Palo Alto Networks · PA-5500 series
Palo Alto Networks PA-5550
The Palo Alto Networks PA-5550 is a rackmount firewall that runs PAN-OS. Palo Alto Networks publishes a firewall throughput of 175 Gbps and a threat prevention throughput of 120 Gbps for it. It has 8 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G copper, 12 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+, 4 x 25G SFP28, 4 x 40G/100G QSFP+/QSFP28.
- Firewall throughput
- 175 Gbps
- Threat protection
- 120 Gbps
- IPsec VPN
- 100 Gbps
- Form
- Rackmount
Who it suits
As a rackmount unit it suits a head office, campus or data centre with a 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-5550 that means a line of up to about 80 Gbps.
Palo Alto Networks PA-5550 specifications
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Firewall throughput | 175 Gbps |
| Threat Prevention throughput | 120 Gbps |
| IPsec VPN throughput | 100 Gbps |
| Maximum concurrent sessions | 49 million |
| New sessions per second | 1.67 million |
| Hardware | |
| Form factor | Rackmount |
| Ports | 8 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G copper, 12 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+, 4 x 25G SFP28, 4 x 40G/100G QSFP+/QSFP28 |
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-5550
What internet speed can the PA-5550 handle?
Palo Alto Networks publishes a threat prevention throughput of 120 Gbps for the PA-5550. Leaving headroom for busy hours, that suits an internet line of up to about 80 Gbps with protection switched on. With inspection off, its firewall throughput is 175 Gbps.
What ports does the PA-5550 have?
8 x 1G/2.5G/5G/10G copper, 12 x 1G/10G SFP/SFP+, 4 x 25G SFP28, 4 x 40G/100G QSFP+/QSFP28.
How many connections can the PA-5550 handle?
Palo Alto Networks lists a maximum of 49 million concurrent sessions and 1.67 million new sessions per second.
Does the PA-5550 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-5550 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
- Rackmount
Palo Alto Networks PA-5540
Firewall 150 Gbps, threat protection 90 Gbps
- Rackmount
Palo Alto Networks PA-5560
Firewall 240 Gbps, threat protection 180 Gbps
- Rackmount
Palo Alto Networks PA-5445
Firewall 90 Gbps, threat protection 76 Gbps
- Rackmount
Palo Alto Networks PA-5440
Firewall 85 Gbps, threat protection 70 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.
- Rackmount
Fortinet FortiGate 3500G
Firewall 595 / 590 / 420 Gbps, threat protection 105 Gbps
- Rackmount
Sophos XGS 8500
Firewall 190 Gbps, threat protection 92.5 Gbps
- Rackmount
SonicWall NSsp 15700
Firewall 105 Gbps, threat protection 82 Gbps
- Rackmount
Juniper SRX4700
Firewall 1.4 Tbps, threat protection 100 Gbps (NGFW)