Software is cheap, hardware is expensive. Software is relatively easy to
configure, hardware is not. Software is generaly slow and weak, hardware is
fast and robust.
In the instance of allowing 1 remote user, if a router is involved, a simple
NAT enabled router with packet filtering is probably more than enough; as
long as the host computer supports some sort of secure access involving a
buttoned down server with adequete password entry. This would prevent the
network from being exposed, as well as droping packets that don't belong to
the 1 exposed IP address. You could even create the routing tables
exclusively for the one remote client (if they have a static IP address).
This method would also make sense being that most small outfits have DSL
which usually includes a router that has the features I'm listing.
If there is no feature-rich router, check out a software package called
MidPoint. www.midpoint.com. Although I have yet to fully evaluate it, it
looks quite promising
Regards,
Eric
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On
Behalf Of Oma Cox
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2001 9:32 PM
To: Rbase-L@Sonetmail. Com
Subject: Hardware Firewall vs Software Fire wall
I've got a client who's connecting to the internet for remote access by only
one person via the internet to his network.
That's the only use he'll be using it for no outbound activity other than
the host service that's running on his server for that one persons access!
(Connecting via Cable modem)
The person has to logon to the network along with logon with the remote
access software.
The hardware people say use hardware the software guys say use software and
hardware fire walls.
What are the thoughts of the list!
I'm a software type in some places and hardware in others!
No real reason!
Best regards,
Oma Cox
Office & Computer Services Inc.
P.O. Box 7153
365 W. Reed Rd. Ste. 'D'
Greenville, MS 38701
www.ocservicesinc.com
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
