3Com OfficeConnect 3C16771 - Introduction; What Is the Internet Firewall

1
I
NTRODUCTION
This chapter contains the following:
■
What is the Internet Firewall?
■
Internet Firewall Security Functions
■
Internet Firewall Features
What is the Internet Firewall?
The Internet Firewall is a firewall appliance which is
installed between the LAN and the Internet access device,
such as an OfficeConnect
®
LAN Modem. The Internet
Firewall is a complete network security system with all
hardware and software pre-installed. This allows it to act as
a secure gateway for all data passing between the Internet
and the LAN.
The purpose of the Internet Firewall is to allow a private
Local Area Network (LAN) to be securely connected to the
Internet. You can use the Internet Firewall to:
■
Prevent theft, destruction, and modification of data.
■
Filter incoming data for unsafe or objectionable
content.
■
Log events which may be important to the security of
your network.
The Internet Firewall has either two or three Ethernet ports
(depending on the model) which are used to divide the
network into separate areas.
■
The
Wide Area Network
(WAN) port attaches to the
Internet access device, for example, OfficeConnect LAN
Modem, Cable Modem or SDSL Router.
■
The
Local Area Network
(LAN) port attaches to the local
network through hubs and switches. LAN users have
access to Internet services such as e-mail, FTP, and the
World Wide Web. However, all workstations and data