Firewall help

[Umbra]

Anyway, OP, surprised that no one has mentioned a pfSense box. Dirt cheap to do.

i +1 this

 

[InnovativeWorks]

Anyway, OP, surprised that no one has mentioned a pfSense box. Dirt cheap to do.

I went to their site. Seems like they do not have a firewall router solution as of yet. I am really trying to minimize the wires as of right now.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I went to their site. Seems like they do not have a firewall router solution as of yet. I am really trying to minimize the wires as of right now.

PFSense is a "firewall/router". I think we need to get a more specific definition of what you mean when you say "firewall/router". Technically the ISP supplied gateway is a basic "firewall"..it runs NAT. And of course it's a router..since it runs as a gateway, and it connects one network (the LAN) to another network (the internet)...it's routing. Any home grade Linksys or Netgear or DLink or TPLink wireless router is a firewall...it's running NAT, that's a basic firewall that blocks all incoming requests from the internet by default via Network Address Translation.

You hinted at something like Fortinet. So I believe what you actually mean by using the term "firewall" is a UTM...a Unified Threat Management appliance that runs various antivirus, DPI, IDS/IPS, content filtering, phish protection, attack blockers, robust firewall rules such as geo blocking and flexibly ACLs, etc.

The above mentioned PFSense can have some modules install which bring a little bit of UTM functionality to it. There are many other more "full UTM" distros out there, like Sophos, Untangle, Endian, etc. Typically they require a subscription...security software needs frequent updates, that costs money. Untangle has a new hardware appliance out, their new X Series, which is very affordable for small/SOHO businesses.

There are some other products out there like Zyxel which has a pretty affordable UTM.

 

[Umbra]

I personally believe that (unless you are a security geeks with deep pockets), using an hardware appliance for just 2 laptops is overkill and overpriced.

Safe habits coupled with a decent (and properly set) endpoint security solution should be enough.

 

[InnovativeWorks]

I think we need to get a more specific definition of what you mean when you say "firewall/router".

I meant to say firewall with WLAN

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I meant to say firewall with WLAN

Ahh OK basically a wireless router. Any "UTM" features too? Else..that just opens the door to nearly ANYthing.

 

[InnovativeWorks]

"UTM" features too?

Thank you again. I will need UTM features also... I'm still a novice to the networking side.