The Palo Alto Networks PA-3430 is a cutting-edge ML-powered Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) designed to address the evolving needs of modern high-speed internet gateways and complex network environments. Leveraging the power of machine learning, it delivers proactive protection against unknown threats by blocking zero-day attacks in real-time and offering automated policy recommendations to minimize human error.
Equipped with advanced threat prevention capabilities, the PA-3430 integrates tools like WildFire®, DNS Security, and Advanced URL Filtering to defend against sophisticated cyber threats across applications, devices, and user traffic. Its unmatched visibility and Layer 7 traffic inspection ensure granular control over applications, while comprehensive encrypted traffic management provides robust security without compromising performance.
With integrated IoT security, the PA-3430 not only identifies and classifies unmanaged devices but also applies Zero Trust policies to secure them effectively. Built for scalability and efficiency, this firewall offers impressive performance metrics, including up to 25.5 Gbps firewall throughput and support for 2.5 million sessions, making it ideal for demanding environments such as data centers and 5G networks.
It simplifies connectivity with built-in SD-WAN functionality, centralized management through Panorama™, and Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), streamlining deployment and operations. Its flexible interface options, including high-speed ports and support for advanced routing protocols, ensure compatibility with diverse network architectures.
Designed for reliability, the PA-3430 supports high availability modes, redundant power supplies, and environmental resilience, ensuring continuous protection in critical deployments. With applications across industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail, the PA-3430 empowers organizations to secure sensitive data, maintain regulatory compliance, and defend against emerging threats.
By combining robust security, seamless management, and exceptional performance, the PA-3430 sets a new standard for next-generation firewalls in today’s cybersecurity landscape.
Overview
The Palo Alto Networks PA-3430 is part of the PA-3400 Series, an advanced line of ML-powered Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) designed to secure high-speed internet gateway deployments. These firewalls deliver robust security for all traffic, leveraging machine learning and advanced analytics to protect networks against evolving threats. The PA-3430 offers unparalleled visibility, advanced threat prevention, and streamlined management, all built on the PAN-OS® platform, which ensures seamless integration with the broader Palo Alto ecosystem.
Key Features
- Machine Learning at the Core:
- Inline prevention of file-based attacks and zero-delay responses to never-before-seen threats using cloud-based ML.
- Automated policy recommendations to reduce human error.
- Behavioral analysis of IoT devices for accurate classification and policy suggestions.
- Advanced Threat Prevention:
- Integrated services block exploits, malware, and command-and-control (C2) attacks.
- Industry-leading WildFire® service identifies and prevents unknown malware.
- Real-time Advanced URL Filtering protects against malicious URLs.
- DNS Security disrupts DNS-based threats.
- Unmatched Visibility and Control:
- Full Layer 7 inspection of all traffic regardless of protocol or encryption.
- Policy decisions based on applications rather than ports.
- Insights into all SaaS traffic, including unsanctioned applications.
- Simplified Management:
- Centralized administration through Panorama™ for visibility across distributed networks.
- Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) for easy deployment.
- Integrated SD-WAN functionality for seamless branch connectivity.
- High Availability and Performance:
- Active/active and active/passive HA modes.
- Predictable throughput with enabled security services.
Specifications
Performance Metrics:
- Firewall Throughput: Up to 25.5 Gbps.
- Threat Prevention Throughput: Up to 10.5 Gbps.
- Max Sessions: 2.5 million.
- New Sessions per Second: 240,000.
Networking Capabilities:
- Supports Layer 2 and Layer 3 interface modes.
- Includes advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, RIP).
- SD-WAN functionality integrated into the platform.
- Comprehensive NAT support, including NAT64 and NPTv6.
High Availability:
- Active/active and active/passive clustering.
- Failure detection with path and interface monitoring.
Encryption:
- IPsec VPN with AES-256 encryption.
- TLS/SSL inspection, including support for TLS 1.3.
Security and Connectivity Features
- App-ID Technology:
- Recognizes applications regardless of port or protocol.
- Enables granular control with custom App-ID™ tags.
- Migrates legacy Layer 4 rules to modern App-ID-based policies.
- IoT Security:
- Detects unmanaged IoT devices.
- Provides Zero Trust device security for rapid protection.
- Encrypted Traffic Management:
- Inspects and applies policies to encrypted traffic without decryption when necessary.
- Offers decryption mirroring for forensics and compliance.
- Multi-Factor Authentication:
- MFA at the network layer secures user credentials and application access.
- AIOps Integration:
- Predicts and resolves potential disruptions using advanced telemetry and ML-powered analytics.
Technical Specifications
- Networking Interfaces:
- 12 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G ports.
- 10 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+ ports.
- 4 x 25G SFP28 ports.
- 2 x 40G/100G QSFP/QSFP28 ports.
- Management Ports:
- 1 x out-of-band 1G Ethernet management port.
- 2 x high-availability 1G ports.
- 1 x RJ-45 console port.
- Environmental Tolerance:
- Operating Temperature: 32°F to 122°F.
- Maximum Altitude: 10,000 ft.
- Power Supply:
- Dual redundant 450W AC power supplies.
Use Cases
Industry-Specific Applications
- Healthcare:
- Secure sensitive patient data and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Block malware targeting medical IoT devices.
- Finance:
- Protect financial transactions against phishing and C2 attacks.
- Enforce compliance with industry standards like PCI-DSS.
- Retail:
- Secure Point-of-Sale (POS) systems from data exfiltration.
- Monitor and protect against unauthorized IoT devices in stores.
Real-World Applications
- Branch Office Connectivity:
- Seamlessly connect branch offices using integrated SD-WAN.
- Ensure secure access with centralized management.
- Data Centers:
- High throughput and low latency support mission-critical applications.
- Advanced threat prevention ensures uptime.
- Remote Workforce:
- Enable Zero Trust access for employees on any device, anywhere.
- Protect against credential theft with network-layer MFA.
Documentation
- Download the Palo Alto Networks Firewall Overview Datasheet
- Download the Palo Alto Networks PA-3430 Series Specification Datasheet
Conclusion
- The PA-3430 offers cutting-edge security powered by machine learning to combat modern threats.
- Its advanced threat prevention capabilities ensure consistent protection across applications and devices.
- Simplified management features like Panorama™ and ZTP reduce operational complexity.
- The high-performance design supports demanding environments like data centers and 5G networks.
- Versatile use cases make the PA-3430 suitable for industries ranging from healthcare to retail.
With its industry-leading features and proven reliability, the Palo Alto Networks PA-3430 is a premier choice for organizations prioritizing robust security and streamlined management.