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What is a Firewall A Firewall is a device or software that protects access to certain security area's within a organizations network. This can be a piece of software or a dedicated piece of hardware.What is a Perimeter Firewall Like the name says, its a firewall that protects the perimeter of a network. It guards the entry points to your business or home from the internet. It checks each packet to see if it should be allowed through.What is a Hardware Firewall A hardware firewall is a specifically engineered piece of equipment that does nothing but be a firewall. This is the best type of firewall to buy because it is designed to protect your system. The old saying, "Let a router route and let a firewall be a firewall", means a lot here.What is a software Firewall A software firewall is engineered software that you install on a separate server. This can work well in some scenarios, but it can also cause problems. A hardware firewall is engineered to be secure from the start. A software firewall can be vulnerable to hardware inadequacies that could open up a hole in your security. Software firewall's can work well if properly installed and secured.What is a Transparent Firewall A interesting type firewall that you will be hearing more and more about. Most firewall's operate at Layer 3 or the routing layer. This means that they have to have an IP address assigned on interfaces to communicate. The beauty of the transparent firewall is that it operates at layer 2. You put this device in line and you do not have to renumber your network. Its nice. At this time the only one we have experience with is Cisco's new ASA and its 6500 Firewall Services Module |
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