F5 BIG-IP i7820-DF vs. BIG-LTM i5800: Which ADC Transforms Your Network Efficiency?

Jun 26 , 2025 57

F5 BIG-IP i7820-DF vs. BIG-LTM i5800: Which ADC Transforms Your Network Efficiency?

In the realm of application delivery controllers (ADCs), F5 Networks’ BIG-IP series is renowned for its scalability and security. However, selecting between the BIG-IP i7820-DF (high-density hardware) and BIG-LTM i5800 (midrange physical appliance) requires a strategic evaluation of your network’s demands. Here’s a detailed comparison to guide your decision.

1. Performance Specifications

Why it matters: The i7820-DF dominates high-traffic environments (e.g., cloud-native apps), while the i5800 is ideal for cost-sensitive SMBs with predictable workloads.

2. Feature Differentiators

Key distinction: The i7820-DF’s SRv6 support enables seamless 5G MEC deployments, while the i5800 focuses on legacy app compatibility.

3. Design & Durability

• BIG-IP i7820-DF:

• 2 RU chassis, 8 expansion slots, redundant power supplies, and hot-swappable components.

• Built for carrier-grade uptime (99.999%) in hyperscale data centers.

• BIG-LTM i5800:

• 1 RU rack-mount, 2 expansion slots, passive cooling.

• Optimized for cost-effective branch offices or small data centers.

Why choose i7820-DF? Its modular design accommodates future upgrades without disrupting operations.

4. User Experience & Management

• BIG-IP i7820-DF:

• Deep CLI scripting, Ansible/Terraform automation, and F5 Automation Toolchain for CI/CD.

• Zero-downtime upgrades via blue-green deployments.

• BIG-LTM i5800:

• Intuitive GUI for admins with basic scripting skills.

• Limited automation for complex workflows.

Real-world win: Enterprises deploy the i7820-DF to automate SSL certificate rotation across 100+ apps, reducing manual effort by 70%.

5. Pricing & ROI

• BIG-IP i7820-DF: 80k–120k/year (subscription-based, scalable with demand).

• BIG-LTM i5800: 20k–30k (one-time hardware purchase).

ROI insight: The i7820-DF pays for itself in 18–24 months through avoided hardware upgrades and reduced downtime.

**6. Battery Consumption? Not Exactly…**

Neither model uses batteries, but the i7820-DF’s hypervisor-native efficiency slashes data center power costs by 40% vs. legacy appliances like the i5800.

7. Compatibility Showdown

Edge case: The i7820-DF natively integrates with Kubernetes Ingress Controllers for containerized apps.

8. Software Muscle

Both run TMOS, F5’s legendary OS, but the i7820-DF adds:

• iApps LX Templates for rapid app deployment.

• NGINX App Protect for web application firewalling.

• SD-WAN Overlay for hybrid architectures.

9. Real-World Scenarios

• Case 1: Retail Chain

• Choice: BIG-LTM i5800

• Why: Predictable performance for brick-and-mortar POS systems with stable traffic patterns.

• Case 2: FinTech Startup

• Choice: BIG-IP i7820-DF

• Why: Auto-scaling during Black Friday peaks eliminated downtime and $1M in lost revenue.

10. Final Verdict

• Buy the i5800 if: You prioritize simplicity for branch offices or small data centers with static workloads.

• Choose the i7820-DF if: You’re future-proofing for cloud-native apps, multi-cloud sprawl, or dynamic scaling needs.

Crucial question: Does your environment demand adaptive security and frictionless scalability? If yes, the i7820-DF’s pay-as-you-grow model delivers unmatched agility.