Palo Alto Networks PA-3430

The Palo Alto Networks PA-3430 is a cutting-edge enterprise firewall solution designed to deliver robust security, high performance, and seamless scalability for organizations of all sizes. Built on the advanced architecture of the PA-3400 Series, this device excels in protecting complex networks against the ever-evolving threat landscape.

It integrates next-generation firewall features with state-of-the-art machine learning to provide proactive threat detection and prevention. With its impressive throughput capabilities, the PA-3430 ensures that organizations can maintain optimal performance even during peak network traffic. Its flexible deployment options make it suitable for diverse environments, including data centers, branch offices, and hybrid cloud infrastructures.

The device leverages Palo Alto’s renowned Security Operating Platform, which enables centralized management and automated response to security incidents. This platform also supports seamless integration with other Palo Alto solutions, enhancing the overall security posture of any organization.

The PA-3430 is equipped with advanced threat intelligence capabilities, ensuring that threats are identified and mitigated in real-time. It supports high-speed VPN connections and offers granular visibility into network activity, making it an invaluable tool for compliance and reporting. Furthermore, its energy-efficient design aligns with modern sustainability goals, making it an eco-friendly choice for enterprises.

In summary, the Palo Alto Networks PA-3430 combines innovative technology, robust performance, and user-centric features to meet the demanding security needs of today’s enterprises.

Overview

The Palo Alto Networks PA-3430, part of the PA-3400 Series ML-Powered Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs), is designed for high-speed internet gateway deployments. This firewall leverages advanced machine learning (ML) technologies to secure traffic, prevent sophisticated cyber threats, and automate security policy recommendations.

Running on the robust PAN-OS® software, it classifies traffic based on applications, users, and content, enabling businesses to achieve an enhanced security posture while reducing response times.

Key Features

• ML Integration: The PA-3430 embeds ML at its core for inline signatureless attack prevention, advanced threat detection, and real-time protection against phishing attempts.
• Cloud-Delivered Security: Supports services such as Advanced Threat Prevention, DNS Security, IoT Security, and SaaS Security.
• Application Visibility: Identifies and categorizes all applications across all ports, providing deep Layer 7 inspection.
• Scalable Management: Centralized management through Panorama™ simplifies configurations and scales log collection.
• High Availability: Supports active/active and active/passive modes for reliable operation.
• Decryption Capabilities: Inspects encrypted traffic, including TLS 1.3 and HTTP/2, ensuring comprehensive visibility and compliance.

Technical Specifications

• Performance Metrics:
  • Firewall throughput: Up to 25.5 Gbps (HTTP/appmix).
  • Threat prevention throughput: Up to 10.5 Gbps (HTTP/appmix).
  • IPsec VPN throughput: 12.2 Gbps.
  • Maximum sessions: 2.5 million.
  • New sessions per second: 240,000.
• Networking Features:
  • Interface modes: L2, L3, tap, virtual wire.
  • Routing protocols: OSPF, BGP, RIP, static routing.
  • High availability: Active/active and active/passive modes with path/interface monitoring.
• Hardware Specifications:
  • Networking I/O: 12x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G, 10x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+, 4x 25G SFP28, 2x 40G/100G QSFP/QSFP28.
  • Storage: Dual 480 GB SSD for system storage.
  • Power: Redundant 450W AC power supplies with a typical consumption of 155W.
  • Physical dimensions: 1U rack-mountable, 14.15”x17.15”x1.70”, weighing 15.5 lbs.

Networking Features

• Layer 7 Inspection: Enables granular traffic control based on applications rather than ports.
• Policy-Based Forwarding: Supports dynamic routing with OSPF, BGP, and RIP, ensuring efficient traffic handling.
• VPN Capabilities: Comprehensive IPsec VPN features with support for IKEv1, IKEv2, and multiple encryption standards.
• NAT Features: Offers static, dynamic, and port address translation (PAT) for seamless address management.
• VLAN Support: Provides up to 4,094 VLAN tags per device or interface for advanced segmentation.

Security & Connectivity Features

• Advanced Threat Prevention: Detects and blocks known exploits, malware, and C2 traffic with high efficacy.
• IoT Security: Provides Zero Trust policies for unmanaged IoT devices using behavioral analysis.
• TLS/SSL Decryption: Inspects encrypted traffic without impacting performance, enabling policy enforcement for secure and insecure protocols.
• SD-WAN Integration: Simplifies deployment with integrated SD-WAN functionality, minimizing latency and packet loss.
• Dynamic User Policies: Leverages identity-based policies to adapt to user activity and locations seamlessly.

Cloud-Delivered Security Services

1. Advanced Threat Prevention: Blocks malware, exploits, and malicious URLs with industry-leading detection capabilities.
2. WildFire® Malware Prevention: Detects and prevents unknown malware using cloud-based analysis.
3. DNS Security: Offers comprehensive DNS-attack coverage, preventing data theft and command/control attacks.
4. Enterprise DLP: Ensures compliance and minimizes risks associated with unauthorized data transfers.
5. SaaS Security: Automatically identifies and secures all SaaS applications.

Use Cases

Industry Applications:

1. Healthcare: Safeguard sensitive patient data and ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations.
2. Finance: Protect financial transactions and mitigate risks from advanced threats.
3. Retail: Prevent data breaches and secure customer information across distributed retail locations.
4. Education: Secure networks from phishing and ransomware attacks targeting students and staff.

Specific Firewall Use Cases:

1. Branch Connectivity: Enable secure SD-WAN for remote branches with centralized management.
2. IoT Device Security: Monitor and secure unmanaged devices in industrial and smart environments.
3. High-Speed Gateways: Optimize traffic inspection for large enterprises with high-speed internet connections.
4. Encrypted Traffic Inspection: Provide policy-based decryption to ensure compliance and visibility in financial or legal sectors.

Documentation

•  Download the Palo Alto Networks Firewall Overview Datasheet
•  Download the Palo Alto Networks PA-3430 Series Specification Datasheet

Conclusion

1. The PA-3430 delivers unparalleled performance and security for modern, high-speed networks.
2. Its ML capabilities enable real-time threat detection and automated policy optimization.
3. Integrated cloud-delivered services enhance visibility and protection against sophisticated attacks.
4. Flexible management and robust connectivity features make it suitable for various industries and applications.
5. With advanced decryption and IoT security capabilities, it ensures comprehensive protection for evolving network environments.