Cisco ASA 5512-X vs Firepower 1100 Series
The ASA 5512-X (ASA5512-K9) is an end-of-life entry ASA 5500-X firewall; the Firepower 1120 in the 1100 Series is its modern replacement with unified FTD software and multi-gigabit inspected throughput. Migrate to the Firepower 1100 Series.
Cisco ASA 5512-X
Entry ASA 5500-X firewall with optional FirePOWER Services, now end-of-life.
- 1 Gbps stateful firewall throughput
- Optional FirePOWER Services for AVC, NGIPS and AMP
- Six Gigabit Ethernet ports
- End-of-sale; replaced by the Firepower 1100 Series
Cisco Firepower 1120 (1100 Series)
Current 1RU NGFW running unified Firepower Threat Defense or ASA software for branch and small campus.
- 2.3 Gbps firewall throughput with AVC and IPS enabled together
- Unified FTD or ASA software, no separate module
- Eight Gigabit copper ports plus four SFP ports
- 1.2 Gbps IPsec VPN throughput and 200,000 sessions
Cisco ASA 5512-X vs Cisco Firepower 1120 (1100 Series): spec comparison
| Spec | Cisco ASA 5512-X | Cisco Firepower 1120 (1100 Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 1RU rack | 1RU rack |
| Stateful firewall throughput | 1 Gbps | 2.3 Gbps (FW+AVC+IPS) |
| Throughput with AVC + NGIPS | ~150 Mbps | 2.3 Gbps |
| IPsec VPN throughput | 200 Mbps | 1.2 Gbps |
| Maximum concurrent sessions | 100,000 | 200,000 |
| New connections per second | 10,000 | 15,000 |
| Maximum VPN peers | 250 | 150 |
| Integrated interfaces | 6x 10/100/1000 | 8x 10/100/1000 + 4 SFP |
| Security software model | ASA + optional FirePOWER module | Unified FTD or ASA image |
| Support status | End-of-sale | Current shipping platform |
Choose Cisco ASA 5512-X if
Choose the 5512-X only to align with an existing installed base during migration; it is not a candidate for new deployments.
Choose Cisco Firepower 1120 (1100 Series) if
Choose the Firepower 1120 for new branch firewalls that need unified FTD policy, fiber uplinks and multi-gigabit inspection well beyond what the 5512-X module delivered.
Verdict
The ASA 5512-X is end-of-sale and its FirePOWER inspection throughput is low. The Firepower 1120 replaces it with unified FTD software, 2.3 Gbps of full inspection, SFP uplinks and higher VPN performance; if you need the 5512-X's higher legacy peer count, re-scope VPN accordingly. Migrate to the Firepower 1100 Series.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cisco ASA 5512-X discontinued?
Yes. The ASA 5512-X has reached end-of-sale and is moving toward end-of-support, so it should be replaced with a current platform.
What is the Firepower replacement for the ASA 5512-X?
The Firepower 1120 is the closest replacement, matching the entry 1RU role while adding unified FTD software and much higher inspected throughput.
Why does the 5512-X show more VPN peers than the 1120?
The 5512-X listed 250 IPsec peers, while the 1120 lists 150. The 1120 is far faster overall; if peer count is the constraint, the Firepower 1140 or 1150 raises the ceiling to 400 or 800 peers.
Can the Firepower 1120 run ASA software?
Yes. The 1100 Series runs either Firepower Threat Defense or classic ASA software, so you can preserve an ASA-style configuration while moving to current hardware.
More ASA comparisons
Specs are for planning and may change; Uniqcli confirms the current Cisco bill of materials and pricing on your quote. Cisco, Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and Firepower are trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc.; Uniqcli LLC is an independent authorized Cisco partner.