Palo Alto Networks CN-Series review
Kubernetes-focused traffic protection with Layer 7 controls and centralized Panorama management.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Palo Alto Networks CN-Series is a containerized next-generation firewall for securing Kubernetes workloads in public-cloud and on-premises environments. It is aimed at mid-market and enterprise teams that need visibility into application traffic between and beyond their containerized services. Its focus is more specific than a general-purpose firewall: Kubernetes teams are the clearest fit, while buyers seeking VPN capabilities or broad network-edge coverage should look elsewhere.
The product combines Layer 7 application visibility and control with threat prevention and malware detection for container workloads. It can inspect traffic to and from applications, including encrypted outbound SSL traffic, and provides application-level segmentation for east-west pod traffic. Teams can deploy it as a Kubernetes DaemonSet or Kubernetes Service, using Helm charts and Terraform templates in their deployment workflows. It supports Amazon EKS, Google GKE, and Azure AKS, and firewalls can be managed centrally through Panorama. These capabilities make it relevant where container traffic and pod-to-pod boundaries are the primary security concerns, rather than a broad set of network access needs.
CN-Series uses credit-based licensing tied to the vCPU allocation of CN-NGFW pods, and Palo Alto Networks directs buyers to its credit-based licensing process rather than publishing a standard price. That makes cost evaluation dependent on the intended deployment and vCPU allocation. The product has no free plan, and its documented VPN limitations matter for teams that want firewall and VPN functions together. Choose CN-Series when Kubernetes-specific visibility, threat prevention, and east-west segmentation are central requirements; consider an alternative if VPN support or a more general NGFW scope is essential.
Palo Alto Networks CN-Series pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Layer 7 application visibility and control for container traffic
- Inspects outbound traffic, including encrypted SSL traffic
- Supports east-west pod protection and centralized Panorama management
- Where it doesn't
- Narrow Kubernetes and container focus limits general NGFW use
- VPN features are unavailable
- Credit-based vCPU licensing requires contacting sales for pricing
Palo Alto Networks CN-Series fact sheet, pricing and score →
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