Palo Alto Networks · PA-500 series
Palo Alto Networks PA-550
The Palo Alto Networks PA-550 is a desktop firewall that runs PAN-OS. Palo Alto Networks publishes a firewall throughput of 6.5 Gbps and a threat prevention throughput of 4.5 Gbps for it. It has 10 x 1G RJ-45, 2 x 1G RJ-45 bypass, 2 x 1G SFP, 2 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+.
- Firewall throughput
- 6.5 Gbps
- Threat protection
- 4.5 Gbps
- IPsec VPN
- 4.0 Gbps
- Form
- Desktop
Who it suits
As a desktop unit it suits a small office, a shop or a branch that has no server rack. With protection switched on, plan for an internet line of no more than about two-thirds of the threat prevention throughput figure. For the PA-550 that means a line of up to about 3 Gbps.
Palo Alto Networks PA-550 specifications
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Firewall throughput | 6.5 Gbps |
| Threat Prevention throughput | 4.5 Gbps |
| IPsec VPN throughput | 4.0 Gbps |
| Maximum concurrent sessions | 398,000 |
| New sessions per second | 70,000 |
| Hardware | |
| Form factor | Desktop |
| Ports | 10 x 1G RJ-45, 2 x 1G RJ-45 bypass, 2 x 1G SFP, 2 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+ |
| Storage | 120 GB |
| Power supply | 150 W |
| Dimensions | 1.74" H x 12.1" D x 13" W |
Specifications from Palo Alto Networks's published data, checked October 2026. See Palo Alto Networks's firewall pages. Throughput figures are each manufacturer's own published numbers. Manufacturers test in different ways, so compare across brands with care. Confirm details before ordering.
What we do with it
- Supply
Firewall supply and installation
The right-sized firewall from any of the five brands, with its licence, installed and configured at your site.
- Audit
Firewall configuration and audit
A review of your rules, firmware, admin access and VPNs, with the weak points fixed and written down.
- Renewal
Firewall licence renewal
Renewals for FortiGuard, Sophos, Palo Alto Networks, SonicWall and Juniper subscriptions, quoted from your serial number.
- Migrate
Firewall migration
Move from an old firewall to a new one, same brand or another, with the rules and VPNs carried over.
Questions about the PA-550
What internet speed can the PA-550 handle?
Palo Alto Networks publishes a threat prevention throughput of 4.5 Gbps for the PA-550. Leaving headroom for busy hours, that suits an internet line of up to about 3 Gbps with protection switched on. With inspection off, its firewall throughput is 6.5 Gbps.
What ports does the PA-550 have?
10 x 1G RJ-45, 2 x 1G RJ-45 bypass, 2 x 1G SFP, 2 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+.
How many connections can the PA-550 handle?
Palo Alto Networks lists a maximum of 398,000 concurrent sessions and 70,000 new sessions per second.
Does the PA-550 need a licence?
The hardware works as a basic firewall on its own. Protection features such as intrusion prevention, web filtering and anti-malware need an active Palo Alto Networks subscription, and so do firmware updates and support. We quote the firewall with the licence term you choose.
Do you supply the PA-550 with installation?
Yes. We supply it with its licence registered, install and configure it at your site, and hand over the logins and documentation. Ask for a quote on this page.
Similar Palo Alto Networks models
- Desktop
Palo Alto Networks PA-560
Firewall 8.5 Gbps, threat protection 6.0 Gbps
- Desktop
Palo Alto Networks PA-460
Firewall 4.2 Gbps, threat protection 3.0 Gbps
- Desktop
Palo Alto Networks PA-455
Firewall 3.6 Gbps, threat protection 2.3 Gbps
- Desktop
Palo Alto Networks PA-540
Firewall 3.8 Gbps, threat protection 2.2 Gbps
Closest models from other brands
Throughput figures are each manufacturer's own published numbers. Manufacturers test in different ways, so compare across brands with care.
- Desktop
Fortinet FortiGate 90G
Firewall 28 / 28 / 27.9 Gbps, threat protection 2.2 Gbps
- Desktop
Sophos XGS 138
Firewall 19.1 Gbps, threat protection 4.75 Gbps
- Desktop
SonicWall TZ670
Firewall 5 Gbps, threat protection 2.5 Gbps
- Desktop
Juniper SRX300
Firewall 1.9 Gbps, threat protection 200 Mbps (IPS)