I'm installing an enterprise grade firewall for the first time on a small network that has a T1 line, DSL line, and a webserver.
I've researched a lot and know that I want to get a firewall that has both packet filtering and proxy filter built in. What I can't figure out is if it's better to get 1 firewall or 2.
I want both internet lines to remain separate and up at all times, and the webserver to be put out on a DMZ.
I use 2 lines because it allows me to remain connected 99.9% of the time, and I can choose which PCs to put on the T1 and which ones to put on the DSL to maximize traffic. I also have 2 separate FTP servers on the lines with their own IP addresses. I like having the ability to tweak everything manually.
If I could get 1 firewall that could handle 2 internet connections and still keep my FTP servers separate it would be ideal. The only brands that seem to have the ability to do this are Cisco, Cyberguard, and Secure Computing's Sidewinder because they can be scaled by adding more NIC cards. Symantec also has an entry-level model that can handle 2 connections, but it doesn't have the DMZ or proxy features.
I've talked to Cyberguard and Secure Computing's technical support to ask them if 1 of their firewalls will fit my needs and their answers were "maybe". They both said that normally you only use 1 connection with the firewall.
My networking knowledge consists of everything I've learned from trial and error, so I'm no pro. I thought I'd ask you all if 1 firewall can do the job of 2 or if I should forget it and just get 2. You'd think a $7000 firewall would be able to handle 2 connections...
Thanks in advance
I've researched a lot and know that I want to get a firewall that has both packet filtering and proxy filter built in. What I can't figure out is if it's better to get 1 firewall or 2.
I want both internet lines to remain separate and up at all times, and the webserver to be put out on a DMZ.
I use 2 lines because it allows me to remain connected 99.9% of the time, and I can choose which PCs to put on the T1 and which ones to put on the DSL to maximize traffic. I also have 2 separate FTP servers on the lines with their own IP addresses. I like having the ability to tweak everything manually.
If I could get 1 firewall that could handle 2 internet connections and still keep my FTP servers separate it would be ideal. The only brands that seem to have the ability to do this are Cisco, Cyberguard, and Secure Computing's Sidewinder because they can be scaled by adding more NIC cards. Symantec also has an entry-level model that can handle 2 connections, but it doesn't have the DMZ or proxy features.
I've talked to Cyberguard and Secure Computing's technical support to ask them if 1 of their firewalls will fit my needs and their answers were "maybe". They both said that normally you only use 1 connection with the firewall.
My networking knowledge consists of everything I've learned from trial and error, so I'm no pro. I thought I'd ask you all if 1 firewall can do the job of 2 or if I should forget it and just get 2. You'd think a $7000 firewall would be able to handle 2 connections...
Thanks in advance