Palo Alto Networks PA-3540: interfaces and sizing
Plan PA-3540 with its exact specifications, configuration checks and nearby Palo Alto Networks models. Includes manufacturer references and quote checklist.
Palo Alto Networks PA-3540 is the exact ordering identifier covered here, in the PA-3500 Series range. The reviewed specification records firewall throughput: 55 Gbps (appmix; App-ID and logging; PAN-OS 12.2); threat protection throughput: 35 Gbps (appmix; App-ID, IPS, antivirus, antispyware, WildFire, file blocking and logging; PAN-OS 12.2); ipsec vpn throughput: 36 Gbps (64 KB HTTP transactions and logging; PAN-OS 12.2). Use this guide to decide what to include in a configuration request, rather than treating similar model numbers as interchangeable.
Specifications that define this model
The values below retain the source qualifiers. A missing field is not evidence that a capability is included or absent.
| Specification | Recorded value |
|---|---|
| Firewall throughput | 55 Gbps (appmix; App-ID and logging; PAN-OS 12.2) |
| Threat protection throughput | 35 Gbps (appmix; App-ID, IPS, antivirus, antispyware, WildFire, file blocking and logging; PAN-OS 12.2) |
| IPsec VPN throughput | 36 Gbps (64 KB HTTP transactions and logging; PAN-OS 12.2) |
| Concurrent sessions | 6M maximum (HTTP transactions; PAN-OS 12.2) |
| Interfaces | 8 x 1/2.5/5/10Gbps RJ-45; 12 x 1/10Gbps SFP/SFP+; 4 x 40/100Gbps QSFP28 |
| Form factor | 2U rack |
| Segment | Enterprise / data centre |
How to evaluate this exact configuration
Network interfaces
Network interfaces for PA-3540: 8 x 1/2.5/5/10Gbps RJ-45; 12 x 1/10Gbps SFP/SFP+; 4 x 40/100Gbps QSFP28. Draw the WAN, LAN, management and resilience connections before ordering optics or cables. Check the hardware reference for any shared-port arrangements.
Published inspection rating
Published inspection rating for PA-3540: 35 Gbps (appmix; App-ID, IPS, antivirus, antispyware, WildFire, file blocking and logging; PAN-OS 12.2). Keep the traffic mix, packet size, enabled services and software-version qualifiers with the rating. This is a manufacturer figure, not a benchmark performed by technix.guru or a promise for a particular workload.
VPN sizing
VPN sizing for PA-3540: 36 Gbps (64 KB HTTP transactions and logging; PAN-OS 12.2). Size encrypted traffic separately from inspected internet traffic. Tunnel count, users and inspection policy need their own design checks; a throughput number does not establish them.
Installation format
Installation format for PA-3540: 2U rack. Check rack or desk space, power feeds, airflow and the accessories actually supplied. A family photograph does not establish the contents of the exact ordering code.
Compare nearby ordering codes
| Model | Interfaces | Threat protection throughput | Form factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA-3540 | 8 x 1/2.5/5/10Gbps RJ-45; 12 x 1/10Gbps SFP/SFP+; 4 x 40/100Gbps QSFP28 | 35 Gbps (appmix; App-ID, IPS, antivirus, antispyware, WildFire, file blocking and logging; PAN-OS 12.2) | 2U rack |
| PA-3510 | 8 x 1/2.5/5/10Gbps RJ-45; 8 x 1/10Gbps SFP/SFP+; 2 x 40/100Gbps QSFP28 | 15 Gbps (appmix; App-ID, IPS, antivirus, antispyware, WildFire, file blocking and logging; PAN-OS 12.2) | 1U rack |
| PA-520 | 8 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45; separate 1Gbps RJ-45 management | 1.8 Gbps (appmix; App-ID, IPS, antivirus, antispyware, WildFire, file blocking and logging; PAN-OS 12.2) | Not recorded |
These are specification comparisons, not statements that the models are drop-in replacements. Compare the configuration limits before choosing an alternative.
PA-3510 manufacturer reference · PA-520 manufacturer reference
Questions before you request a quote
Which product does PA-3540 identify?
It identifies Palo Alto Networks PA-3540 next-generation firewall. Keep PA-3540 on the requirement and quote; a family name alone does not fix the ordering configuration.
What should I check before ordering PA-3540?
Start with the specification and configuration checks above, then state the quantity, destination and intended connections or platform. Ask for the exact contents of the offered configuration and identify every proposed substitution separately.
Build a clear requirement
Specify PA-3540, quantity and delivery country, then add the configuration information discussed above. Keep accessories and any accepted alternative as separate lines. Request current pricing and availability rather than relying on an article for live commercial information.
View the PA-3540 product listing · Browse Palo Alto Networks firewalls · Request a quote
For the wider selection process, read the related buying guide.
Sources and scope
Document and identifier checks: 2026-10-17. Prepared from manufacturer documentation and the catalogue's recorded specifications; no hands-on benchmark is claimed. Confirm destination-specific options and configuration eligibility against the source documents. Prices, stock, delivery dates and coverage terms are not established by this guide.