Hardware Firewalls& Software Firewalls

Firewalls can be Either Cisco Hardware or Software.The ideal firewall configuration will consist of both. In addition to limiting access to your computer and network, a firewall is also useful for allowing remote access to a private network through secure authentication certificates and logins.

While many people do not completely understand the importance and necessity of a firewall, or consider it to be a product for businesses only, if your network or computer has access to the outside world via the Internet then you need have a firewall to protect your network, individual computer and data therein.

Hardware Firewall

Hardware firewalls can be purchased as a stand-alone product but more recently hardware firewalls are typically found in broadband routers, and should be considered an important part of your system and network set-up, especially for anyone on a broadband connection. Hardware firewalls can be effective with little or no configuration, and they can protect every machine on a local network. Most hardware firewalls will have a minimum of four network ports to connect other computers, but for larger networks, business networking firewall solutions are available.

A hardware firewall uses packet filtering to examine the header of a packet to determine its source and destination. This information is compared to a set of predefined or user-created rules that determine whether the packet is to be forwarded or dropped.

As with any electronic equipment, a computer user with general computer knowledge can plug in a cisco firewall, adjust a few settings and have it work. To ensure that your firewall is configured for optimal security and protect however, consumers will no doubt need to learn the specific features of their hardware firewall, how to enable them, and how to test the firewall to ensure its doing a good job of protecting your network.

Not all firewalls are created equal, and to this end it is important to read the manual and documentation that comes with your product. Additionally the manufacturer's Web site will usually provide a knowledge base or FAQ to help you get started. If the terminology is a bit too tech-oriented, you can also use the Web opedia search to help you get a better understanding of some of the tech and computer terms you will encounter while setting up your hardware firewall.

To test your hardware firewall security, you can purchase third-party test software or search the Internet for a free online-based firewall testing service. Firewall testing is an important part of maintenance to ensure your system is always configured for optimal protection.

Software Firewalls

For individual home users, the most popular firewall choice is a software firewall. Software firewalls are installed on your computer (like any software) and you can customize it; allowing you some control over its function and protection features. A software firewall will protect your computer from outside attempts to control or gain access your computer, and, depending on your choice of software firewall, it could also provide protection against the most common Trojan programs or e-mail worms. Many software firewalls have user defined controls for setting up safe file and printer sharing and to block unsafe applications from running on your system. Additionally, software firewalls may also incorporate privacy controls, web filtering and more. The downside to software firewalls is that they will only protect the computer they are installed on, not a network, so each computer will need to have a software firewall installed on it.

Like hardware firewalls there is a vast number of software firewalls to choose from. To get started you may wish to read reviews of software firewalls and search out the product Web site to glean some information first. Because your software firewall will always be running on your computer, you should make note of the system resources it will require to run and any incompatibilities with your operating system. A good software firewall will run in the background on your system and use only a small amount of system resources. It is important to monitor a software firewall once installed and to download any updates available from the developer.

The differences between a software and hardware firewall are vast, and the best protection for your computer and network is to use both, as each offers different but much-needed security features and benefits. Updating your firewall and your operating system is essential to maintaining optimal protection, as is testing your firewall to ensure it is connected and working correctly.
read more:cisco security,  cisco asa, cisco asa 5510

What Cisco Switches Benefit Your Network?

Cisco delivers a comprehensive portfolio of switching solutions for Borderless Networks, data centers, and smaller businesses. These solutions are optimized for a wide range of industries, including service providers, financial services, and the public sector. There are all kinds of Cisco switches meet the needs of networks of all sizes, such as Cisco blade switches for Dell, HP, IBM, FSC, LAN switches-Access, LAN switches-Compact, LAN switches-Core, LAN switches-Small Business, Service Provider Switches–Aggregation/-Ethernet Access, etc.

What Cisco Switches Benefit Your Network?

Turn Your Network into a Strategic Asset

Cisco switching solutions are the cornerstone of the Borderless Network Architecture. Extensible platforms andintelligentservices combine to deliver extraordinary business value to networked organizations of all sizes and across all industries.

Find out how switching solutions and Borderless Networks can provide you with a significant return on your investment. Read the Forrester TEI Assessment and use the associated calculator to determine your potential savings.

Deliver a Positive User Experience

Today's users are mobile and visual. They are internal workers and external partners and customers. Regardless oflocation, application, or information stream, Cisco switching solutions deliver a consistent high-quality network experience to connected users. This increases end user productivity, satisfaction ratings, and business system interaction and returns.

Superior Access and Service Levels

In Cisco’s networked business world, rapid, reliable access to any resource anywhere, and at any time, is mandatory. Cisco switching solutions deliver maximum uptime, high throughput, rapid deployment, enhanced access, and automated operations. Cisco's expert design guidance and support services help you meet your advertised network performance.

Reduce Energy Costs and Resource Consumption

Cisco switching solutions offer a wide range of green IT options for sustainable benefits. These include:

• Power-saving designs
• StackPower technology
• Optimized video and virtualization services
• Extended service life

Cisco EnergyWise switching software extends energy management to both IT and business facilities (HVAC, lighting). Cisco EnergyWise can reduce your energy costs by up to 30 percent, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint.

Accommodate Business and IT Shifts

Business processes and goals are always under pressure to improve. Cisco switching solutions allow you to act quickly on new business requirements.Scalable performance, integrated services, and flexible configurations offer continued secure, reliable, and simplified communications in times of change.

Implement Security and Compliance

Secure access is critical in a world where threats are ubiquitous. Cisco switching solutions are designed to lock down information, authorize user movements, and mitigate threats in many forms. VLANs, TrustSec, MACsec, firewall, intrusion prevention, and Control Plane Policing are just a few of the essential security capabilities in Cisco switches.

Deliver Superior Investment Protection

Cisco switching solutions as designed to serve your organization now and in the future. Scalable, service-rich Catalystand Nexus switches adapt to new IT and business requirements. Incremental upgrades can be performed using technologies as switch supervisors, service modules, StackWise, software-based services, and interface components that can be reused or easily replaced.

Featured Cisco Switches are widely used by different enterprises, organizations, campuses, business, and offices of all sizes

Campus LAN – Core/Distribution Switches

Scale network performance and reliability with industry- leading network services, integrated service modules, and validated design guides.

Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches

• Flagship Catalyst switching services platform for core-distribution deployments
• Virtual Switching System bolsters availability and scales to 4-terabit capacity
• Up to 160 gigabits per slot; 100 Gigabit Ethernet ready
• Simplifies creation of separate logical networks with Easy Virtual Network (EVN)
• Integrated services modules enhance security, manageability, and wireless control

Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Switches

• Highest switching capacity; up to 550 Gigabits per slot, 15 terabits per chassis
• Highest density 10 Gigabit Ethernet port aggregation; up to 512 ports per chassis
• Advanced high availability; hitless In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)
• Optimized for secure virtualized environments; TrustSec, Virtual Device Contexts
• Ideal for collapsed data center-campus core deployments

Cisco Catalyst 4500E Series Switches

• Modular switch offering 1.6-terabit capacity with Virtual Switching System
• Competitive feature set and performance for midsize distribution networks
• Flexible, comprehensive design adapts to changing system and service demands
• High availability bolstered by In-Service Software Upgrade and Control Plane Policing
• Ideal for collapsed distribution-access and small to medium distribution deployments

Cisco Catalyst 4500-X Series Switches

• Fixed aggregation switch for space-constrained environments, in a 1 RU form factor
• 1.6 terabits per second capacity with Virtual Switching System (hardware-ready)
• Best-in-class scalability of up to 32-times better routes than competitor products
• Simplifies creation of separate logical networks with Easy Virtual Network (EVN)
• Integrated services: medianet, Cisco Trustsec, Flexible NetFlow, and Wireshark

Cisco Catalyst 3750-X Series Switches

• Stackable fixed-configuration switches for smaller, restrictive deployments
• Advanced Layer 3 and Layer 2 switching and security services
• Support for Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet aggregation
• StackWise Plus and StackPower deliver high availability and operational efficiency
• Comprehensive support for high-value Borderless Networks services

Campus LAN – Access Switches

Adapt your network to meet evolving business requirements and optimize new application deployments with Cisco access switches.

Cisco Catalyst 4500E Series Switches

• Modular switch offering 1.6-terabit capacity with Virtual Switching System
• Competitive feature set and performance for midsize distribution networks
• Flexible, comprehensive design adapts to changing system and service demands
• High availability bolstered by In-Service Software Upgrade and Control Plane Policing
• Ideal for collapsed distribution-access and small to medium distribution deployments

Cisco Catalyst 3750-X Series Switches

• Stackable fixed-configuration switches for smaller, restrictive deployments
• Advanced Layer 3 and Layer 2 switching and security services
• Support for Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet aggregation
• StackWise Plus and StackPower deliver high availability and operational efficiency
• Comprehensive support for high-value Borderless Networks services

Cisco Catalyst 3560-X Series Switches

• Fixed-configuration switches for campus and branch deployments
• High-availability and advanced security features assure consistent service
• Service and network modules help enable incremental link and service upgrades
• Full Power Over Ethernet Plus and comprehensive Borderless Networks services

Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches

• Stackable (with Cisco FlexStack) fixed-configuration Layer 2 switches
• Cost-effective solution for mid-sized organizations and branch offices
• Full Power Over Ethernet Plus and baseline Borderless Networks services
• Zero-touch deployment and operations via Catalyst Smart Operations

Campus LAN – Compact Switches

Securely and easily deploy services anywhere. These fanless, sleek, compact switches are ideal for spaces with limited wiring and cabling infrastructure, such as kiosks, conference rooms, and call centers.

Cisco Catalyst 3560 and 3560-C Series Compact Switches

• Sleek quiet switches deliver comprehensive access services outside the wiring closet
• Support for Power Over Ethernet Plus, Cisco EnergyWise, and advanced QoS
• Unique PoE pass-through capability eliminates the need for power outlets
• Cisco TrustSec and MACsec support plus Payment Card Industry security compliance
• Zero-touch remote deployment and operations enabled by Catalyst Smart Operations

Cisco Catalyst 2960 and 2960-C Series Compact Switches

• Sleek quiet switches deliver baseline access services outside the wiring closet
• Support for Power Over Ethernet Plus, Cisco EnergyWise, and advanced QoS
• Unique PoE pass-through capability eliminates the need for power outlets
• Cisco TrustSec support plus Payment Card industry security compliance
• Zero-touch remote deployment and operations enabled by Catalyst Smart Operations

MORE NOTES: Cisco switches info: Overview, Products & Solutions, Technology you can visit: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/index.html

More tips and How-to’s related to Cisco Catalyst switches you can visit:

http://blog.router-switch.com/category/reviews/cisco-switches/

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps11527/Products_Sub_Category_Home.html

Cisco Switches: Compare Products and Solutions

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/products_category_buyers_guide.html
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