NetGate(TM)is a software firewall for SPARC based systems developed by
SmallWorks of Travis Co. SmallWorks specializes in efficient
networking utilities and custom software development for SunOS.
NetGate was designed to provide routing and filtering for networks of TCP/IP
systems without requiring expensive, separately managed hardware. It performs
filtering, logging and forwarding for a network or subnetwork of TCP/IP
based computers. The extensible rules based system allows the administrator
to customize the firewall to allow or disallow packets into the network system.
Technical Overview:
NetGate is a rule-based packet forwarding scheme for use on SPARC
systems running SunOS 4.1.X. Through the use of NetGate, a SPARC
system can become a sophisticated router, packet forwarder and
firewall.
NetGate examines each incoming packet and performs rule based
filtering on the packet before allowing the packet to be
delivered to the network service or forwarded to the next system.
NetGate operates by applying a set of administrator customized
rules to each packet. Packets may be forwarded, logged or
dropped. Filtering rules can be based on any combination of:
source or destination IP address,
source or destination hostnames,
networks or netgroups,
protocols, and
services
NetGate maintains statistics for each rule and packet. NetGate
conveniently logs failed packets using the syslog facility. Thus
providing a convenient monitoring mechanism and allowing the
administrator to utilize standard Unix utilities to implement
escalation policies.
Operation:
NetGate executes inside the operating system, making it virtually
un-spoofable. As a kernel module, performance impact is minimal,
since the packet filtering is done prior to presenting the errant
packet to user space. Saving processing time through the remainder
of the protocol stack, and eliminating superfluous context switches.
This is a distinct advantage over public domain "wrapper" programs,
and other similar commercial products.
NetGate's simple command line interface allows the administrator to
create time based access policies, through the use of cron(8).
Availability:
NetGate is available for SunOS 4.1.X as either a binary installation,
or in source code for the truly adventurous. A single binary license
is $1500. Source Code is $2500. Site, corporate-wide and
distributor licensing are also available.
All shipments include 90 days support and maintenance, which
includes any updates released during that time.
For more information, or to contact a SmallWorks representative:
Send email to: info @
smallworks .
com
Or telephone/fax to: 512 338 0619
Follow-Ups:
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