Cisco’s Firepower 2100 Series firewalls deliver advanced threat protection and consistent, high-throughput performance for enterprise and data-centre environments. Designed for low-latency inspection and scalable security, Firepower supports Cisco’s Secure Firewall architecture with intelligent automation and unified policy control across hybrid networks.
As a trusted Cisco partner, we bring decades of expertise in networking and security solutions. Our team has an extensive technical understanding of Cisco’s product portfolio – enabling us to assess, integrate, and optimise solutions for even the most complex or high-demand environments.
Expert guidance for the right fit
We don’t just sell IT hardware. Every Cisco solution we recommend is assessed against your specific security concerns, performance requirements, and both current and future infrastructure plans. This consultative approach ensures that our guidance is aligned with your bespoke needs, so that you can invest in new network switches with complete confidence.
Exclusive access and strategic advantages
Through our partnership with Cisco, your business will gain access to partner-only promotions, bundled solutions, and live demos. Combined with our technical expertise and ongoing support, this ensures your hardware is secure, cost-optimised, and future-ready.
Expert Network Security Services
When you buy Cisco hardware from Steel City Consulting, you’ll receive expert deployment and maximum benefits. We also provide support in the following specialist areas:
| Our service | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Firewall Setup and Configuration |
+ Custom rule creation & least-privilege access + Next-gen firewall implementation (NGFW) + Ongoing log analysis and incident alerts Intrusion prevention system (IPS) integration |
| Vulnerability Assessments & Penetration testing |
+ Internal and external testing + Real-world threat simulations + Risk scoring and remediation planning + Fully documented audit reports |
| Managed Detection & Response (MDR) |
+ 24/7 monitoring and incident response + Endpoint and network-based detection + Threat intelligence integration + Rapid containment and recovery |
| Compliance & Policy Management |
+ Security policy creation & review + Gap analysis and audit support + Documentation for regulatory compliance + Employee access controls and training |
Through Cisco’s Capital Finance and Flexible Payment Solutions, we help enterprises and data centres fund new initiatives in ways that fit both IT and business priorities.
Speak with our team today to explore how Cisco financing can help to launch your next IT project sooner.
Cisco Refresh gives you access to certified remanufactured equipment that performs like new and has the same warranty, but at a lower cost and environmental impact.
Cisco Refresh must be purchased via authorised partners like Steel City Consulting. Ask us to check Cisco Refresh stock availability and provide a cost comparison for your next upgrade or expansion project today.
As a certified partner, we provide access to Cisco promotions that reduce upfront spend and accelerate upgrades.
When you work with us, we can bundle and stack multiple offers, navigate application processes, and secure pricing that often isn’t accessible without a Cisco partner. Visit our promotions hub for current Cisco offers and to discuss your eligibility.
Cisco offers a wide portfolio of subscription-based services that enhance visibility, security, and operational resilience across enterprise and data center networks.
With the right combination of platforms and licenses, you can simplify management, protect critical infrastructure, and unlock advanced analytics. Explore Cisco service options below.
What is Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defence?
Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defence (FTD) powers the Firepower 2100 series with unified next-generation firewall capabilities. Every appliance includes a base licence, with advanced threat module add-ons available via Cisco’s Smart Licensing ecosystem.
| Licence Tier | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Base (included) | Stateful inspection, NAT, VLANs, app control, routing | Immediate network protection and visibility on deployment. |
| Threat / NGIPS (add-on) | Signature-based intrusion prevention with Talos intelligence | Detect and block exploits in real time across all zones. |
| Malware Defence / AMP (add-on) | File reputation, sandboxing, and retrospective analysis | Contain advanced malware and trace infection sources quickly. |
| URL Filtering (add-on) | Cloud URL categorisation and policy enforcement | Enforce browsing policy and prevent command-and-control traffic. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
Advanced FTD subscriptions must be procured and activated through an authorised Cisco partner. We’ll configure Smart Licensing and device registration to your Smart Account, validate entitlement mapping, and ensure all modules are correctly deployed.
What is Cisco Advanced Malware Protection (AMP)?
Cisco AMP for Networks extends Firepower’s inspection with advanced file analytics and continuous monitoring. It is licensed per firewall or via term-based Smart Account subscriptions.
| Licence Tier | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| AMP for Networks (add-on) | File reputation and continuous threat telemetry | Detect unknown and evolving malware within encrypted traffic. |
| AMP + Cloud Sandboxing (upgrade option) | Dynamic behavioural analysis in Cisco Threat Grid | Identify zero-day threats without adding inspection latency. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
AMP licences can only be provisioned and attached to devices via authorised partners under Cisco Smart Licensing.
We can handle entitlement allocation, telemetry routing, and configure alerts to ensure AMP delivers complete visibility and measurable threat reduction.
What is Cisco SMARTnet (Smart Net Total Care)?
Cisco Smart Net Total Care is a subscription support contract providing 24/7 TAC access, software updates, and rapid hardware replacement. This service ensures your Firepower 2100 firewall remains secure, supported, and operational.
| SMARTnet Service Levels | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Next Business Day (add-on) | Replacement hardware shipped by the next business day. | Cost-effective option for non-critical infrastructure locations. |
| 4-Hour Onsite (add-on) | 24/7 support with 4-hour onsite replacement. | Minimise downtime for mission-critical firewalls and data centre infrastructure. |
| 2-Hour Onsite (add-on) | 24/7 support with 2-hour replacement (where available). | Protect core network security with the fastest recovery option. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
SMARTnet can only be purchased via authorised partners. We’ll handle contract creation, registration, and renewal in the Smart Net portal, ensuring serials and coverage are correctly aligned.
What is Cisco SecureX & Talos Threat Intelligence?
SecureX is Cisco’s cloud-based orchestration and XDR platform that correlates events across Firepower, endpoints, and cloud services. Talos threat intelligence underpins all Cisco security products, delivering continuous signature and reputation updates.
| Service | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| SecureX (add-on) | Unified incident response, automation playbooks, cross-domain analytics | Reduce investigation time and accelerate containment through automation. |
| Talos Intelligence (included with active licences) | Global threat feeds and signature updates | Maintain up-to-date protection against emerging exploits and campaigns. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
SecureX setup and integration must be completed by a Cisco partner, as it involves registering APIs and linking data between Cisco products. We deploy SecureX workspaces, connect Firepower telemetry, and optimise automation playbooks tailored to your workflows.
What is Cisco Secure Client?
Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect) delivers secure VPN access and endpoint control for remote users connecting through Firepower 2100 appliances. VPN access is not included and requires additional user-based licences.
| License Tier | Features | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| VPN (add-on) | SSL/IPsec VPN access with central policy control | Extend secure access to remote or hybrid users. |
| Advantage / Premier (upgrade option) | Endpoint posture validation, device compliance, identity integration | Enforce Zero Trust principles and reduce remote-access risk. |
Why work with a Cisco partner?
Secure Client licences are distributed exclusively through Cisco partners. We’ll assess user requirements, size your VPN capacity, and integrate identity and policies through ISE and SecureX. Our deployment ensures compliance, scalability, and cost alignment across your remote access network.
Talk to a certified Cisco expert. We’ll help you choose the right combination of hardware, licenses, and services.
Upgrading to Cisco Firepower firewalls for strengthened network security? Our FAQ answers 6 common questions.
Q1. How is the Firepower 2120 firewall different from other Cisco Firepower models?
Firepower 2120 is part of the 2100 Series, optimised for mid-size enterprise and branch data-centre deployments. It offers balanced performance with up to 2 Gbps of firewall throughput, compared to the Firepower 2140 and 2150, which scale to higher multi-gigabit performance for larger network and data centre needs.
Q2. Are Firepower firewalls compatible with Cisco SecureX and existing ASA environments?
Yes. Cisco recommends using Firepower 2100 Series firewalls with SecureX for unified visibility, threat correlation, and automated response workflows. The platform also supports ASA migration, allowing existing configurations to be transitioned to Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense (FTD) software with minimal disruption.
Q3. What are the licensing and subscription options for Firepower firewalls?
Cisco Smart Licensing supports tiered subscriptions for Threat, Malware, and URL Filtering. Licenses can be combined with Cisco SecureX for extended detection and response (XDR) integration.
As an official Cisco partner, we can help identify the ideal licensing model for your deployment. For more information, please navigate to our ‘Cisco Licenses & Subscriptions’ section above. Our team is available for a a free 30 minute consultation or 10 minute initial phone call, to suit your preference.
Q4. How do Cisco Firepower 2100 Series firewalls compare to Cisco ASA 5500-X Series firewalls?
| Feature | Cisco Firepower 2100 Series | Cisco ASA 5500-X Series |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Next-Generation Firewall with Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) | Legacy ASA architecture |
| Throughput | Up to 10.4 Gbps (model-dependent) | Up to 1.5 Gbps (model-dependent) |
| Threat Intelligence | Cisco Talos + SecureX integration | Basic IPS integration |
| Management | Centralised via Secure FMC | ASDM / limited FMC support |
| SSL/TLS Inspection | Encrypted Traffic Analytics (ETA) | Partial or manual inspection |
Answer: The Firepower 2100 Series delivers higher performance, modern architecture, and unified threat intelligence, representing a significant upgrade path from legacy Cisco ASA 5500-X firewalls.
5. Can Cisco Firepower 2100 Series firewalls be deployed in clustered or high-availability configurations?
Yes. All Firepower 2100 Series models support Active/Standby, Active/Active, and clustering for improved scalability and resilience. Clustering enables load sharing and unified policy enforcement, maintaining consistent throughput and protection even during peak network demand.
Q6. How does Cisco’s Threat Intelligence integration support ongoing protection?
Cisco Firepower models leverage Cisco Talos threat intelligence for real-time detection and signature updates. Combined with automated correlation from Secure Firewall Management Center, they enable proactive defence against zero-day threats and coordinated attacks across hybrid environments.
