A firewall is a tool used to filter traffic that moves in and out of a network. It acts as a checkpoint between internal systems and outside connections, deciding what gets through based on a set of predefined rules. These rules can be customized to fit the needs of a business—whether it’s limiting access to certain websites, blocking unknown sources, or flagging unusual traffic.
Firewalls come in different forms: hardware devices installed between a network and modem, software that runs on individual computers, or cloud-based solutions managed by a provider. Each type offers a layer of protection by controlling the flow of data and helping prevent unwanted access.
For businesses, especially those with multiple locations or remote workers, firewall configuration plays a key role in securing operations without creating unnecessary complexity. It’s also a foundational element for meeting compliance requirements in industries like healthcare, finance, and retail.
Modern firewalls can also provide features like intrusion detection, application control, and virtual private network (VPN) support, making them an essential part of any organization’s IT setup.
Firewalls come in several types, each designed to manage network traffic differently. Choosing the right one depends on how a business connects users, systems, and applications across locations.
This is the most basic type. It inspects small pieces of data—called packets—based on source and destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols. If a packet doesn’t match the allowed criteria, it’s blocked. It works quickly but doesn’t inspect the content of the data.
Often called a dynamic packet filter, this type keeps track of active connections. It checks both the header and the state of the packet within the context of the traffic flow. It’s more secure than simple packet filtering and is widely used in business networks.
This firewall acts as an intermediary between users and the internet. It filters traffic at the application level, which means it can inspect content in detail—such as HTTP requests. This type adds stronger control but can slow down performance due to deep inspection.
NGFWs include features like deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, malware filtering, and application awareness. They combine several technologies into one solution and are commonly used in modern, multi-location businesses that need more control across all devices and users.
This option is hosted in the cloud and provides centralized firewall management for distributed networks. It’s scalable, often subscription-based, and ideal for businesses with remote workers or multiple sites. Cloud firewalls can reduce the need for on-site hardware and simplify network policy management.
Firewalls monitor and control the flow of data between networks. They sit at the entry point of a network—either as software, hardware, or a cloud-based service—and inspect traffic based on a set of rules.
When a device sends or receives data, that data is broken into packets. A firewall checks each packet to determine if it should be allowed through or blocked. This decision is based on factors like IP addresses, port numbers, protocols, and specific patterns that may signal suspicious behavior.
Some firewalls track ongoing connections. This lets them recognize traffic that’s part of a valid session versus unexpected or unauthorized requests. Others can dig deeper and look at the content inside the packets, such as file types or application requests.
Firewalls can also log traffic activity, alert IT teams to potential threats, and apply updates to their rules based on new threat patterns. In business settings, this helps limit access to internal systems and keeps unwanted connections from disrupting operations.
When choosing a firewall for your business, the right features can make a big difference in how well your network is protected and managed. Here are the most important capabilities to consider:
Firewalls play a key role in helping businesses control access, manage risks, and maintain consistent network performance. Here are some of the core benefits: