Firewalls

[teresa]

I need to source a Firewall for a customer and would welcome any comments. We are implementing a SHDSL Internet connection & Westnet have advised the standard ADSL modems cannot be used so that takes out the common Firewalls I have been working with lately. I need a standalone solution - maybe a Linux system... Huh
Cheers

[Byte 2.0]

would the firewall in a router work for your case?

[mbossman2]

need a bit more info:

how many folks are behind the firewall?
any special services being run (video, voice, VPN and the like)?
do you want so intrusion protection/anti-virus/anti-spam etc on your firewall?
is the internet connection mission critical?
is this their only site and/or does this need to managed remotely?

[teresa]

It might. Can you recommend a specific router for this?

[teresa]

Originally Posted by mbossman2 need a bit more info: how many folks are behind the firewall? any special services being run (video, voice, VPN and the like)? do you want so intrusion protection/anti-virus/anti-spam etc on your firewall? is the internet connection mission critical? is this their only site and/or does this need to managed remotely?

Probably about 6 people behind firewall
No special services at this stage
yes would like intrusion protection etc
it is not critical
and this is the only site

[mbossman2]

you can:

build your own (smoothwall)

you can go with a router based firewall that is embedded in most SOHO routers, just make sure it is SPI, stateful packect inspection.

you can go with an appliance (Cisco PIX 501, Sonicwall, Netscreen). Sonicwall offers the most services on a SOHO firewall than most other companies

if money is a concern go with a SOHO router with a SPI firewall
If you want "king of the hill" go with an appliance.
if you like playing, managing and maintaining, go with a PC running smoothwall.

My personal vote: appliance.