Cisco Secure Firewall 1200 Series: Everything You Need to Know

Protecting branch offices and smaller enterprise sites from sophisticated cyber threats is crucial in the hyperconnected world. The Cisco Secure Firewall 1200 Series is designed to deliver robust security and streamlined operations for distributed enterprises. But what sets this series apart? Let’s break it down.

An Overview of the Cisco Secure Firewall 1200 Series

The Cisco Secure Firewall 1200 Series is a compact family of firewalls engineered for branch offices and smaller enterprise sites. Built on an efficient network processor, these devices ensure high levels of threat defence without compromising user experience. The top three key highlights of the 1200 Series include:  

Enterprise-grade Security: Extends security policies and threat inspection seamlessly across distributed networks.  
Compact and Versatile: A small form factor suited for desktops, wall mounts, or racks.  
High Performance: Designed to handle significant traffic loads with minimal latency.

Breaking Down the Models

The series comprises three models: the 1210CE, 1210CP, and 1220CX. Each offers unique features tailored to different needs.  

Cisco Secure Firewall 1210CE

Ideal for: General-purpose branch office security.  
 

Performance:  

• Firewall throughput: 6.5 Gbps  

• Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) throughput: 6.0 Gbps  

• IPSec VPN throughput: 5.0 Gbps

Interfaces: 8x 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet ports  
 

Form Factor: Compact and lightweight for desktop use.

Cisco Secure Firewall 1210CP

• Ideal for: Branch offices requiring Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities.  

• Performance: Same as the 1210CE, with added PoE features.  

• PoE Features: 4 ports supporting up to 30W per port (120W total).  

• Versatility: Suitable for environments with IoT devices like cameras and access points.  

Cisco Secure Firewall 1220CX

Ideal for: High-performance branch offices needing enhanced throughput and SFP+ connectivity.  
 

Performance:  

• Firewall throughput: 15 Gbps  

• IPS throughput: 9.0 Gbps  

• IPSec VPN throughput: 10.0 Gbps  

Interfaces:  

• 8x 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet ports  
• 2x 10Gbps SFP+ ports for fiber connectivity.  

Feature Highlights

The 1200 Series goes beyond basic security features to deliver enterprise-class functionality:  

Advanced Threat Defence

• Powered by Cisco’s Threat Defence software, it includes features like intrusion prevention, malware blocking, and real-time traffic analysis.  

AI-Driven Insights

• Integrated with Cisco’s Secure Firewall Management Center for centralised management.  
• Provides actionable insights using AI, optimizing policy creation and threat detection.  

Enhanced Management Options

• On-box: Manage via Cisco Secure Firewall Device Manager (FDM).  
• Cloud-based: Cisco Security Cloud Control offers remote oversight.  

Scalable Security

• Supports up to 300K concurrent sessions (1220CX).  
• Capable of managing up to 10 virtual router instances for network segmentation.  

Durability and Compliance

• Built with Cisco Trustworthy Technologies, ensuring hardware integrity and tamper-proof features.  

• Fully compliant with global safety and emission standards.  

The Performance Edge

• One of the standout features of the 1200 Series is its high performance:  

• 1210CE & 1210CP: Up to 6.5 Gbps firewall throughput.  

• 1220CX: A robust 15 Gbps, making it suitable for data-heavy environments.  

• Concurrent Sessions: Handles between 200K and 300K, ensuring smooth operations for distributed networks.  

The series is also optimised for energy efficiency, with models consuming as little as 40W in typical usage scenarios.

Who Should Choose the Cisco Secure Firewall 1200 Series?

The series caters to a wide range of scenarios:  

• 1210CE: For enterprises requiring reliable branch office protection.  

• 1210CP: For IoT-heavy environments like retail or healthcare branches needing PoE support.  

• 1220CX: For high-performance branches with advanced connectivity needs.  

A Simplified Choice for Complex Needs

The Cisco Secure Firewall 1200 Series blends cutting-edge technology with great functionality. From AI-driven threat intelligence to scalable architecture, it’s built to address the security needs of distributed enterprises.  

For organisations seeking to secure their branches without compromising performance or flexibility, the 1200 Series is an intelligent choice. 

Proactive Can Help You Get Started

At Proactive Data Systems, we specialise in deploying Cisco Secure Firewall solutions tailored to your business needs. With our expertise, your enterprise can harness the full potential of the 1200 Series. Reach out today to learn more.