Palo Alto Networks NGFW Architecture

1. Single Pass Parallel Processing (SP3) Architecture

The SP3 architecture is fundamental to Palo Alto Networks' NGFWs, combining Single Pass software with Parallel Processing hardware to deliver high throughput and low latency.

Single Pass Software: Processes traffic once for functions like application identification (App-ID), user identification (User-ID), content inspection (Content-ID), and policy enforcement, reducing latency and improving performance.
Parallel Processing Hardware: Utilizes dedicated processors for different tasks:
- Network Processor: Handles routing, NAT, and other network functions.
- Security Processor: Manages encryption/decryption and policy enforcement.
- Content Processor: Performs threat detection and content inspection.
- Control Plane Processor: Oversees management tasks like configuration and logging.

References:

2. Functional Modules

App-ID: Identifies applications traversing the network, enabling granular control over application usage.
User-ID: Associates network traffic with specific users, allowing for user-based policies.
Content-ID: Provides threat prevention by inspecting content for malware, exploits, and data exfiltration attempts.
WildFire: Offers advanced threat detection by analyzing suspicious files in a cloud-based sandbox environment to identify unknown malware and zero-day exploits.
GlobalProtect: Extends firewall protection to remote users by establishing secure VPN connections, ensuring consistent security policies across all users.
Panorama: Provides centralized management for multiple firewalls, allowing for streamlined policy creation, deployment, and monitoring.

References:

Security Policy Components

3. Hardware Platforms

Palo Alto Networks offers a range of hardware appliances to meet various performance and deployment needs:

PA-220R: Ruggedized appliance for harsh environments.
PA-400 Series: Compact appliances suitable for branch offices.
PA-800 Series: Mid-range appliances for small to medium enterprises.
PA-3200 Series: High-performance appliances for large enterprises.
PA-5200 Series: Designed for data centers and service providers.
PA-7000 Series: Modular chassis for high-throughput environments.

References:

PA Series Firewall Overview

4. Mermaid Diagram: SP3 Architecture

Below is a Mermaid diagram illustrating the SP3 architecture:

graph TD A[Traffic Ingress] --> B[Single Pass Software] B --> C[App-ID] B --> D[User-ID] B --> E[Content-ID] C --> F[Policy Enforcement] D --> F E --> F F --> G[Parallel Processing Hardware] G --> H[Network Processor] G --> I[Security Processor] G --> J[Content Processor] G --> K[Control Plane Processor] H --> L[Traffic Egress] I --> L J --> L

Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) Architecture

1. Single Pass Parallel Processing (SP3) Architecture

2. Functional Modules

3. Hardware Platforms

4. Mermaid Diagram: SP3 Architecture

6. References