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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.
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.
Benefits of the SMC
The SMC has three main benefits: centralized remote management of system components, support for large-scale installations, and server high availability.

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.
  - Security Management Center
    The SMC is the centralized management component of the Forcepoint NGFW solution. The SMC makes the Forcepoint NGFW solution especially well-suited to complex and distributed network environments.
  - Components in the Forcepoint NGFW solution
    The Forcepoint NGFW solution includes NGFW Engines, SMC server components, and SMC user interface components.
  - Benefits of the SMC
    The SMC has three main benefits: centralized remote management of system components, support for large-scale installations, and server high availability.
    - Centralized remote management
      A centralized point for managing all system components simplifies the system administration significantly.
    - Support for large-scale installations
      The Security Management Center is scalable from managing a single NGFW Engine up to a system consisting of hundreds of components.
    - High availability
      You can optionally install one or more additional Management Servers or Log Servers.
  - Licensing components and features
    License files provide your system a proof of purchase. The Management Server maintains license files.
- Introduction to Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role
  NGFW Engine in the Firewall/VPN role provides access control and VPN connectivity.
- 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

Benefits of the SMC

The SMC has three main benefits: centralized remote management of system components, support for large-scale installations, and server high availability.

Centralized remote management
A centralized point for managing all system components simplifies the system administration significantly.
Support for large-scale installations
The Security Management Center is scalable from managing a single NGFW Engine up to a system consisting of hundreds of components.
High availability
You can optionally install one or more additional Management Servers or Log Servers.

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