topic Re: Which FTD version is the best choice for Firepower 2100: 7.2 or 7. in Network Security

Which FTD version is the best choice for Firepower 2100: 7.2 or 7.4?

TSOL — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 01:37:38 GMT

Hello all

I would like to ask for advice on selecting the appropriate FTD version for the Firepower 2100 series.

Our environment is as follows:

Firepower 2100 series. (standalone)
Features in use: Static routing, IPS , site-to-site-VPN, FW, Anti-virus

Therefore, I am considering which version would be more suitable for future operation:

7.2.10
7.4.3

In particular, since the current download page no longer displays any “Gold Star” or recommended-release indicators for FTD, it is difficult to determine which version is considered the safest and most stable for production use.
For this reason, I would appreciate any opinions on whether 7.2.10 or 7.4.3 would be the better choice.

.Thank you in advance.

Re: Which FTD version is the best choice for Firepower 2100: 7.2 or 7.

Ben Weber — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 03:15:41 GMT

Out of these two versions, I would recommend 7.4.3, as 7.2.x releases have started to go EoL (with the last software maintenance releases coming November 2026).

I would also consider 7.6.2, as this is the suggested release (a.k.a gold star release) as per this guide for FTD: Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Compatibility Guide - Cisco

Re: Which FTD version is the best choice for Firepower 2100: 7.2 or 7.

TSOL — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 04:44:41 GMT

Thank you very much for your response.

Regarding 7.6.2 being the suggested (gold-star) release, my understanding is that the Firepower 2100 series does not support FTD 7.6.
When I check the software download page for the Firepower 2100 series, the latest available major release shown is the 7.4 train, and 7.6 does not appear as an option.

For this reason, I believe that 7.4.3 is effectively the final major version available for the 2100 series, and I am evaluating the best choice based on that limitation.
If my understanding is incorrect, please feel free to point it out, but as far as I can see, it is not possible to upgrade a 2100-series appliance beyond 7.4.

Re: Which FTD version is the best choice for Firepower 2100: 7.2 or 7.

Marvin Rhoads — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:40:45 GMT

Currently, the best release would be 7.4.3 for the 2100 series. Assuming it is FMC-managed, your FMC release would be 7.6.3 (or later) as that would give you the most FMC-specific features and bug fixes. If you are using the local FDM management, that's a moot point.

Also, if you add any newer firewalls in your enterprise, a later FMC will likely also be required. For instance, if you were to add the new CSF 200 series when they are released in January 2026, it would require FMC 10.0. That release would be able to manage 7.4.x firewalls but not 7.2.x ones.