Firewalls are one of the most complicated devices of a network to configure, manage and troubleshoot because every action affects the entire network, its security and all processes. A firewall defines security for a business at the perimeter level. Thus, Network Administrators must be able to effectively manage the firewall to ensure the IT infrastructure is protected against unauthorized access and potential malicious traffic from outside.

This paper was written in 2014 as part of a research project at scip AG, Switzerland. It was initially published online at https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20140403 and is available in English and German. Providing our clients with innovative research for the information technology of the future is an essential part of our company culture.