In the Prisma SD-WAN ecosystem, ION (Instant-On Network) devices are categorized based on their performance capabilities, throughput, and their specific role within the network architecture—namely, whether they function as a Branch device or a Data Center (DC) device.2 The "Branch Gateway" designation typically refers to high-capacity hardware or virtual instances designed to handle complex routing, massive throughput, and high-density connectivity requirements found in large branch offices or regional hubs.
The devices listed in option D represent the high-performance tier of the ION family. The ION 9200 and ION 5200 are flagship hardware appliances designed for large-scale deployments, offering multi-gigabit throughput and extensive port density.3 The ION 3200 serves as a robust mid-to-high range branch solution.4 The ION 7116V is a high-capacity virtual appliance (part of the 7000 series) designed to provide flexible, software-defined gateway capabilities in virtualized environments or public clouds (like AWS, Azure, or GCP).
Specifically, these models support advanced features such as Layer 3 hardware forwarding, integrated switching (in certain sub-models), and the processing power required to run deep packet inspection (DPI) for application-based path selection at scale. While smaller units like the 1200 series are excellent for small-to-medium branches, the 9200, 3200, 5200, and 7116V are the primary workhorses for organizations requiring "Gateway" class performance to manage heavy traffic loads and maintain high availability in a Prisma SD-WAN fabric.
