Firewall Functions on Computer Networks (Full Explanation)

 

In the internet world, we often hear the term firewall. But you know the function of the firewall?

In this SixthGameOn article, we will discuss the firewall function along with an explanation.

Basically a firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

Firewalls establish boundaries between trusted internal networks and external networks such as the internet. Firewall is very important because it has the function of providing protection against digital assets from a party from hacker attacks or irresponsible people.

Usually a firewall is used for a company to secure their digital assets. It can be concluded, the firewall has an important role in the internet connection. For the next we will discuss more fully what it is and the function of a firewall. Don't miss it.

Firewall Functions on Computer Networks (History of Firewalls)

By definition a firewall is a computer network security system that functions to control incoming and outgoing network traffic. The term firewall comes from a wall that blocks fire inside a building.

Moreover, the term refers to the same structure as sheet metal that separates the engine compartment of a vehicle or aircraft from the passenger compartment.

This term was used in the late 1980s for network technology that emerged when the term internet was still emerging. There are three generations of firewalls.

1. First generation

The first generation of network firewalls were also known as packet filters. Packet filters are in charge of inspecting packets transferred between computers.

When a packet does not match the packet filter set, the packet filter discards or rejects other packets that pass through. Packets may be filtered by source and network address, protocol, source and port number.

2. Second generation

Second-generation firewalls work like their predecessors, but also maintain specific relationships between endpoints by remembering which port number the two IP addresses at layer 4 of the OSI model of their relationship use, allowing checking of all exchanges between nodes.

3. Third generation

Marcus Ranim, Wei Xu, and Peter Churchyard, in October 1993, launched a firewall application known as the Firewall Toolkit (FWTK).

It forms the basis of the Gauntlet firewall on the TIS (Trusted Information System). The main benefit of the application filter layer is that it can understand certain applications and protocols such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Domain Name System ( DNS ), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The function of this firewall is to detect unwanted applications.

After getting to know the history of firewalls, we will discuss firewall functions in more detail.

Firewall Function

Before knowing what a firewall does, it would be better to first understand its important attributes. There are three important attributes of a firewall, including:

1. All network communications pass through the firewall.
2. Only authorized traffic is allowed by the firewall.
3. Firewalls have the ability to provide security against attacks on the internet.

Basically the function of a firewall is to control and monitor the flow of data flowing in the network. It can be concluded that the firewall has a function to regulate, filter, and control data traffic that is allowed to access a protected private network. There are several criteria for data that the firewall allows to pass, including:

1. Source TCP/UDP port from source.
2. IP address of the source computer.
3. IP address of the destination computer.
4. The information from the header is stored in the data packet.
5. The destination TCP/UDP port for data on the destination computer.

Firewall performs authentication on network access. In addition, the application proxy firewall is able to detect certain protocols specifically.

In addition, firewalls have benefits. After knowing the function of using a firewall, we will explain what the benefits of a firewall are.

Firewall Functions (Firewall Benefits)

Firewall itself has its benefits, here are the benefits of a firewall:

1. As a filter it is also used to prevent certain traffic from flowing into a network subnet. This precaution is useful for preventing users from sharing files. This benefit is indispensable for large companies or corporates.
2. To keep valuable confidential information, such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) from a computer network controlled by a firewall. This is very useful to prevent users from intentionally or accidentally sending confidential files to other parties.
3. Modify the data coming from the firewall. This process is also known as NAT (Network Address Translation).
4. Provide accurate data such as product specifications, product prices, and financial information that is very important for your business.