Smoothwall as network firewall

[b3n_lynch]

Hi,

 

We currently only use Smoothwall as an internet filtering service. We are considering upgrading our S8 appliance as our network firewall as well. I am very happy with Smoothwall filtering, I was just hoping to hear some people opinions on using the Appliance as a network Firewall.

 

Thanks

Ben

[TechMonkey]

It does what it needs to and does it well. Don't expect any frills, or hand holding through a pretty wizard or word based firewall rules. Smoothwall are positioning themselves as a safeguarding company, so moving away from their security roots, so I have been told no major development will go into the firewall moving forward. I get the feeling that their expectation is that if you want advanced features you will get a dedicated firewall as an addition.

 

Saying that the competitors do the reverse, many firewall devices have a filtering element but will readily admit it isn't their forte.

 

But I will repeat, it does what is necessary and does it well.

[b3n_lynch]

Hi,

 

Thanks for the feedback, it has been very helpful.

 

Kind regards

Ben

[Primus]

It does what it needs to and does it well. Don't expect any frills, or hand holding through a pretty wizard or word based firewall rules. Smoothwall are positioning themselves as a safeguarding company, so moving away from their security roots, so I have been told no major development will go into the firewall moving forward. I get the feeling that their expectation is that if you want advanced features you will get a dedicated firewall as an addition.

 

Saying that the competitors do the reverse, many firewall devices have a filtering element but will readily admit it isn't their forte.

 

But I will repeat, it does what is necessary and does it well.

 

That's really disappointing - can someone from Smoothwall comment? It doesn't yet support IPv6 AFAIK so surely they're going to have to add support for that at least?

[ibpalle]

There is work going on on that front - some much needed updates and tweaks are in the pipeline.

 

Personally I think the aim is still to be a good enough firewall option for most customers. Filtering and Safeguarding has been the main focus for many years as we have tested and refined our products and approach. There has been little immediate need for firewall additions or changes. Due to that, some areas are beginning to show their age and there are now projects begun and lined up to address a lot of this.

[TechMonkey]

That's really disappointing - can someone from Smoothwall comment? It doesn't yet support IPv6 AFAIK so surely they're going to have to add support for that at least?

Don't get me wrong, that was not meant to be a downer on Smoothwall. We use the firewall and are happy with it. My development comment was not to say it was being abandoned, just no major plans to improve the firewall alone. IPv6 is a whole product development. Other firewalls will have shiny bits, and fancy wizards and english led rules, etc, etc, etc. If you want or need those things, Smoothwall is not for you. If you want a fancy dashboard or reporting to give you all the stats, Smoothwall isn't for you If you just want a firewall that does what is needed and ploughs on regardless, it does that.

 

On the flipside, I have seen some interesting ongoing developments about UI behind the scenes so I'm hopeful that will be getting better.