Cisco ASA 5506-X vs Firepower 1000 Series
The ASA 5506-X with FirePOWER Services (ASA5506-K9) is an end-of-life desktop NGFW; the Firepower 1010 in the 1000 Series is its modern replacement with unified FTD software and PoE+ ports. Migrate to the Firepower 1000 Series.
Cisco ASA 5506-X with FirePOWER Services
Compact desktop NGFW for small offices, combining ASA firewall with FirePOWER Services, now end-of-life.
- Up to 750 Mbps stateful firewall throughput
- FirePOWER Services for AVC, NGIPS and AMP run as a separate module
- Eight Gigabit Ethernet ports in a fanless desktop form factor
- End-of-sale; replaced by the Firepower 1010
Cisco Firepower 1010 (1000 Series)
Current desktop NGFW running unified Firepower Threat Defense or ASA software with built-in PoE+.
- 650 Mbps firewall throughput with AVC and IPS enabled together
- Unified FTD or ASA software, no separate FirePOWER module to manage
- Eight Gigabit ports including two PoE+ ports in a desktop chassis
- Managed by FMC, FDM or Cisco Defense Orchestrator
Cisco ASA 5506-X with FirePOWER Services vs Cisco Firepower 1010 (1000 Series): spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco ASA 5506-X with FirePOWER Services | Cisco Firepower 1010 (1000 Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Desktop, fanless | Desktop, fanless |
| Firewall throughput | Up to 750 Mbps (stateful) | 650 Mbps (FW+AVC+IPS) |
| Throughput with AVC + IPS | ~125 Mbps | 650 Mbps |
| IPsec VPN throughput | 100 Mbps | 500 Mbps |
| Maximum concurrent sessions | 20,000 (50,000 Security Plus) | 100,000 |
| New connections per second | 5,000 | 6,000 |
| Maximum VPN peers | 50 | 75 |
| Integrated interfaces | 8x 10/100/1000 | 8x 10/100/1000 (2 PoE+) |
| Security software model | ASA + separate FirePOWER module | Unified FTD or ASA image |
| Support status | End-of-sale | Current shipping platform |
Choose Cisco ASA 5506-X with FirePOWER Services if
There is little reason to choose the 5506-X for a new deployment; consider it only if you must match an existing installed base short term.
Choose Cisco Firepower 1010 (1000 Series) if
Choose the Firepower 1010 for any new small-office or branch firewall that needs unified FTD management, higher inspected throughput and built-in PoE+ for phones or APs.
Verdict
The ASA 5506-X is end-of-sale and runs FirePOWER as a bolt-on module with low inspected throughput. The Firepower 1010 replaces it with unified FTD software, much higher AVC and IPS performance, more sessions and built-in PoE+. Migrate to the Firepower 1000 Series; the 1010 is the direct desktop successor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cisco ASA 5506-X discontinued?
Yes. The ASA 5506-X with FirePOWER Services has reached end-of-sale and is being phased out of support. The Firepower 1010 is its current replacement.
Which Firepower 1000 Series model replaces the ASA 5506-X?
The Firepower 1010 is the direct desktop replacement for the 5506-X, with similar deployment scope but unified FTD software and built-in PoE+.
Does the Firepower 1010 have PoE ports like the 5506-X?
The Firepower 1010 adds two PoE+ ports among its eight Gigabit interfaces, useful for powering an IP phone or access point at a small site. The base 5506-X had no integrated PoE.
What is the difference in software between the two?
The 5506-X runs ASA with a separate FirePOWER Services module, while the Firepower 1010 runs a unified Firepower Threat Defense (or ASA) image, simplifying management and policy.
More ASA comparisons
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