As the dependence of enterprises on networks continues to increase, network security issues become particularly prominent. Data leakage, unauthorized access, network attacks, and other threats are constantly evolving, and enterprises need a powerful and flexible protection measure to maintain normal operation of business and the security of sensitive information. Enterprise firewalls are the solution that has emerged to play a key role in network security.
Firewalls Working Principle
Enterprise firewalls are firewalls designed to meet the needs of large organizations, handling large volumes of network traffic while providing deeper security checks. It has some functions, such as IDS\IPS/VPN and deep packet inspection, etc. In short, it can safeguard our network security in multiple ways. The following section introduces its working principle, which links inextricably to these functions.
The working principles of enterprise-level firewalls primarily include the following aspects. First, they manage network traffic through access control and security policies. Access Control Lists (ACL) are a common mechanism used to allow or deny data transmission based on factors such as source address, destination address, and port numbers. Security policies define the overall approach to managing network traffic, specifying which activities are allowed or prohibited.
Secondly, Virtual Private Networks (VPN) enable remote users to securely access the enterprise network. This is particularly important for distributed teams and businesses with remote work setups, as it ensures the security of data transmission for remote users.
Additionally, enterprise-level firewalls feature advanced deep packet inspection capabilities. This means that the firewall does more than simply check packet headers; it can analyze the content of data packets in greater depth, allowing for more comprehensive identification and prevention of potential threats. This deep inspection makes the firewall more intelligent and adaptive.
It also logs network traffic and security events, which are critical for auditing, analysis, and identifying potential security threats. By carefully analyzing these logs, businesses can gain better insights into network activities, quickly detect anomalies, and take appropriate actions.
Types of Enterprise Firewalls
Enterprise firewall types can be categorized into the following three main categories, which are hardware, software, and virtual firewalls.
Hardware Firewall
Hardware firewall is a physical device that is placed on the network to control and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic. It acts as a barrier between internal and external networks, monitoring and blocking malicious data while allowing authorized data to pass through. Hardware firewalls offer an added layer of security in comparison to software firewalls by providing dedicated hardware for processing network traffic efficiently and effectively.
They are commonly used in enterprise environments to protect against various threats and cyberattacks, enhancing network security and safeguarding sensitive information.
Software Firewall
This type of firewall is software that can be installed on servers or other network devices. Software firewalls provide the same basic functionality as hardware firewalls, but are typically easier to customize and manage.
Virtual Firewall
From the name, we can infer that this firewall is a software firewall that can run in a virtualized environment, such as cloud computing platforms. Virtual firewalls can offer the same features as hardware and software firewalls, while also providing greater flexibility and scalability.
How to Choose the Right Firewall
After all the firewall basics, how do you choose the right firewall for your organization? Here are a few key factors to consider when selecting the most suitable firewall for your business needs.
First, the firewall must deliver strong performance, handling your network traffic without compromising speed or efficiency, especially when managing high concurrent connections and conducting advanced security checks like deep packet inspection. Additionally, the firewall should offer the necessary security features such as VPN support, IDS/IPS, and web filtering to meet your business’s specific needs. A reliable vendor is also important to ensuring quick response times and access to experienced technical engineers when needed. Finally, the cost of the firewall, including the initial purchase price and ongoing maintenance or upgrade expenses, should be carefully weighed to strike a balance between functionality and affordability.
In short, multiple factors must be considered when choosing the right firewall. There is no single best firewall, only the one that best fits your needs.
FS Next-Generation Firewall
Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is a real-time protection device between networks with different trust levels, capable of detecting deep traffic and blocking attacks. NGFW can provide users with effective application-layer integrated security protection, and help users conduct business safely. Compared with traditional firewalls, the significant merit is NGFW can provide higher level protection without additional cost.
There are three types of Next-Generation Firewall provided in FS to make you have an intuitive understanding.
| Model | NSG-5220 | NSG-3230 | NSG-2230 |
| Firewall Throughput | 20 Gbps | 10 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
| NGFW Throughput | 5.5 Gbps | 3 Gbps | 1.7 Gbps |
| Threat Protection Throughput | 3 Gbps | 2 Gbps | 800 Mbps |
| Maximum Concurrent Sessions | 3 Million | 1.5 Million | 300,000 |
| SSL VPN Users (Default/Max) | 10,000 | 6,000 | 8/128 |
| Recommended Number of Users | 500~1000 | 300~500 | 1~300 |
Conclusion
An enterprise firewall is an effective tool for protecting your company’s network. With advanced features like VPN support and intrusion detection, it ensures secure and uninterrupted access to resources. Equip your business with the right firewall for peace of mind. Explore solutions today and keep your network secure.