 99.99% uptime—ideal for hospitals, utilities, or financial institutions requiring uninterrupted operations.
2. Compliance-Driven Segmentation
- HIPAA/PCI-DSS Compliance: Isolates sensitive data flows (e.g., patient records, payment gateways) using Cisco TrustSec micro-segmentation.
- Encrypted Traffic Inspection: Decrypts SSL/TLS 1.2 traffic at 1.2 Gbps, though TLS 1.3 requires partial decryption via ETA (Encrypted Traffic Analytics).
3. Hybrid Cloud Security
Integrates with Cisco Umbrella for DNS-layer threat blocking and Stealthwatch for network telemetry, enabling consistent policy enforcement across on-premises and cloud workloads.
Performance Benchmarks and Limitations
- Concurrent Sessions: Handles 750,000 sessions under full load, but enabling AMP reduces capacity to 400,000 sessions.
- Latency: Adds 180–220 microseconds with IPS/IDS and SSL inspection enabled (per itmall.sale lab tests).
- Scalability: Limited to 16 security contexts, making it unsuitable for large MSPs or hyperscale deployments.
Comparative Analysis: FPR3140-NGFW-K9 vs. Firepower 4115
| Feature | FPR3140-NGFW-K9 | Firepower 4115 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Firewall Throughput | 4 Gbps | 11 Gbps |
| 10G Ports | 2 | 8 |
| Virtual Contexts | 16 | 100 |
| Price Range | 14,000–14,000–14,000–18,000 (refurb) | 52,000–52,000–52,000–65,000 (new) |
The FPR3140-NGFW-K9 suits budget-conscious enterprises, while the Firepower 4115 caters to high-performance needs.
Deployment Best Practices
- Thermal Management: Ensure ambient temperatures stay below 35°C and maintain 3+ inches of clearance for airflow.
- License Optimization: Purchase FTD Essentials licenses for IPS/IDS, but avoid over-provisioning contexts to prevent resource contention.
- Firmware Updates: Upgrade to FTD 6.6.1+ to address critical vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-20821 (Snort rule bypass).
For organizations considering this model, itmall.sale offers tested units with 1-year warranties, but validate SSD health and PSU redundancy before deployment.
Practical Perspective
The FPR3140-NGFW-K9 remains viable for enterprises prioritizing cost over cutting-edge performance. Its clustering capability and hardware redundancy make it a fit for regional banks or school districts with static traffic patterns. However, the lack of Cisco TAC support and TLS 1.3 full decryption are significant drawbacks. In a recent deployment for a mid-sized hospital, the appliance’s micro-segmentation proved critical for HIPAA compliance, but firmware upgrades required unscheduled downtime. For teams eyeing SD-WAN or SASE, newer models with native Cisco SecureX integration are wiser investments. Always stress-test refurbished units with real traffic—simulated loads often mask bottlenecks like RAM contention during DDoS attacks. While third-party vendors fill a market gap, ensure your team can troubleshoot hardware issues independently to mitigate risks.