Firewall; When To Use The Firewall - ZyXEL Communications ZyWall 35 User Manual

ZyWALL 35 User's Guide

9.7.2 Firewall

• The firewall inspects packet contents as well as their source and destination addresses.
Firewalls of this type employ an inspection module, applicable to all protocols, that
understands data in the packet is intended for other layers, from the network layer (IP
headers) up to the application layer.
• The firewall performs stateful inspection. It takes into account the state of connections it
handles so that, for example, a legitimate incoming packet can be matched with the
outbound request for that packet and allowed in. Conversely, an incoming packet
masquerading as a response to a nonexistent outbound request can be blocked.
• The firewall uses session filtering, i.e., smart rules, that enhance the filtering process and
control the network session rather than control individual packets in a session.
• The firewall provides e-mail service to notify you of routine reports and when alerts
occur.

9.7.2.1 When To Use The Firewall

1 To prevent DoS attacks and prevent hackers cracking your network.
2 A range of source and destination IP addresses as well as port numbers can be specified
within one firewall rule making the firewall a better choice when complex rules are
required.
3 To selectively block/allow inbound or outbound traffic between inside host/networks and
outside host/networks. Remember that filters cannot distinguish traffic originating from
an inside host or an outside host by IP address.
4 The firewall performs better than filtering if you need to check many rules.
5 Use the firewall if you need routine e-mail reports about your system or need to be alerted
when attacks occur.
6 The firewall can block specific URL traffic that might occur in the future. The URL can
be saved in an Access Control List (ACL) database.
176 Chapter 9 Firewalls