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.
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
Next-Generation Firewall
Integrates Layer 7 application control with traditional firewall features to offer advanced security measures.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Monitors, reports, and responds to malicious attacks on the system.
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.
VPN Support
Supports both site-to-site (IPsec) VPNs and remote user connections (SSL and L2TP), facilitating secure remote access.
Bandwidth Management
Allows administrators to limit bandwidth usage based on content type, user, time, and location, ensuring optimal network performance.
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.
What Our Customers Are Saying
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