Before discussing what the pros and cons of getting a firewall are let’s quickly explain what a firewall is.
What is a network firewall after all?
A firewall is a router. The term firewall is usually bandied about because certain brands want to reference their routers as Firewalls because it implies that it is higher end.
So if a Firewall is a router, what then is a router?
Routers are network devices that oversee all the packets and internet activity that goes in and out of your home/office. Picture routers as the bouncers of the internet world. They basically check your passport and your background against a guest list and decide who can go in and who can go out.
Ok, so now that we’ve visualized this firewall bouncer situation, what are the main reasons that people typically get firewalls/routers?
What Firewalls do:
- Block/Allow inbound/outbound traffic to network
- Block/Allow access to servers
- Monitor and report on internet traffic activities
- Setup site to site VPN connections that allow offices to directly communicate
- QOS for increased VOIP phone performance/reliability
- Increased security measures and packet monitoring
- Create VLANs or multiple separate networks off of one internet connection
- Block access to websites and certain online categories (social media, streaming, YouTube, etc.)
There are other uses for Firewalls but for the most part they are put in place to increase security, setup more advanced networking functions and monitor internet activity.
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Who needs a firewall and what are the advantages of a firewall
As a network admin, I think that if cost were excluded from the picture then having a firewall/router is always a benefit for the reasons provided above. More security and more monitoring capabilities are a good practice in today’s day and age.
The practical advantages of a firewall however, are not a necessity for most basic users. Most modems provided by major ISPs like AT&T, Comcast, RCN, etc. have router functionality built into them. Modem Firewall are not the best option as they usually have limited feature sets but for a home or server-less office, it typically does the job.
Who a firewall is most advantageous for:
- Business with servers
- Business with VOIP phone systems
- Businesses that want to connect multiple sites/locations together
- People interested in monitoring internet traffic activities of their users
- People interested in regulating what websites can be visited
- When multiple businesses share 1 internet connection and need to create separate secure networks that don’t see each other
What are the disadvantages of a firewall?
Firewalls can be a bit overwhelming, especially some of the higher end ones like Cisco, because they requires extensive training and experience to get them properly configured. The amount of time getting them setup combined with the fact that a mis-configured firewall can leave you less secure then if you had no firewall at all, means you really do need a paid professional to oversee their administration.
A home brand Netgear router is probably easy enough to figure out but when you get an enterprise level firewall but you will need to get a pro.
Besides cost and the need to have an I.T. Professional to manage them, Firewalls can also slow down your internet speeds because of all the routes, rules and monitoring that they are performing on the packets that are going in and out. Much like a security check at an airport, a firewall scans everything to make sure things are safe and secure but it comes at the cost of sacrificing some speed and inefficiencies, it’s not always drastic but it can put a squeeze on slower internet connections.
So let’s recap the pros and cons of getting a firewall:
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