A firewall is a device for guarding a private network by analyzing the data leaving and entering. Packets are allowed through if they match certain prefined criteria (rules) which are set according to corporate policy. Firewalls can also provide network address translation, so the IP addresses of computers inside the firewall stay hidden from view.

Although firewalls are difficult to configure correctly, security experts generally agree that they are a critical component of network security. However security must be covered at all levels and a firewall is just one of the more important components of a complete security policy.

Xnet Solutions manufactures the following Firewall Appliances:

• SN400 for medium sized networks;
• EN440 for large networks that need failover and load-balancing;
• EN600 made to order firewalls for specialised needs.