Multi-Instance Mode vs. Appliance Mode

You can run the device in either multi-instance mode or appliance mode.

Appliance Mode

Appliance mode is the default. The device runs the native threat defense image and acts as a single device. The only chassis-level configuration available (on the Chassis Manager page) is for network module management (breakout ports or enabling/disabling a network module).

Multi-Instance Mode

If you change to multi-instance mode, the device runs the Secure Firewall eXtensible Operating System (FXOS) on the chassis, while each instance runs separate threat defense images. You can configure the mode using the FXOS CLI.

Because multiple instances run on the same chassis, you need to perform chassis-level management of:

• CPU and memory resources using resource profiles.

• Interface configuration and assignment.

• Deployment and monitoring of instances.

For a multi-instance device, you add the chassis to the management center and configure chassis-level settings on the Chassis Manager page.