Network Security Components are for different purposes, so they have different applications. So, consider your organization’s budget and level of security needs.
Here are some Network Security Components. Let’s get to know them
Firewall
A device that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic. It is the first line of defense for an organization from external attacks. It acts as a “gatekeeper” to allow or deny packets of information based on their source and destination addresses.
Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
A device that monitors network activity and identifies certain patterns of activity as attacks in progress. And also, as hacking attempts by intruders. IDS is also what we call a Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS).
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
A device that provides additional protection to an organization by actively blocking certain activities. Such as those identified by an IDS. IPS is also called a Network Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS).
Gateway
A hardware or software, or combination of both, that connects two networks together. In computer networking, a gateway is a computer that serves as an entrance to another network or a subnetwork. Gateways are often implemented on routers.
Proxy Server
A proxy server is a computer that serves as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from servers. The purpose of a proxy server is to make requests on behalf of clients. Thus freeing the client from making the request directly to the server and saving time and bandwidth. Proxies are commonly to facilitate access to content on the Internet through caching and translation of content into different languages. There are three types of proxy servers: forward proxy servers, reverse proxy servers, and tunneling proxy servers.
Reverse Proxy Server
This type of proxy server works at the application level. Further, by providing services such as load balancing or web acceleration. While still acting as a reverse proxy server, i.e., it serves as a middleman. Further, between clients and one or more servers. So, when a client makes a request for resources from one resource on the Internet, it will send the request to its local reverse proxy server. Then this server will contact the requested resource directly on behalf of the client; finally, it will return the result back to the client through its local reverse proxy server. Hence, this process allows you not only to enforce security policies and firewall rules. But also accelerate services such as load balancing. It is also what we a load balancer.
Superior Firewall, Proxy Server, or IDS/IPS?
The network security components are for different purposes, so they have different applications. For example, the firewall is to block incoming and outgoing interactive traffic. While the proxy server is to redirect requests from clients to other servers. In addition, the firewall serves as a second layer of protection while the proxy server acts as a cache server. In other words, the firewall is written in the OSI model’s layer 3 or 4 while the proxy server is written in OSI model’s layer 5 or 6.
Another example: The Intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors network activity and identifies certain patterns of activity as attacks in progress, or hacking attempts by intruders; it is written in the OSI model’s layer 2. Meanwhile, the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) provides additional protection to an organization by actively blocking certain activities, such as those identified by an IDS; it is written in the OSI model’s layer 3 or 4.
The conclusion from these examples is that you can use a firewall together with a proxy server and an IDS/IPS together with a gateway. However, when deciding whether you should use a firewall, a proxy server, or an IDS/IPS, you should consider your organization’s budget and level of security needs.