Firewalls are the first line of defense for networks. Firewalls regulate the flow of Internet traffic to and from and organization, and they facilitate secure remote communication links via Virtual Private Networking (VPN) tunnels.

Selecting the right firewall is essential for achieving optimal performance and avoiding the need for premature replacement. Important technical considerations when purchasing a firewall include:

• • Will the firewall support the maximum throughput of the Internet connection(s) it will be securing? (When calculating, it is important to use the adjusted throughput of the device with the desired security services enabled.)
  • If an Internet speed increase or the addition of circuits is anticipated, will the firewall support the maximum combined throughput after upgrading?
  • Does the firewall provide the essential protections required?