Item: Cisco Firepower 1000 Series
Rating: 10
Author: Ryan Dettmer, CCNA, CCNPc

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Quick deployment for Covid testing sites to VPN back to hospitals. This creates a VPN and split tunnels for hospital wifi and local guest network to allow a patient to stay connected as well as clinicians.

Pros and Cons

Easy of use and training
Support is readily available
Deployment is quick
Lightweight with big power behind it

When searching through some menus there are times where a search bar could be implemented to assist.
VPN log files are cumbersome. Streamlining those when getting into details of 1 site to site is difficult but overall not a deal-breaker.

Return on Investment

This product has kept hackers, malware, and viruses at bay for large hospitals and small alike. Very valuable data can reside behind this so long as it is set up correctly.
The value is great with SnortV3. Very versatile if you need a hybrid scenario with Multi-Cloud support.

Simplified Administration

I personally have used Firepower 9000's, 4000's, and even recently 1000's. They are quick, reliable, and very agile to just about any scenario that you can throw them at. We manage many clinics and patient data is always under attack. Once setup I actually get to sleep soundly knowing this product is protecting all that is coveted...Personal Health Information(PHI).

Performance

The detail of what you can have it protect from a packet level is second to none. Down the vulnerability. They update auto"magically" and with the subscription many and most times before you even find out about active exploits.

Support Rating

I have had troubles with Firepower Management Center and the FTD's in the past. Sticking to a Gold Star image and upgrading when the "bugs" are fixed is great. That still doesn't mean you are left vulnerable though. The extra features are just not enabled yet. Great product and calling support is readily available for any issue.

Alternatives Considered

Cisco Firepower 4100 Series

Just a bigger version and more bandwidth capable. Just a bigger brother.

Other Software Used

Goliath Performance Monitor, VMware Horizon (formerly VMware View), Citrix ADC (formerly NetScaler ADC)

Key Insights

Do you think Cisco Firepower 1000 Series delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco Firepower 1000 Series's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco Firepower 1000 Series live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Firepower 1000 Series go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Firepower 1000 Series again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

SOHO, remote clinics, small branch offices, if the price were cheap anywhere a firewall is warranted for consumers as well as small businesses.

Spectacular product to protect you at home or office! Ease of use and support too!

Software Version

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Firepower 1000 Series