Differences/Similarities between a Pix unit (501) and an ASA 5505

Hello,

I'm trying to get a handle on the similarities and/or differences
between a PIX (501) unit and an ASA unit (5505).

I have limited experience using and configuring the Pix 501 through
two small businesses I support and was looking to expand my knowledge.

Is there a Cisco article that compares the two (PIX vs an ASA unit)?
Or are we talking apples and oranges?

Regards

Buck

 

The 5505 is more flexible, but I believe it should be able to
import a 501 configuration.

If you are using the 501 for PPTP or PPPoE then you will need to
cross-check that the 5505 software version you are using is new
enough to support those.

The 5505 doesn't have the anti-X features, if I recall correctly,
and it doesn't have multiple contexts, so it is the most PIX 501-like
of the 55xx range. For the most part you can use the PIX 7.x software
manuals for the 5505.

 

Walter,

As usual, you come bearing the fruits of wisdom.......Thank You.

You've given enough input to get me started. My next step is to
purchase a 5505 and find out on my own. I'll need to get a handle on
the 7.x software as my 501's are using 6.3(5).....never did understand
why the 501's couldn't use 7.x software??

I'm sure more serious questions will be forthcoming and I look forward
to the newsgroup's input.

Regards,

Buck

 

Memory limitations. The 501 just doesn't have enough memory.
There are people who have put 7.0 onto a 506 or 506E (not officially
supported), and people who have put 7.x onto 515/515E that do
not have the official minimum memory, but the 501 has so little
memory that there is no realistic chance of getting it working.