Cheap enterprise firewalls

Discussion in 'Networks' started by michael78, Jan 28, 2011.

  1. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

    2,085
    29
    141
    Guys any suggestions on getting my hands on a cheap enterprise type firewall. Want to install one at home and start trying to mimic a corporare environemnt and get used to configuring ports and rules etc. I know you can use Windows server as a firewall and also Linux based systems such as IP Cop but do these resemble anything like the interface or complexity of a enterprise type firewall? Do Firewall's tend to be GUI based these days?
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP | MCDST | MCTS: Hyper-V | MCTS: AD | MCTS: Exchange 2007 | MCTS: Windows 7 | MCSA: 2003 | ITIL Foundation v3 | CCA: Xenapp 5.0 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
    WIP: Online SAN Overview, VCP in December 2011
  2. ThomasMc

    ThomasMc Gigabyte Poster

    1,507
    49
    111
    You can pick up a ASA 5505 on ebay cheap these days, not sure how "enterprise" that is but I'm sure the bigger ones should share the same command set etc
     
    Certifications: MCDST|FtOCC
    WIP: MCSA(70-270|70-290|70-291)
  3. ethernet0

    ethernet0 Byte Poster

    121
    7
    15
    An enterprise firewall will cost you a fair amount, even dated ones. If you just want to practice setting up VPN tunnels etc then I would get a cheap sonicwall, firebox or even a Netgear prosafe FVS114 (some will require SW licenses though). Most will have both GUI and CLI but additional advanced configurations may only be available via the latter. Furthermore each hardware firewall vendor will have it's own OS (Juniper JunOS, Cisco IOS etc).

    With regards to using an old PC with say IP COP - then you have to look at the reliabilty. Embedded hardware like Juniper/Cisco tends to be more reliable (stricter quality checks) than PC hardware (HDD for example) mechanical hardware has a much shorter lifespan than electrical parts. Furthermore, software on such devices is also more stable due to it's small codebase and design.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2011
  4. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

    2,085
    29
    141
    I think that might be what I'm after. Will look into it cheers mate.
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP | MCDST | MCTS: Hyper-V | MCTS: AD | MCTS: Exchange 2007 | MCTS: Windows 7 | MCSA: 2003 | ITIL Foundation v3 | CCA: Xenapp 5.0 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
    WIP: Online SAN Overview, VCP in December 2011
  5. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

    19,183
    500
    414
    In addition to the Cisco suggestion above, some SonicWall models aren't terribly expensive. I've used those quite a bit. Haven't used WatchGuard in years... do companies still use them much?
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  6. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

    2,085
    29
    141
    Yeah I know I won't be able to afford a full blown enterprise firewall but want something that closely resembles one to learn how to open ports and such.
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP | MCDST | MCTS: Hyper-V | MCTS: AD | MCTS: Exchange 2007 | MCTS: Windows 7 | MCSA: 2003 | ITIL Foundation v3 | CCA: Xenapp 5.0 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
    WIP: Online SAN Overview, VCP in December 2011
  7. michael78

    michael78 Terabyte Poster

    2,085
    29
    141
    I've heard of SonicWall so cheers for the pointer. Ebay here I come.
     
    Certifications: A+ | Network+ | Security+ | MCP | MCDST | MCTS: Hyper-V | MCTS: AD | MCTS: Exchange 2007 | MCTS: Windows 7 | MCSA: 2003 | ITIL Foundation v3 | CCA: Xenapp 5.0 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7 | MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
    WIP: Online SAN Overview, VCP in December 2011

Share This Page

Loading...
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.