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Hardware Firewall and Software Firewall

The document explains the differences between hardware and software firewalls, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. Software firewalls run on individual devices and are easier to configure but can slow down system performance, while hardware firewalls are physical devices that protect entire networks and are less prone to cyber-attacks. Key distinctions include installation, cost, flexibility, and the scope of protection offered by each type.

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Jitendra Rai
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27 views3 pages

Hardware Firewall and Software Firewall

The document explains the differences between hardware and software firewalls, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. Software firewalls run on individual devices and are easier to configure but can slow down system performance, while hardware firewalls are physical devices that protect entire networks and are less prone to cyber-attacks. Key distinctions include installation, cost, flexibility, and the scope of protection offered by each type.

Uploaded by

Jitendra Rai
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hardware Firewall and Software Firewall

A firewall is a network security system or shielding layer that lies between the internet and the
computer networks. A firewall typically set up a barrier between a trusted network and an
untrusted network. An Internet firewall is a device or software which is designed to protect your
computer from data and viruses that you do not want.

1. Software Firewall:
A software firewall is a special type of computer software that runs on a computer/server. Its
main purpose is to protect your computer/server from outside attempts to control or gain access
and depending on your choice of a software firewall. A software firewall can also be configured
for checking any suspicious outgoing requests.

Advantages:

● Helpful in blocking particular sites


● Juniors and parental controls can be supervised
● Ease in maintenance
● Valuable for home users
● Assignment of different levels of access and permissions to the user can be done with
ease

Disadvantages:

● Installation and up-gradation are required on individual computers.


● Slow Performance of the system.
● Due to its installation, system resources are consumed.
● Does not work on smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.

2. Hardware Firewall:
It is physical piece of equipment planned to perform firewall duties. A hardware firewall can be a
computer or a dedicated piece of equipment which serve as a firewall. Hardware firewall are
incorporated into the router that is situated between the computer and the internet gateway.

Advantages:

● Independently run so less prone to cyber-attacks.


● Installation is external so resources are free from the server.
● Increased bandwidth enables the handling of more data packets per second.
● Reduced latency.
● VPN connection is also supported for increased security and encryption.
Disadvantages:

● Hardware devices can take extra space


● A skilled IT person is required
● Upgradation challenge as it is not cost-effective because multiple devices need to be
replaced

Difference between Hardware and Software firewall:


S. Parameters Software Firewall Hardware Firewall
No.

1. Operates on A software Firewall Hardware Firewall do not operate on


operates on the system. the system.

2. Configuration Configuration of a software Configuration of hardware firewall is


firewall is easy. not easy.

3. Working It is installed on individual It is required to install the device


devices like computes and between the computer and the
phones which results in Internet so that it will not be easily
blocking users or devices accessible. The installation requires
from accessing the a connection of network cable with
individual components of the firewall rather than directly
the network. It basically connecting to the router. Hence, a
inspects the packets and barrier is formed for blocking the
then blocks the incoming and outgoing data packets
unauthorized access. between the network and the
Internet. It protects against viruses,
malware, spyware, email spam, and
other similar attacks from outside.

4. Cost It is less expensive to It is more expensive than a software


install though the cost may firewall as an initial investment is
increase in case of required based on the protection
variation in computers. level.
5. Flexibility It is flexible i.e., you can It is not flexible like software firewall.
choose which application
has to be installed.

6. Installation It is installed inside the It is installed outside the system.


individual system.

7. Protects It protects one system at a It protects a whole network at a time.


time and is not enabled for
smart TVs, gaming
consoles, and other
devices.

8. Performance It makes the performance It doesn’t affect the performance of


of computers slows down. the computer.

9. Requirement It is needed to be installed It needs only one hardware to be


on every individual system installed for a whole network.
on a network.

10. Blocking In software firewall, A domain or website can be blocked


content based on using hardware firewall.
keywords can be blocked.

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