Case Project 9-7: Network Firewall Comparison

Use the Internet to identify three network firewalls and create a chart that compares their features.
Note if they are rule based or policy based, perform stateless or stateful packet filtering, what additional
features they include (IDS, content filtering, etc.), their costs, etc. Which would you recommend? Why?

The reason why is because all three of the firewalls I charted below are targeted for small businesses.
They appear to offer similar core features as they are application aware firewalls that use stateful packet
filtering. The SonicWALL TZ400 is the most expensive option, but it also has the most features. The
cheapest option, the Zywall 110 has lesser options compared to the others. In my opinion, I would use
the Cisco MX64 firewall as I think it offers the most value for the price. For around $500, you get almost
the same features as the more expensive SonicWALL and Cisco is a widely known brand that you can
trust. However, if you need a firewall for a server and can afford to spend the money, then the
SonicWALL TZ400 would be the way to go as it offers more proactive security features such as DDoS/DoS
prevention. So that. Is what I would recommend and the reasons why.

Name Zyxel Zywall 110 SonicWALL TZ400 Cisco MX 64

Cost $ $700 $400 $500

Rule or Application Application Application Application
Packet Filtering Stateful Stateful Stateful
Encryption DES, 3DES, AES, MD5, DES, 3DES, AES, MD5, 128-bit AES VPN
SHA-2, SHA-1 SHA-1 Encryption
Features 2 factor auth, clientless Real time TLS/SSL IDS/IPS, content
remote access, AD decryption, DDoS/DoS filtering, AD integration
integration, GUI prevention, inside &
management console outside content
filtering, IPS