How To Evaluate Next-Generation Firewalls

Much of the attention at this week's RSA Conference 2012 will be on the next-generation firewall (NGFW) and how it is getting more sophisticated as the threats to computer networks get more sophisticated as well. A number of vendors will be making NGFW announcements during the conference in San Francisco, but not all solutions advertised as next-generation firewalls are created equal, says one analyst.

"As with any term, once the marketing department gets hold of it, things can spread pretty dramatically," states Eric Hanselman, research director for networks at The 451 Group. While solutions such as intrusion detection or intrusion prevention systems (IDS/IPS), virtual private networks (VPN) and web application firewalls are common features of a NGFW, other vendors tout features such as SSL acceleration or WAN acceleration as a component, too.

Hanselman says the core functionality of a NGFW should be protecting the network from outside or inside threats. Everything else may be nice to have but not a core function. He uses an automotive analogy.

"A next-generation car would include things like ABS and more sophisticated traction control, things that are related to the driving of the car, as opposed to things like air conditioning or a better sound system," he says.

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