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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.
Introduction to Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role
NGFW Engine in the Firewall/VPN role provides access control and VPN connectivity.
Forcepoint NGFW benefits
In addition to standard firewall features, the Forcepoint NGFW provides additional advanced features.

About this Help
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.
- The Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall solution
  The Forcepoint NGFW solution consists of one or more Forcepoint NGFW Engines and the Forcepoint NGFW Security Management Center (SMC). The SMC is the management component of the Forcepoint NGFW solution.
- Introduction to Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role
  NGFW Engine in the Firewall/VPN role provides access control and VPN connectivity.
  - Overview of Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role
    Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role provides access control and VPN connectivity.
  - Forcepoint NGFW benefits
    In addition to standard firewall features, the Forcepoint NGFW provides additional advanced features.
    - Support for multi-layer inspection
      Multi-layer inspection combines access control, application identification, deep inspection, and file filtering flexibly to optimize security and system performance.
    - Layer 2 interfaces for Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role
      Layer 2 interfaces on NGFW Engines in the Firewall/VPN role allow the engine to provide the same kind of traffic inspection that is available for NGFW Engines in the IPS and Layer 2 Firewall roles.
    - Advanced traffic inspection
      The Firewall’s traffic inspection process is designed to ensure a high level of security and throughput. The Firewalls’ policies determine when to use stateful connection tracking, packet filtering, or application-level security.
    - Built-in clustering for load balancing and high availability
      The Firewall provides innovative built-in clustering and load-balancing features that provide several benefits over traditional solutions.
    - SD-WAN in Forcepoint NGFW
      Forcepoint NGFW supports software-defined wide area networks (SD-WANs).
    - Built-in inbound traffic management
      The built-in Server Pool feature allows Firewalls to monitor a pool of alternative servers that offer the same service to the users.
    - Integrating Firewall/VPN with IPS and Layer 2 Firewalls
      You can use Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN, IPS, and Layer 2 Firewall roles together for traffic inspection.
- Introduction to Forcepoint NGFW in the IPS and Layer 2 Firewall roles
  The NGFW Engines in the IPS and Layer 2 Firewall roles are part of the Forcepoint NGFW solution. The IPS component provides intrusion detection and prevention, and the Layer 2 Firewalls provide access control and deep inspection of traffic.
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.
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 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.
Engine element configuration
You can create and modify Firewalls, IPS engines, Layer 2 Firewalls, Master NGFW Engines and Virtual NGFW Engines. You can configure the engine properties, activate optional features, and configure advanced 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 VPNs (virtual private networks).
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

Forcepoint NGFW benefits

In addition to standard firewall features, the Forcepoint NGFW provides additional advanced features.

Support for multi-layer inspection
Multi-layer inspection combines access control, application identification, deep inspection, and file filtering flexibly to optimize security and system performance.
Layer 2 interfaces for Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role
Layer 2 interfaces on NGFW Engines in the Firewall/VPN role allow the engine to provide the same kind of traffic inspection that is available for NGFW Engines in the IPS and Layer 2 Firewall roles.
Advanced traffic inspection
The Firewall’s traffic inspection process is designed to ensure a high level of security and throughput. The Firewalls’ policies determine when to use stateful connection tracking, packet filtering, or application-level security.
Built-in clustering for load balancing and high availability
The Firewall provides innovative built-in clustering and load-balancing features that provide several benefits over traditional solutions.
SD-WAN in Forcepoint NGFW
Forcepoint NGFW supports software-defined wide area networks (SD-WANs).
Built-in inbound traffic management
The built-in Server Pool feature allows Firewalls to monitor a pool of alternative servers that offer the same service to the users.
Integrating Firewall/VPN with IPS and Layer 2 Firewalls
You can use Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN, IPS, and Layer 2 Firewall roles together for traffic inspection.

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