Cisco PIX Vs. Juniper Netscreen 5GT

[1Drisnil]

I currently have a Juniper Netscreen 5XP. The EOL on the 5XP is January 2007. We are crafting plans to address the issue of replacement if needs be so I am looking for real world information from actual users instead of sales people.

Between these two product lines which is a better solution:

Cisco PIX 5 series or Juniper Netscreen 5 series?

Currently the 5XP is configured with unlimited users and 1 PPTP connection. We are looking for at least the same capabilities.

Would someone inform me as to the Pros & Cons of each series?

 

[avilov]

Is anything specific that you didn't like about the netscreen?
Any features that you felt were missing there?

It's hard to answer your question. Everyone has their own, often unique, requirements. It'll be much easier to help you if you tell us what features are important to you and what not.

 

[1Drisnil]

Yes, I understand. I reread my initial posting and thought,"Needs editing."

I will try this again; 2nd Draft.

Our current model (5XP)has these feautures:
Device Information:
Hardware Version: 3010(0)
Firmware Version: 5.0.0r9.0 (Firewall+VPN)

Sessions: 2000 sessions
Capacity: unlimited number of users
VPN tunnels: 10 tunnels
Vrouters: 3 virtual routers
Zones: 5 zones
VLANs: 0 vlans
----------------------------------------------
With the pending 'End of Life' event for the Junitper NetScreen 5XP slated for January 2007, I am wanting input for decisions making purposes. Is there any disadvantages in upgrading to the next model Netscreen 5GT?

I have heard many ideas tossed about. Company C is better because of X, and Company J is a better price point for features.

My only experience is via Cisco's Network academy. Of course that means I am supposed to be partial to Cisco products. I want wants best for the Department/Company Not whats best for any one else.

There will be a limited budget -- there always is.

Also, can someone recommend a level maintence agreement that is worth the price of the term? Core is definately not worth the money.

 

[avilov]

I would say if you are already comfortable with netscreen product and don't have any major dislikes then just stick with it. the price is about the same for both products. The functionality is about the same as well.

The reason I would think about switching is the amount of information available for pix.

 

[1Drisnil]

Avilov,

Actually, I can't stand Netscreen. I am so used to Cisco router products that I assume that the Cisco version of this type of product will be similar. I don't know if this is true or not, though.

When you stated the amount of information, what do you mean specifically?

If this to mean more people use Cisco devices or something else?

 

[drew1701d]

Are you looking for a straight VPN solution, or an all in one appliance? For the straight VPN solution I'd go with a Cisco VPN 3002 series, its simple to configure for the non-cisco literate, and also has console access for the cisco savy for advanced configuration.
If your looking for a combination solution then the Cisco ASA 5500 series is the way to go, where both VPN connectivity and PIX configuration are combined into one appliance.

 

[1Drisnil]

Drew1701d,

Thank you for your answer. I will look into this product this year. After purchasing the remaining year worth of maintenance contract on the Netscreen 5XP product, I have a few months to plan for a product replacement.

Thanks again for your help and suggestions.