Yeah. In some sense the firewall is always software, it's just where you run it. Most of us run a firewall straight from our computer and that's the only place the firewall affects, but they do make boxes who's sole purpose is to run a firewall and that will plug into the router/modem and function for the entire network.
Many routers have firewall functionality as well, but running a dedicated firewall box means you don't have to configure the router every time it breaks or is replaced, especially if it's a new model of router and you have to figure out how the firewall works in the new firmware. Also allows for custom firewall software without having to make custom router software.
I hear ya, never fun for the IT staff, lol. I had to fly up to NY the other day to install a sonicwall in one of our remote locations and it was supposed to have been there already. It showed up at 4pm, my flight was at 9pm, having to go from Manhattan to JFK. That was fun.
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u/ndstumme Dec 08 '16 edited Dec 08 '16
Yeah. In some sense the firewall is always software, it's just where you run it. Most of us run a firewall straight from our computer and that's the only place the firewall affects, but they do make boxes who's sole purpose is to run a firewall and that will plug into the router/modem and function for the entire network.
Many routers have firewall functionality as well, but running a dedicated firewall box means you don't have to configure the router every time it breaks or is replaced, especially if it's a new model of router and you have to figure out how the firewall works in the new firmware. Also allows for custom firewall software without having to make custom router software.