NSv Series Virtual Firewall
Enterprise-grade threat prevention across AWS, Azure, VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM, and Proxmox, with embedded Cysurance cyber warranty and centralized management included.
Overview
What is the SonicWall NSv virtual firewall?
The SonicWall NSv is a software-based next-generation firewall (NGFW) delivered as a virtual machine (VM) or cloud instance. All models run on VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM, AWS, and Azure; Gen 8 adds Proxmox and Nutanix support.
Every model delivers patented RTDMI™, RFDPI, and Capture ATP threat prevention — the same engines as SonicWall hardware NGFWs — with the flexibility and economics of a virtual form factor. An embedded Cysurance cyber warranty is included with Gen 7 and Gen 8 security service subscriptions.
What is the SonicWall NSv virtual firewall?
The SonicWall NSv is a software-based next-generation firewall (NGFW) delivered as a virtual machine (VM) or cloud instance. All models run on VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM, AWS, and Azure; Gen 8 adds Proxmox and Nutanix support.
Every model delivers patented RTDMI™, RFDPI, and Capture ATP threat prevention — the same engines as SonicWall hardware NGFWs — with the flexibility and economics of a virtual form factor. An embedded Cysurance cyber warranty is included with Gen 7 and Gen 8 security service subscriptions.
Features & Benefits
SonicWall NSv delivers best-in-class virtual firewall performance, unified management, and financial risk coverage, all at a low total cost of ownership. Here is what sets it apart from legacy and competitor virtual firewalls.
Best-in-Class Threat Prevention
Patented RTDMI™ and RFDPI engines deliver automated real-time breach detection across encrypted and unencrypted traffic — including full TLS 1.3 inspection.
- RTDMI™ real-time deep memory inspection
- Capture ATP multi-engine cloud sandbox
- RFDPI all-port, all-protocol inspection
- TLS/SSL DPI including TLS 1.3
Deploy Anywhere – Public, Private, Government Cloud
One consistent security policy across AWS, Azure, VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM, Nutanix, and Proxmox. No tool sprawl across heterogeneous infrastructure.
- AWS BYOL and PAYG licensing
- Azure BYOL (Government regions supported)
- Private cloud: ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM, Proxmox
- East-west traffic inspection between VMs
Centralized Management at Scale
Network Security Manager (NSM) as part of Unified Management delivers multi-tenant, centralized visibility, policy control, and zero-touch deployment for distributed firewall estates.
- NSM multi-tenant console for MSPs
- Zero-touch registration and provisioning
- Unified Policy: L3–L7 rules in a single base
- Security Assessment and app usage reports
Lower TCO with Right-Sized Licensing
NSv Series enable resource consumption optimization for simple workloads. Stateful HA sync is included by default, no separate license required (Gen 8 only).
- APSS and MPSS subscription bundles
- Stateful HA sync included — no extra SKU
- CAPEX-to-OPEX cost model
- Scale from single-core to larger multi-core capacity as needs grow
Industry-First Embedded Cyber Warranty
The only virtual firewall with a built-in Cysurance cyber warranty: no deductible, no application, no annual premium. Coverage up to $200K included in security service subscriptions.
- $100K warranty with APSS
- $200K warranty with MPSS
- Up to $2M with SonicSentry MXDR
- 20–50% cyber insurance premium reduction
Zero Trust On-Ramp via Cloud Secure Edge
In Global Mode, NSv integrates with the Cloud Secure Edge (CSE) Connector for a centralized, easy-to-manage Zero Trust access framework across any location and device type.
- CSE Connector integration (Global Mode)
- User and device trust verified continuously
- Biometric authentication for remote access
- ZTNA pathway without rip-and-replace
SonicWall NSv Series Firewall Models
SonicOSX 8.0
AWS, Azure
BYOL, PAYG (PAYG is only available on AWS)
100
2 Gbps
Integration
Native Integration Into Your Public Cloud Provider
Harness the power of next-gen firewall security in the cloud. The NSv virtual firewalls deliver essential security to public cloud platforms such as AWS and Microsoft Azure, along with hybrid environments. As the threat landscape evolves and takes advantage of various cloud and virtual workloads, this extensive coverage is crucial for the security of your enterprise. Secure your public cloud environment today.
Seamless Integration with Your Private Cloud Provider
Even private cloud networks need the best-in-security. The NSv virtual firewalls deliver essential security to private cloud platforms such as Hyper-V and ESXi, along with hybrid environments. The extensive coverage of various cloud and virtual workloads is crucial to meet the evolving threat landscape. Secure your private cloud environment today.
Management
ENTERPRISE-WIDE MANAGEMENT OF NEXT GENERATION FIREWALLS AND NETWORK SECURITY SOLUTIONS IS ESSENTIAL TO ENABLE VISIBILITY, DRIVE SECURITY, AND ENSURE POLICY CONTROL.
Managed
Firewall
Our managed firewall service or Managed Protection Security Suite (MPSS) brings our expert firewall management to your Generation 7 or newer firewall, ensuring your firewall is always providing the best possible protection against cyber threats.
Network Security Manager
Simplified, centralized management of your firewalls, connected switches, and access points.
SonicWall Unified Management
Leverage a unified console experience, built to empower Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
Use Cases
Built for the Way Modern Workloads Are Deployed
From SOHO branch offices to distributed enterprise and multi-tenant MSP environments, SonicWall NSv Virtual Firewalls are purpose-built for the five most common virtual firewall deployment scenarios.
SOHO, Micro-SMB, and Branch Office Security
NSv XS provides enterprise-grade threat prevention in a single-core footprint optimized for small and simple deployments. Subscription-based licensing eliminates hardware refresh cycles and delivers centralized management from day one.
Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Firewalling
Secure workloads consistently across AWS, Azure, and private hypervisors from a single management plane. Unified Policy enforces consistent L3–L7 rules regardless of where workloads run or how traffic flows.
Secure Remote and Hybrid Workforce Access
SSL VPN, IPSec VPN, and Cloud Secure Edge Connector integration provide secure access for remote employees and contractors — with ZTNA-grade continuous trust verification for private application access.
Virtual DMZ and East-West Traffic Inspection
Prevent threats with complete visibility into intra-host communication between virtual machines. Implement security zoning and microsegmentation to isolate critical workloads and enforce appropriate application policies by VM location.
Compliance in Regulated Environments
PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and CMMC requirements demand encrypted traffic visibility and audit-ready logging. DPI-SSL, IPS, and NSM compliance reporting deliver the evidence auditors require — for SOHO through enterprise.
MSP and MSSP Managed Firewall Services
NSM's multi-tenant console, zero-touch provisioning, and template-based bulk configuration enable MSPs to onboard and manage large firewall estates efficiently. MPSS licensing adds SonicSentry NOC support without adding headcount.
Free Trial
Try a 90-day free trial of the SonicWall NSv XS virtual firewall. No hardware. No deductible.
- The NSv public cloud offering is available across Azure and AWS platforms.
- The NSv private cloud trial is available on ESXi.
Resources
Ebook
Modern Layered Security: Mapping the Must-Have Security Layers to Proactively Defend Your Business
