Types of Firewalls in Computer Networks and How to Choose the Right One

network firewall security

Do you know? In 2024, cyberattacks targeting networks have been on the rise, with ransomware attacks alone increasing by 105% compared to the previous year.

A network firewall is one of your most important if not most crucial, tools for defending against unauthorized intrusions and cyberattacks. A firewall is simply a kind of security guard that inspects nearly all the data coming in and exiting from the system. If you have ever felt somewhat puzzled as to what is a firewall in computer network, rest assured that you are not alone. In simple words, a firewall is a system meant to protect your network through controlling the flow of data by following set rules based on security considerations. Let’s understand: how a firewall really works and how it is imperative for network security firewall protection.

What is Network Firewall?

A network firewall acts as a protective barrier between the safe, trusted, private, internal network and external networks like the Internet. Its primary purpose is to block harmful traffic from entering your network while allowing legitimate traffic to pass. Firewalls can guard against unauthorized access, cyber-attacks, and other vulnerabilities by filtering unwanted traffic.

In simple terms, firewalls act as electronic traffic lights that determine whether to allow particular data to cross or block some data. They are either software that runs in a computer system (software firewall) or is actually a separate device (hardware firewall).  Whichever system it is, it performs just that one basic function: To keep your network safe!

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Why Network Firewall Security Matter?

There are malware, viruses, and phishing attacks, and hackers too, that threaten the internet. The lack of a proper network security firewall exposes your network to intrusion that may lead to a data breach, compromise of sensitive data, or financial loss. Firewalls act as an umbrella of protection by providing steady protection of the network against threats by monitoring inbound and outbound traffic and blocking anything that appears suspicious or malicious.

Network firewalls are basically required in organizations and even for personal devices. They create a layer of perimeter security on the network by permitting only authorized traffic to enter with dangerous or unauthorized connections being instantly blocked. Otherwise, an attack can go through without barriers and wreak havoc on critical systems. 

Types of Firewalls

Firewalls come in various shapes and sizes, each offering different levels of protection. Below are the main types of firewalls you’ll encounter:

1. Packet Filtering Firewalls

One of the simplest forms of firewalls, packet filtering firewalls examines packets of data to determine whether they should be allowed into your network. This type of firewall checks things like IP addresses, ports, and protocols before making a decision. If the packet matches a rule set by the administrator, it’s allowed through; otherwise, it’s blocked. While effective, packet filtering firewalls do not look at the content of the packets, so they may miss some sophisticated attacks.

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2. Stateful Inspection Firewalls

Stateful inspection firewalls are more complex than packet filtering firewalls. They keep track of the state of active connections (known as a “session”). This will enable them to recognize whether or not incoming traffic is part of an existing session. If the session is valid, the firewall allows the traffic, and if invalid, it rejects it. In this way, they provide another layer of protection over simple packet filtering.

3. Application Layer Firewalls

It analyzes traffic at an application layer because it is above every other layer as defined in OSI. Application layer firewalls analyze the data to determine whether a specific application or service is behaving suspiciously. For example, they may inspect HTTP requests or check for malicious activity in a web application. If they detect anything harmful, they can block it immediately.

4. Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW)

Next-generation firewalls combine the features of traditional firewalls with additional capabilities such as application awareness, integrated intrusion prevention, and cloud-based threat intelligence. These firewalls are much smarter and can analyze traffic in real time, detecting sophisticated threats that traditional firewalls might miss. NGFWs are ideal for organizations looking for a high level of protection and visibility into their network security.

Circuit-Level Gateways

Circuit-level gateways operate by monitoring the session layer of the OSI model. They ensure that the traffic flow is secured by validating the connection and ensuring it’s secure before allowing communication between the network and external sources. They are mostly used for specific protocols such as TCP and UDP.

Software Firewalls vs. Hardware Firewalls

There are two main forms of firewalls: software firewalls and hardware firewalls. Each has its benefits, and the right choice depends on your needs.

Software Firewalls

A software firewall is a program installed on a computer or server to protect that device from external threats. It monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic, searching for any suspicious activity. Software firewalls are generally easier to install and configure, which is why they are widely used on personal devices and small businesses. They can also be less expensive and easily integrated with other security software.

However, software firewalls only protect the devices they are installed on. They don’t protect the whole network; therefore, they cannot be used for larger, more complex configurations.

network security firewall in PC

Hardware Firewalls

A hardware firewall is a physical device that sits between your network and the internet. It watches all incoming and outgoing traffic on every device attached to the network, making it more suitable for larger organizations or those with many devices that need protection. Hardware firewalls are more robust and can offer better security for the entire network, but they tend to be more expensive and require more technical expertise to install and maintain.

Hardware Firewalls

What are Cloud Firewalls?

Cloud firewalls are the latest addition to the world of network security. These are software-based firewalls deployed in the cloud, rather than on physical devices. Cloud firewalls offer several advantages, such as easier management, scalability, and protection for cloud-based applications. They filter traffic before it even reaches your network, offering an additional layer of protection. They’re perfect for organizations that rely heavily on cloud infrastructure.

Choosing the Right Firewall

There are several factors you need to consider when choosing a firewall for your network. First, the size of your network; if your network is relatively large, then you may need a hardware firewall, but for smaller setups, a software firewall will do just fine. If you want advanced features like intrusion prevention and deep packet inspection, then a next-generation firewall will be the best.

At last ease of management, whether you want to have a simple firewall that’s easy to install and maintain, or you can afford to put in more work for a highly protected system.

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Conclusion

Network Security Firewalls: Protect your data and systems in today’s cyber world. Home networks to huge enterprise setups- network security firewalls will be your first line of defense. Once you know what is a firewall in computer network, and what options are available to you, then you can determine the best possible solution to ensure your network’s safety. It is always better to be safe in the matter of network security!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. What is a firewall in a computer network?

A firewall in a computer network is a security system that monitors and controls network traffic to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Q. How does network firewall security protect my system?

Network firewall security filters incoming and outgoing data, blocking harmful traffic to prevent cyberattacks and unauthorized access to your network.

Q. What are the different types of network security firewalls?

Packet filtering, stateful inspection, and application layer are few among the firewall options that operate on different types of protection, with next-generation firewalls topping the list as one of the newest.

Q. Why do I need a network firewall for my business?

A network firewall shields your organization from cyber attacks, unauthorized entry, and malware which compromise sensitive information and network integrity.

Q. Can an installed software firewall substitute for a hardware network firewall?

A software firewall can protect individual devices, but a hardware firewall is better for securing an entire network, and both may be needed for comprehensive protection.

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Jessica Miller

Jessica Miller is a passionate tech blogger with a knack for breaking down complex technological concepts into easy-to-understand content. She has completed her Masters in Computer Science & AI from University of Texas at Austin. With years of experience in the ever-evolving world of technology, she specializes in writing about AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and the latest tech gadgets. Jessica’s insightful articles provide valuable tips and in-depth analyses, making her a trusted voice for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. When she’s not blogging, she enjoys exploring emerging tech trends and sharing her knowledge to help readers stay ahead in the digital age.

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