Firewall FAQ
What is a firewall?
A basic firewall is a dedicated hardware device that allows networks to talk in a limited way. For example if you are not running a web server on your LAN you can configure your firewall to block people on the outside from even trying to connect to any web services on your LAN.
What is UTM?
UTM stands for Unified threat management. This is a system that combines security systems to protect against multiple threats. Typically a UTM device includes a firewall, antivirus software, content filtering, and spam filtering. Some also include IPS and IDS systems.
What is a DMZ?
A DMZ, Demilitarized Zone, is a zone that has no or limited firewalling from the internet. The systems in the DMZ broker request for systems on your LAN providing an extra layer of security.
What is NAT?
NAT stands for Network Address Translations. NAT allows you to run private IP address (not usable on the internet) on your systems and have them appear to be coming from one public IP address when accessing the internet. The firewall running NAT keeps track of what system sent a request. The firewall packages up that request with the public IP and sends it on its way over the internet. When a response comes back to that request, the firewall remembers who sent the request and sends the response back to that system.
VoIP FAQ
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. IP is just a way for computers to format the packets of information they send. A VoIP phone takes your phone conversation and puts it into a digital format. That information is then sent over your LAN/WAN to the other phone you are talking to.
Does VoIP mean your calls are going over the internet?
No, and Yes. Just because you have a VoIP phone system does not mean your calls are going over the internet. If your VoIP phone system is configured to use standard POTS lines (standard phone lines) then your calls do not go over the internet. Your calls will be sent over your LAN to the VoIP phone system and then sent to the phone company just like a standard phone system.
If you use a SIP trunk, then yes your calls are sent over the internet to your SIP provider. A SIP trunk is relatively secure.
If we use a VoIP phone system we will have a long distance bill?
Yes and No. Again, if you are using POTS lines then you will be subject to any standard charges you incur from the phone company. If you are using a SIP trunk they often have reduced long distance rates or unlimited plans.
If you have remote locations that connect back to your main office network, you can configure your VoIP phone system to use those links and avoid any long distance charges on calls to those sites.
Is a VoIP phone system as clear as a standard phone system?
Yes. In some cases VoIP phone systems have to add some back ground noise to make it sound more like a standard line.
What are some advantages of VoIP phone systems?
There are many advantages of a VoIP phone system.
Toll bypass. While not one of the main reasons to switch to a VoIP system, if you have multiple remote sites connected via a WAN you can save some money.
Remote access. If your company has a VPN solution in place you can use a soft phone. A soft phone is a program that runs on your laptop or remote desktop and provides all the features of your desk phone.
System features. There are many cool features for VoIP phone systems. One very useful feature is a copy of your voicemail can be sent to your email.
Converged infrastructure. With a VoIP phone system you can use your existing network infrastructure. This can save cost and provide centralized management.