The Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls are network firewall appliances and virtual appliances used to manage enterprise network traffic flow using function specific processing for networking, security, and management.  The next-generation firewalls let the administrator specify security policies based on an accurate identification of each application seeking access to the protected network.  The next-generation firewall uses packet inspection and a library of applications to distinguish between applications that have the same protocol and port, and to identify potentially malicious applications that use non-standard ports. The next-generation firewall also supports the establishment of Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections to other next-generation firewalls or third party security devices using Global Protect VPN. The classification shown is only relevant to the VPN functionality.

Product re-evaluation completed 19 Sept 2024