Skip to main content
Nottingham: 0115 822 1212

Smoothwall Firewall Solutions for Advanced Network Security

Equipping schools with effective monitoring and robust network security is very important to secure digital environments. Therefore, Performance Networks partners with Smoothwall Firewall, the UK market leader in digital safeguarding solutions. Smoothwall has been trusted by 1 in 3 schools and over 50 councils to provide leading tools for reinforcing network security and monitoring. Whether deployed as stand-alone solutions or combined to achieve complete digital safety, Smoothwall products protect users without degrading performance. As our first-choice partner within the education marketplace, Smoothwall Firewall provides unbeatable reliability and protection; it’s the perfect solution for both schools and councils.

Enquire NowNetwork Security
Performance Networks / Smoothwall Firewall

What is a Smoothwall Firewall?

Smoothwall Firewall is a unified threat management solution designed to protect networks, particularly in educational settings, from web-based and non-web-based threats. It combines Layer 7 application control with perimeter firewall capabilities and stateful packet inspection to provide next-generation firewall functionality.

Key Features

tick icon

Next-Generation Firewall

Integrates Layer 7 application control with traditional firewall features to offer advanced security measures.

tick icon

Intrusion Detection and Prevention

Monitors, reports, and responds to malicious attacks on the system.

tick icon

Real-Time Dynamic Filtering

When combined with Smoothwall’s web filter, it offers comprehensive protection by dynamically assessing and filtering web content in real-time.

tick icon

VPN Support

Supports both site-to-site (IPsec) VPNs and remote user connections (SSL and L2TP), facilitating secure remote access.

tick icon

Bandwidth Management

Allows administrators to limit bandwidth usage based on content type, user, time, and location, ensuring optimal network performance.

tick icon

Directory Server Integration

Seamlessly integrates with directory services like Microsoft Active Directory, Open Directory, and eDirectory for streamlined user management.

For a fully comprehensive web security solution, Smoothwall Firewall can be combined with Smoothwall’s pioneering web filter.

Smoothwall also offers an open-source version known as Smoothwall Express, which includes its own security-hardened GNU/Linux operating system and an easy-to-use web interface.

The Smoothwall Solution

Smoothwall Filter

Enabling a safer, digital learning environment with real-time, content-aware and granular control web filtering.

Smoothwall Firewall

Complete all in one package designed around your organisation’s needs.

Smoothwall Monitor

Helping schools detect online risks before they become real-life incidents. Meets Ofsted requirements for ‘appropriate monitoring’.

Smoothwall Classroom Manager

One of the easiest to use, cross-platform solutions, Classroom Manager empowers teachers to take control and improve learning outcomes in today’s dynamic, digital classroom.

Smoothwall Safeguard Record manager

Easily record child protection issues and safeguarding incidents electronically without using traditional daybooks or CP files.

How To Install Smoothwall FireWall

Performance Networks offers far more than simply safeguarding solutions. Along with providing Smoothwall as a robust safeguarding tool, our experienced engineers can design and deploy wireless networks built explicitly for schools and universities. These networks are optimised for tablets and smaller devices and future-proofed to allow for the incoming wave of innovative technologies.

Our school WiFi solutions enhance ICT infrastructure and place your school, college, or university at the forefront of wireless technology in education. Delivering network equipment with built-in longevity and scalability ensures that we provide solutions that are not only cost-effective but also change with the times for your evolving educational facility.

Smoothwall Appliances Overview

S2 – Suitable for small offices, the S2 appliance can handle up to 100 users and comes with 4 x 1G Ethernet Interfaces.

S4 – Suitable for small to medium-sized establishments, the S4 appliance can handle up to 800 users and comes with 6 x 1G Ethernet Interfaces.

S8 – Suitable for medium-sized establishments, the S8 appliance can handle up to 2,000 users and comes with 6 x 1G Ethernet Interfaces.

S10 – The S10 appliance can accommodate up to 4,000 users for large establishments. It comes with 6 x 1G Ethernet Interfaces.

S14 -The S14 supports up to 7,000 users and is mainly for large establishment applications and datacentres. It has 6 x 1G Ethernet Interfaces but can also optionally support 2 x 10Gb interfaces.

S14R – A variant of the S14 appliance, the S14R offers increased reporting storage with enhanced disk performance and redundancy, perfect for data-intensive environments.

Let's get connected

Want to find out more about Smoothwall Firewall? Get in touch with one of our specialists today.

Get in touch

What Our Customers Are Saying

"We were grateful that Performance Networks pulled out all the stops to deliver a project within a very tight timescale and to budget. From the planning to the implementation, the Performance Network team worked closely with the BISC IT team, ensuring what was provided best suited the BISC’s needs. And even when things did not go to plan, the Performance Networks team adapted quickly to the new situation and came up with alternative approaches which delivered the same objectives to the same cost. The rural location and older buildings with their associated infrastructure make any BISC IT project a challenge, but Performance Networks overcame every obstacle without hesitation, delivered as promised and followed up with post-implementation support which was unfailing. We would happily turn to Performance Networks again for future projects."

Sarah Butler – Librarian and Head of Learning, BISC

"From the first point of contact Performance Networks have been amazing. They are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to networks and WiFi and are able to turn a complex topic into something simple and easy to understand. I can’t recommend them enough to anyone who needs a new network or is experiencing performance or connectivity issues with their existing network."

Steven Bennett, Head of IT, Manchester Central

"Performance Networks’ knowledge and expertise on WiFi solutions were invaluable to us during this huge and complex upscale project, and we are delighted with the work they have completed over the last few months.” “We’re really pleased to have completed this project, which is quite an undertaking and brings the technical infrastructure of our 19th century Palace very much up to speed with modern-day requirements."

Nick Johnson, IT Manager, Alexandra Palace

"Performance Networks resolved a complex ongoing WiFi issue in one visit; they are fast to respond and highly professional. We have since engaged them for further WiFi consultancy and thoroughly recommend their services."

David Jackson, DHL

"WiFi is now only an issue if it’s not available – and these occasions have been very few and far between. Access Points are remotely monitored so that Performance Networks can inform management if there is a problem even before they’re aware. Guests have a support line to call in case of difficulty. Performance Networks has helped Ragdale Hall to update its infrastructure to meet the requirements of the business, which is more and more reliant on technology. Guests and suppliers want instant communication, they need banks to provide immediate authorisations. All of this depends upon a stable platform, with excellent response when issues arise. As with WiFi, Ragdale Hall’s staff are only concerned when the technology gets in the way of providing outstanding customer service. Performance Networks have provided that stability and have been pro-active in ensuring that Ragdale Hall maintains and improves its systems."

Keith Palmer, IT Systems manager Ragdale Hall

"I have worked with several WiFi providers over 15 years at CCT, and Performance Networks are the only one who have truly understood the needs of our organisation. With three large conference centres that experience high guest footfall, our WiFi requirements are significant. Performance Networks have delivered a solution that meets our needs fully. I’ve been really impressed with their service after the installation too. They monitor our entire network and their support is second-to-none, proactively identifying and resolving issues before we’re even aware of them! I’m confident to say that our WiFi is sector-leading, which has a huge impact on guest experience."

Grant Farrant, Operations Director

Partnered with industry leaders

Cisco partner logo purple
aruba logo purple
Extreme logo purple
cisco meraki logo purple
fortinet logo purple
All our partnerships

FAQs

What is Smoothwall Firewall?

Who should use Smoothwall Firewall?

Is Smoothwall Firewall open-source?

How does Smoothwall Firewall protect against cyber threats?

Can Smoothwall Firewall filter web content?

Does it protect against ransomware and malware?

Get in touch

Contact our team for a free no obligation quote


    David Ballard - Wifi Specialist Expert at Performance NetworksWill Evans - Wifi Specialist Expert at Performance Networks

    Thank you for your enquiry, one of our team will be in touch very soon.