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General discussion

Hardware Firewall Options ...

by woodcycl Oct 14, 2004 1:05PM PDT

I have a wired/wireless network using the following:

1. Netgear 4port wired/wireless broadband router
2. Insight BB Internet
3. Desktop PC, WinXP Pro, ZoneAlarm, and NIS including NAV.
4. Laptop with integrated wireless

I am using WAP, MAC Filtering, and all other possible security settings on my router.

My Question: Is this enough? Would a dedicated Hardware Firewall give me more? If so, what would it provide. We use SonciWall SOHO at work, but those ar $800 and up. If my Wireless routers built-in security (which includes all the latest) and 2 software firewalls are enough, that's great. But, I want to be sure.

Thanks much,
Brian

Discussion is locked

3 Posts

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Re: Hardware Firewall Options ...

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 14, 2004 1:11PM PDT

I'd compare you to the guy who brought the shotgun to a knife fight, but if you want more, look up STATEFUL INSPECTION and that's all you are missing.

Bob

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Re: Hardware Firewall Options ...

by woodcycl Oct 14, 2004 1:25PM PDT

Hi Bob,

The Netgear WGR614v4 comes with SPI so that is covered. So, a higher-end dedicated hardware firewall doesn't really provide any real-ife usable protection that what a standard new-technology $100 router does today. If so, then I'm good to go.

Brian

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Stateful Inspection...

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Oct 14, 2004 1:34PM PDT

You've have to listen to a seminar by Sonic Firewall folks to determine if any consumer Netgear "qualifies", but you have more than most people...

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