When you're looking for firewall hardware, Nokia advice and ratings will help to determine if a Nokia product is the right solution for your needs. Some of Nokia's firewall products include the Nokia Secure Access System series and the IP 60, IP 260 and IP 390. Each product is geared toward businesses with specific security needs and number of users. Nokia firewalls are hardware based; they are appliances rather than firewall software that runs on a server.

Nokia's firewall lines were sold to Checkpoint in 2008, but it's still possible to buy a used, refurbished or new Nokia firewall. Before choosing to buy Nokia firewall hardware, check out:

1. Industry reviews and ratings of Nokia firewall devices;

2. General advice and guidance for choosing a firewall;

3. Resellers that offer Nokia firewall protection as well as other security products;

4. Advice on maintaining and configuring an existing Nokia firewall.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read reviews before purchasing a Nokia firewall device

Nokia firewall solutions are designed for businesses of all sizes. When considering a Nokia, check professional reviews and benchmark tests from technical sources and magazines. Checking out what other users have to say about the product is also helpful.

I recommend: InfoWorld offers a review of the Nokia Secure Access System 3.0. Network World reviews the Nokia IP290. Wize and CNET offer reviews and rankings of various Nokia firewalls.

Find out more about security before choosing Nokia hardware for firewalls

Get general advice about choosing a firewall before narrowing your choice to a Nokia. Determine whether a hardware or software based firewall is the best choice for your needs, and read up on firewall technology to make sure you're getting the right protection for your environment.

I recommend: Microsoft gives advice for choosing and using a firewall. Find more tips for choosing a firewall from TechTarget.

Get advice from Nokia firewall hardware vendors

Soliciting the help of a professional is an excellent option. If you are overwhelmed with making a choice and don't have strong IT support, a value added reseller can help to evaluate your company's needs and choose the right option. Many also provide onsite support, configuration and maintenance.

I recommend: Fast-teks offers technical support and sales. They can help choose and configure a firewall. Access IT Group sells Nokia firewalls as well as other manufacturer's firewalls. SecureHQ is a Nokia vendor that offers data sheets, advice and configuration support.

Find help with configuring and maintaining a Nokia hardware firewall

Owners of Nokia firewalls often need advice about making changes to their Nokia firewall when new security challenges arise. If you already have a Nokia firewall and need advice about configuration options, there are plenty of resources online. Check with your reseller or support provider first for any configuration questions.

I recommend: Fixya offers tips from experts about supporting and maintaining Nokia firewalls. Be sure to check with Nokia support to see if your firewall is covered. They offer downloads, manuals and other firewall support.

Nokia firewall protection systems are an excellent option for your network. Nokia is famous for its leadership role in selling mobile phones. However, Nokia has another side - offering firewall protection solutions for businesses.

While companies like McAfee and Symantec make firewall software, Nokia specializes in making firewall hardware devices. In addition, Nokia helps companies to design, implement, and manage security solutions. It's to your interest to inquire about its services. Here are three Nokia firewall devices you should consider implementing in your network infrastructure:

1. Take advantage of the IP 60 Nokia firewall if you require advanced security.

2. Use the IP 260 Nokia firewall system for reliability.

3. Implement the IP 390 Nokia firewall appliance if you have a large business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the IP 60 Nokia firewall device if you need advanced security

You should consider purchasing and using this Nokia firewall device if you operate a small or medium business. You can also use the Nokia firewall security appliance if you have branches or distributed offices. The IP 60 device offers excellent firewall protection features, including IDS (intrusion detection system), anti-virus, and VPN. This Nokia firewall security product is inexpensive, but you will love the security features it will offer your business.

I recommend: SecureHQ.com is one of many Nokia firewall hardware distributors. This company sells several IP 60 Nokia hardware firewall appliances, such as wireless base systems. You can also buy Nokia firewall hardware appliances from CDW. Many corporations and government agencies buy their products and services from CDW.

Protect your network with the reliable IP 260 Nokia firewall system

Like the IP 60, the IP 260 Nokia firewall hardware system works in small businesses and medium businesses, as well. This Nokia firewall protection system is flexible, however, in that you can manage it solely or with other devices. It also supports 10/100 Ethernet interfaces. The IP 260 Nokia firewall protection system comes with Nokia firewall software.

I recommend: You can purchase the IP 260 Nokia firewall hardware device through AccessIT Group. If you have concerns about whether the IP 260 Nokia firewall device is right for you, talk to one of AccessIT Group’s representatives. Halestar, which is another Nokia partner, also provides Nokia firewall solutions.

Use the IP 390 Nokia firewall appliance if you have a large business

The IP 390 Nokia firewall appliance works particularly well for large businesses. Not only is this Nokia firewall hardware device easy to configure, it supports several data transmission protocols, including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet. The IP 390 Nokia firewall protection appliance has sophisticated firewall protection features that you'll find in more expensive firewall appliances.

I recommend: Insight is one of several Nokia firewall hardware vendors you will find online. It’s a global company that sells products to many small, medium, and large businesses. You will also want to check out Zones, which works with more than 2,000 vendors. If you have questions about the IP 390 Nokia firewall appliance, you can ask one of Zones’ account executives.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Register with Nokia's TAC (Technical Assistance Center). It's a valuable resource in that if you experience problems with your Nokia firewall protection systems, Nokia will help you in solving them.

Once you've chosen and purchased a Nokia firewall, you're ready for the next steps in working with your firewall hardware: Nokia installation and maintenance. Proper installation is a crucial task in keeping your network safe. Ongoing maintenance ensures that the Nokia firewall is doing its job.

There are many aspects to configuring and maintaining a Nokia firewall device. Setting policies, testing for compliance with those policies, learning to administer your firewall and make changes as needed and reading logs are just some of the tasks that will have to be performed. Fortunately, there is a lot of information available to help you install and maintain your Nokia firewall hardware, including:

1. Information about how Nokia firewall solutions work and how to keep them properly maintained to protect your network;

2. Online assistance for installing and maintaining your Nokia firewall;

3. Onsite or remote support services from Nokia firewall hardware vendors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand how Nokia firewalls work, and what to do to install and maintain them

No matter what type of firewall you have, there are some things you need to know in advance to set it up and maintain if properly. First, get an understanding of how firewalls work. Use a checklist to make sure your firewall is installed and configured to give the results you need. Know what to look for when maintaining and monitoring your firewall.

I recommend: WindowsSecurity provides an article with tips on configuring and maintaining a firewall. TechTarget's Information Security Magazine has a checklist of firewall maintenance tasks and tips.

Get assistance with the installation of Nokia firewall protection

Nokia firewalls are easy to install and Nokia provides instructions that make their firewalls easy to install and configure. Despite their ease of use, sometimes questions or problems arise, especially if you have limited IT staff and support. If you have questions about installation, there are many resources where you can get assistance. Start by contacting Nokia. If you still need help, find solutions online.

I recommend: Nokia offers detailed information about all their firewall products. Fixya has tips from experts about commonly encountered Nokia firewall installation problems. Sec Manager has FAQs and guidance. If you lost the manual, Flipkart sells manuals for Nokia installation.

Get help from a solutions provider for Nokia hardware for firewalls

If you're still having problems with the installation or maintenance of your firewall, look for outside help. One solution is to purchase your firewall from a vendor that offers configuration and support options as part of the package. It's also possible to get a contract or one-time service from a vendor after you've purchased the firewall elsewhere.

I recommend: The Access IT Group. is a Nokia vendor that also provides onsite and remote support and maintenance. Halestar is another Nokia vendor that provides help desk support and configuration. Insight offers managed services. Computer Crime Consultants offers installation and configuration services for firewalls.

The network data security for your business is paramount and firewall hardware from Nokia is a product that inspects and monitors all data traffic on a network. From setting up secure virtual private networks to traditional local networks, the Nokia firewall products can help ensure the safety of your company's data. However, before you purchase and set-up this hardware it's important to know the basics so you can compare it to the competition. These terms will also help you understand how the Nokia firewall hardware will benefit your company and if it's the right product for your current needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Managed firewalls

Managed firewalls are data security systems in which a network analyst monitors the traffic for any threats or problems. A business will usually hire a third party for the managed firewall and it requires the hardware from a company like Nokia and the expertise to use it.

I recommend: Review the managed firewall tutorial available at wiseGeek for further details.

Nokia Technical Assistance Center

The Nokia Technical Assistance Center is an integral piece of the support the company provides for its firewall hardware. The Nokia Technical Assistance Center also provides firmware updates and the latest information on its hardware.

I recommend: Examine the services and support offered at the Nokia Technical Assistance Center.

Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet is the latest in network data transfer speed. This network allows 1000 megabits of information transfer per second. The higher the transfer speed the more efficient a firewall system will be in monitoring the information. Gigabit Ethernet is quickly becoming the standard of data traffic monitoring for the Nokia firewall.

I recommend: Study the primer on Gigabit Ethernet offered at Hardware Secrets.

IP 60, 260 and 390 Nokia firewall appliances

The IP 60, 260 and 390 Nokia firewall appliances are just some of the current models available in the Nokia firewall hardware product line. The product line goes up to the 2450 model. Each model has its own merits.

I recommend: Evaluate the synopsis of all the Nokia firewall hardware models available from RBTi Information Security.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network is a means of setting up a secure network for a computer that is using an outside unsecured network. Nokia incorporates its VPN set-up application directly into its devices, rather than using a separate platform that works in conjunction with the firewall.

I recommend: Assess the definition of the Virtual Private Network at the Business Dictionary.

Intrusion detection system (IDS)

An intrusion detection system is another service provided by a firewall. The IDS can be passive, reactive, network-based or host-based. When the IDS notices a problem, it notifies the firewall hardware of the problem. Active/passive intrusion detection systems are the common methods for Nokia firewall hardware.

I recommend: Small Business Computing offers an intrusion detection system primer for further details.