Q
Problem solve Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

Firewall protection for remote users

We are in the process of extending our network to all our remote sale reps by utilizing a VPN. The concern we have is this: How do we extend our firewall to the remote VPN users? We are currently looking for a firewall/VPN appliance at the gateway of our head office and a SOHO at the branch, but also roaming user VPN via dial-up connection throught an ISP.


I'm assuming that what you mean by your question is that you want to provide firewall protection for your remote users. The way that is done is by using a VPN, as you suggested. Further, your remote users must always connect to your home network and never to the Internet directly. All requests for Internet service must come to the home network via the VPN and back to the Internet via the firewall. By configuring the remote users this way, they are protected the same as if they were directly connected on your home network.

There are many companies that make VPN products that can be configured to work in this fashion.


This was last published in October 2001

Dig Deeper on Network device security: Appliances, firewalls and switches

SearchCloudSecurity

SearchNetworking

SearchCIO

SearchEnterpriseDesktop

SearchCloudComputing

ComputerWeekly.com

Close