Side by side
CacheGuard-OS vs Google Cloud Firewall Policies
Both stand on firewall management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose CacheGuard-OS if you need a free Linux network appliance combining traffic protection, VPN, filtering, caching, and WAN controls. Check the optional subscription and support terms if you need extended antivirus signatures, URL blacklists, or paid support across managed Gateways.
Visit CacheGuard-OS
Google Cloud Firewall Policies centralize firewall rule enforcement across organizations and folders, with delegation, logging, and optional Layer 7 inspection. Note the attachment requirement, targeting limits, and individual rule updates when planning policy management.
Visit Google Cloud Firewall PoliciesThe facts
| CacheGuard-OS | Google Cloud Firewall Policies | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Self-hosted, Web | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Cloud NGFW Standard: $0.02 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cacheguard.com | cloud.google.com |
| On firewall management software | #1 of 29 | #3 of 29 |
CacheGuard-OS: what it does well
- Combines firewall, VPN, WAF, caching, antivirus inspection, and traffic shaping.
- Installs on bare-metal or virtual x86 and x64 machines.
- Offers CLI and browser-based Web GUI configuration.
- Manager can centrally manage multiple Gateways.
- Free editions include a 10-user Gateway and a two-Gateway Manager.
What to know first
- URL blacklists and extended antivirus signatures require optional subscriptions.
- Standard and Premium support require paid subscriptions.
- Support contracts cover one appliance serial number; a Manager contract excludes its Gateways.
Google Cloud Firewall Policies: what it does well
- Free Essentials rules for standard network attributes
- Rules can allow, deny, or delegate evaluation
- Layer 7 inspection includes URL filtering and intrusion detection
- Logs can be viewed and exported through Cloud Logging
What to know first
- Policies must attach to an organization or folder
- Hierarchical rules cannot target instance tags
- Logging records only TCP and UDP connections
- Rules must be updated individually
Alternatives to CacheGuard-OS Alternatives to Google Cloud Firewall Policies The whole list