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Firewall Basics

A firewall is a network security device that allows or blocks selected traffic from entering or leaving a network. By default, a computer has a firewall enabled.

Windows 10 includes a built-in firewall. In addition, many routers and some network service providers (such as Comcast, AT&T U-Verse, and Verizon FiOS) include firewalls as standard features.

Firewall Types

A firewall can be classified as a network security device, a network protocol analyzer, or a traffic management device.

A network security device protects the network by preventing unauthorized users from accessing or damaging the network.

A network protocol analyzer examines the data packets that pass through the firewall and determines the type of traffic that is being sent.

A traffic management device controls the amount of traffic that is allowed to pass through the firewall.