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Cisco Network Assistant VS Untangle NG Firewall

Compare Cisco Network Assistant VS Untangle NG Firewall and see what are their differences

Cisco Network Assistant logo Cisco Network Assistant

Cisco Network Assistant simplifies wired and wireless network management, and provides critical product information using Cisco Active Advisor.

Untangle NG Firewall logo Untangle NG Firewall

Untangle NG Firewall filters traffic based on IP address, protocol and port, which enables administrators to designate which systems and services (HTTP, FTP, etc.) are publicly available.
  • Cisco Network Assistant Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-19
  • Untangle NG Firewall Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-04

Cisco Network Assistant features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Cisco Network Assistant offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate GUI, which makes it accessible even for less experienced network administrators.
  • Comprehensive Device Management
    It provides robust management capabilities for a wide range of Cisco devices, including routers, switches, and access points, allowing for centralized control and monitoring.
  • Simplified Troubleshooting
    The tool includes features for quick troubleshooting, including graphical topologies and real-time alerts, helping administrators to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Automatic Configuration
    Cisco Network Assistant supports automatic configuration and deployment, which can save time and reduce human error during the setup and management of network devices.
  • Cost-Effective
    As a free tool provided by Cisco, it can be a cost-effective solution for managing small to medium-sized networks without the need for additional software investment.

Possible disadvantages of Cisco Network Assistant

  • Limited Scalability
    Cisco Network Assistant is designed primarily for small to medium-sized networks and may not be suitable for large-scale enterprise environments.
  • Cisco Device Restriction
    The tool is specifically tailored for Cisco products, which makes it less versatile for environments that use a mix of different hardware vendors.
  • Basic Functionality
    While it covers essential network management tasks, Cisco Network Assistant lacks some of the advanced features and granular control offered by higher-end Cisco management tools like Cisco Prime.
  • Limited Updates and Support
    Given its positioning as a free tool, it may not receive as frequent updates or comprehensive support as paid Cisco solutions, potentially leading to compatibility or security issues over time.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, some of the more advanced features can have a learning curve and may require additional training or experience to utilize effectively.

Untangle NG Firewall features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Untangle NG Firewall offers an intuitive web-based interface, making it easy for both technical and non-technical users to manage and configure network settings.
  • Comprehensive Security Features
    Includes a wide range of security tools such as intrusion prevention, VPN, web filtering, and application control, providing robust protection for your network.
  • Flexible Deployment Options
    Supports various deployment methods including software, hardware appliances, and virtual machines, catering to different types of user requirements and environments.
  • Scalability
    Scalable for small businesses up to large enterprises, allowing you to expand its capabilities as your network grows.
  • Reporting and Analytics
    Offers detailed reporting and analytics features, helping administrators monitor network traffic and identify potential security issues.
  • Zero-Touch Provisioning
    Simplifies the installation and configuration process, allowing devices to be provisioned with minimal user intervention.
  • Regular Updates
    Regularly updated to protect against the latest threats and incorporate new features, ensuring your network remains secure.

Possible disadvantages of Untangle NG Firewall

  • Cost
    While it offers a free version, many advanced features require a paid subscription, which may be costly for smaller organizations.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite the user-friendly interface, the breadth of features may present a learning curve for users who are not familiar with network security tools.
  • Hardware Requirements
    High performance and full-feature capabilities may require more powerful hardware, which could be a significant investment for some organizations.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version is limited in features, and users must upgrade to a paid version to access the full range of functionalities.
  • Support
    While support options are available, some users report that premium support can be costly and may not always offer the desired resolution speed.
  • Complex Configuration Settings
    Advanced users may find the configuration settings to be complex, requiring a deeper understanding of network protocols and security measures.

Analysis of Untangle NG Firewall

Overall verdict

  • Untangle NG Firewall is generally regarded as a good choice for businesses seeking a versatile, reliable, and user-friendly security solution for their networks. It effectively balances functionality with ease of use, making it suitable for organizations of varying sizes.

Why this product is good

  • Untangle NG Firewall, now integrated into Arista Networks as part of their edge security solutions, is considered a robust network security tool due to its all-in-one approach. It provides comprehensive security features like URL filtering, anti-virus protection, intrusion prevention, and application control, allowing for improved cybersecurity management. The ease of use, combined with a user-friendly interface and detailed reporting, also contributes to its positive reception among IT professionals.

Recommended for

    This solution is recommended for small to medium-sized businesses and educational institutions that require a cost-effective, comprehensive security system. It's particularly beneficial for organizations looking for a solution that simplifies network management while providing strong security measures.

Cisco Network Assistant videos

Cisco Network Assistant

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Cisco Network Assistant and Untangle NG Firewall)
Monitoring Tools
66 66%
34% 34
Log Management
100 100%
0% 0
Web Application Security
0 0%
100% 100
Network Scanning
100 100%
0% 0

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Reviews

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Untangle NG Firewall Reviews

11 Best pfsense Alternativesย To Secure Your Network
You can use a specialized Untangle NG Firewall zSeries equipment and operate it with zero interaction, or use your hardware that suits your needs. NG Firewall can also be installed on virtual machines or in the cloud using Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.
10 Best pfSense Alternatives and Similar Firewalls
It features a lovely dashboard, and you may try it out first. It functions similarly to an app store in that you may enable or disable a certain module based on your needs. The free edition includes the NG Firewall platform, free applications, and a 14-day free trial of premium services.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Cisco Network Assistant and Untangle NG Firewall, you can also consider the following products

Cisco DNA Center - Find and resolve network issues with Cisco DNA Center. Provides software-based network automation and assurance. Control and manage intent-based networks.

pfSense - pfSense is a free and open source firewall and router that also features unified threat management, load balancing, multi WAN, and more

Nmap - Nmap Free Security Scanner, Port Scanner, & Network Exploration Tool. Download open source software for Linux, Windows, UNIX, FreeBSD, etc.

F5 Advanced Firewall Manager - Stop even the most massive and complex DDoS attacks with BIG-IP Advanced Firewall Manager: advanced data center protection against layer 3โ€“4 threats.

Auvik - Auvikโ€™s network infrastructure RMM gives IT service providers better visibility, documentation, and...

Sangfor NGAF Firewall - Sangfor offers a complete & comprehensive firewall solutions with users in mind by protecting them against all type of threats internal or external, existing or future threats, with an easy-to-use converged security solution.