NGFW 6.10 Online Help

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Deployment
Before you can set up the system and start configuring elements, you must consider how the different SMC components should be positioned and deployed.
Deploying Forcepoint NGFW in IPS and Layer 2 Firewall roles
The positioning of an IPS engine or Layer 2 Firewall depends on the network environment and the function of the IPS engine or Layer 2 Firewall.
Deploying Layer 2 Firewalls in IPS or Passive Firewall mode
Layer 2 Firewalls can be configured in IPS mode or Passive Firewall mode.

About this Help
This online help was created for Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall (Forcepoint NGFW), version 6.10.0.
Introduction to the Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall solution
Before setting up Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall (Forcepoint NGFW), it is useful to know what the different components do and what engine roles are available.
Deployment
Before you can set up the system and start configuring elements, you must consider how the different SMC components should be positioned and deployed.
- Deploying the SMC
  When deploying the SMC, there are some general guidelines for positioning components to guarantee the security of the system.
- Deploying Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role
  The positioning of a firewall depends on the network environment and the function of the firewall.
- Deploying Forcepoint NGFW in IPS and Layer 2 Firewall roles
  The positioning of an IPS engine or Layer 2 Firewall depends on the network environment and the function of the IPS engine or Layer 2 Firewall.
  - Supported platforms for Forcepoint NGFW deployment
    You can run NGFW Engines on various platforms.
  - Running NGFW Engines as Master NGFW Engines
    There are some hardware requirements and configuration limitations when you use an NGFW Engine as a Master NGFW Engine.
  - Hardware requirements for installing Forcepoint NGFW on third-party hardware
    There are some basic hardware requirements when you run Forcepoint NGFW on third-party hardware.
  - Guidelines for deploying IPS engines and Layer 2 Firewalls
    There are some general deployment guidelines for IPS engines, Layer 2 Firewalls, and the Security Management Center (SMC).
  - Positioning IPS engines and Layer 2 Firewalls
    IPS and Layer 2 Firewall engines pick up passing network traffic for inspection in real time. The positioning of the engines is the most critical part of the deployment.
  - Deploying IPS engines in IDS or IPS mode
    IPS engines can be configured in IPS mode or IDS mode.
  - IPS deployment examples
    These examples show how to deploy Forcepoint NGFW in the IPS role in an organization.
  - Post-installation steps for Forcepoint NGFW in the IPS role
    There are some steps to follow after you have completed the installation, installed a basic policy, and turned the IPS engines online.
  - Deploying Layer 2 Firewalls in IPS or Passive Firewall mode
    Layer 2 Firewalls can be configured in IPS mode or Passive Firewall mode.
    - Layer 2 Firewall deployment in IPS mode
      In an IPS configuration, the Layer 2 Firewalls are installed inline directly in the traffic path.
    - Layer 2 Firewall deployment in Passive Firewall mode
      In Passive Firewall mode, a Layer 2 Firewall inspects but does not actively filter traffic.
  - Layer 2 Firewall deployment example
    This example shows how to deploy Forcepoint NGFW in the Layer 2 Firewall role in an organization.
  - Post-installation steps for Forcepoint NGFW in the Layer 2 Firewall role
    There are some steps to follow after you have completed the installation, installed a basic policy, and turned the Layer 2 Firewall engines online.
  - Cable connection guidelines for IPS and Layer 2 Firewalls
    The cabling of IPS engines and Layer 2 Firewalls depends on the engine type and the installation.
  - Speed and duplex settings for NGFW Engines
    Mismatched speed and duplex settings are a frequent source of networking problems.
Setting up
After deploying the SMC components, you are ready to start using the Management Client and carrying out some of the first configuration tasks.
Monitoring
You can use the SMC to monitor system components and third-party devices. You can also view and filter logs, and create Reports from them.
Controlling NGFW Engines
You can command and set options for engines through the Management Client or on the engine command line. You can also stop traffic manually.
SMC configuration
Security Management Center (SMC) configuration allows you to customize how the SMC components work.
NGFW Engine configuration
You can create and modify Firewalls, IPS engines, Layer 2 Firewalls, Master NGFW Engines and Virtual NGFW Engines. You can configure the NGFW Engine properties, activate optional features, and configure advanced NGFW Engine settings.
Routing
Use the Management Client to configure static or dynamic routing, and use a Multi-Link configuration to manage and distribute inbound and outbound connections.
Traffic inspection policies
Policies are key elements that contain rules for allowing or blocking network traffic and inspecting the content of traffic.
Users and authentication
User accounts are stored in internal databases or external directory servers. You can use Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role or external authentication servers to authenticate users.
Virtual private networks
Forcepoint NGFW supports both policy-based and route-based VPN (virtual private network) tunnels between VPN gateways. For full remote access, Forcepoint NGFW supports both IPsec and SSL VPN tunnels for VPN clients.
Maintenance and upgrades
Maintenance includes procedures that you do not typically need to do frequently.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting helps you resolve common problems in the Forcepoint NGFW and SMC.
Appendices

Deploying Layer 2 Firewalls in IPS or Passive Firewall mode

Layer 2 Firewalls can be configured in IPS mode or Passive Firewall mode.

Layer 2 Firewall deployment in IPS mode
In an IPS configuration, the Layer 2 Firewalls are installed inline directly in the traffic path.
Layer 2 Firewall deployment in Passive Firewall mode
In Passive Firewall mode, a Layer 2 Firewall inspects but does not actively filter traffic.

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Published 26 October 2022