What is FirePass? – Definition, Benefits, Uses and More

FirePass Definition

The FirePass is F5’s VPN / SSL solution. It comes in the form of a rackable appliance (1u or 2u). The FirePass is the complete solution for securely accessing enterprise applications via a Web interface, without any software or specific configuration for the remote client.

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Benefits

It offers the first graphical editor of market rules via the Visual Policy Editor and a software development kit (Software Developer’s Kit- SDK) which facilitate the handling (reduction of the total cost of ownership)

• It has a new integrity control function for client workstations.
• And also, authentication to the Microsoft domain via the VPN / SSL tunnel.
• In addition, it supports a dynamic tunnel for all types of client/server applications.
• Possibility of offering a secure virtual office during the user session on an insecure workstation.
• Single virtual keyboard to protect against key loggers or key loggers).

Dyn App Tunnels: Wider interoperability with applications (complex web applications or those using dynamic ports).

Easy Connect: possibility to connect in Network Access mode in various ways (GINA, Web-based VPN, Windows VPN dialer, F5 thick client, online ordering).

And also, ActiveSync support for PDA and Windows Mobile 2003 on the messaging part.

Why use an SSL VPN?

• SSL is the protocol commonly used to secure transmissions across a network. And also the TLS protocol which is developed from the SSL protocol confirms this success.
• SSL is a programming layer that inserts between the application layer (like HTTP) and the TCP transport layer.
• Also, SSL uses the public and private type encryption key system of the RSA company which also includes the use of an X509 certificate.
• In addition, it provides SSL or TLS protocols as standard on browsers Explorer, Mozilla, and Netscape.

Access enterprise applications with FirePass

• Web Adapter: Access to the company’s internal Web servers.
• Terminal Server Adapter: Access to Microsoft Terminal Servers and Citrix MetaFrame applications in web format.
• Desktop Adapter: Secure control of corporate desktop PCs.
• Host Adapter: Access in web format to applications in VT100, VT320, Telnet, XTerm, and also IBM 3270/5250.
• File Server Adapter: Browse, upload, download, copy, move or delete files on shared directories: Windows and Netware.
• Email Adapter: Access to POP / IMAP / SMTP mail servers and LDAP addresses.
• Mobile Adapter: Access from PDAs, Palm OS, mobile phones, WAP, and iMode phones.

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