You may have heard about perimeter networks but might have got it wrong or didn’t understand it correctly. Don’t worry, that is why you are here. We’ve got you covered.
A perimeter network is a form of computer networking that creates an outer layer of protection around the central servers. All traffic passes through the firewall before entering the internal network, and all connections are strictly logged for monitoring.
What Is A Perimeter Network
A perimeter network is a network of computers that are connected to one or more servers. A server can be accessed by more than one computer, which enables the sharing of files.
Typically, a network is publicly accessible or restricted by username and password. To control access to the server, the perimeter network uses basic authentication. For one computer to connect with another computer, both computers must be in the same network. If their respective networks are not connected, then they cannot communicate beyond that point.
However, when multiple servers are connected, they can be reached by several different networks. A perimeter network enables companies to share files between computers located in other parts of the network.
For example, a company may have offices located in two cities, and there could be multiple buildings within each city. The office computers would not usually be able to connect with other offices because different networks are used. However, if servers are placed within each network, the offices can access them through the secure area of the perimeter network.
Benefits Of Perimeter Network
- The first benefit to this type of setup is that it prevents unauthorized access from outside threats, such as hackers and viruses.
- The second significant advantage is that it can prevent insider threats as well: employees who have been granted access to sensitive information may use their privileges for malicious purposes or inadvertent leaks if they’ve also had their credentials compromised by malware or other means.
This protective measure ensures data security and system integrity because no one has unmonitored access to administrative functions such as installing software updates without authorization.
Drawbacks Of Perimeter Network
One potential weakness of this implementation is that it can make implementation and maintenance more difficult because all internet traffic must pass through the firewall, which adds latency to connections; however, this detail can be overcome with a carefully planned implementation strategy.
How Does Perimeter Network Work?
The perimeter network is an extension of the company’s LAN, designed to provide access to the Internet. The perimeter network typically has at least one (and usually many) routers that connect to both the internal and external networks. A gateway server provides some protection for the sensitive information stored on the company’s local data network.
The perimeter network is typically not connected directly to the Internet but instead has a firewall configured between it and the Internet (so-called “first-hop” security). This prevents hackers from entering your company wirelessly just by connecting to your wireless router or access point. Some companies also use the same firewall to protect their internal network, usually configured as a demilitarized zone (DMZ).
Why Do I Need A Perimeter Network?
You’ll need a perimeter network for the following reasons,
- It provides a level of protection that reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
- It helps prevent intruders from receiving network access.
- It redirects users to other computers on the perimeter when they attempt to gain access where they should not have any business being, creating an invisible defensive barrier around your computer systems.
Perimeter Network For Small Businesses
As you can see, small businesses are often ideal candidates for installing a perimeter network system since firewalls are presently set between multiple networks. Still, these are contained within different rooms in their facility, which adds significant expense either by purchasing additional hardware or contracting the services of outside firms. Furthermore, more extensive networks likely require wireless security features that typically fall outside the budget of small businesses.
A perimeter network can also be created using a proxy server instead of a firewall, which provides the same features for perfecting security with limited resources. An example is that when someone tries to log in from an unknown location or device, your system will automatically redirect them to a fake page where they have to enter new credentials and authenticate their identity before joining your network.
One of the main issues plaguing small businesses and large corporations alike is that they often attempt to deploy an expensive site-to-site VPN which is only secure as long as it remains unbroken. Still, this service can cost up to $3,000 per month for a single branch location. The average business is unable to bear these expenses, so a much cheaper alternative is required.
Perimeter Network For Companies
In contrast, companies using a perimeter network system can pay less than half for their software licenses and hardware upgrades thanks to the cost savings from supporting multiple small businesses at once with an easily manageable centralized infrastructure. In addition, they can save even more money by avoiding the need to hire staff to manage individual branch networks. This is because the central system will provide all of the administrative services needed for your company, including software updates and backups, which can be performed centrally by experts working at head office.
What Are The Types Of Networks?
There are three types of networks:
- A bus network; A bus network is a type of computer network that spans the entire link length.
- A ring network; A ring network is constructed out of links arranged in circular topology.
- A star network; A star network has one or more central nodes, often called “the hub.”
These nodes are connected with links to other nodes in one way or another, usually both ways (i.e., two unidirectional point-to-point links). There are many different types of networks out there, but these are the three basic ones.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Perimeter Network?
- Perimeter networks are the boundaries of the network. For example, in a company, this would be the outermost security wall or fence.
- A perimeter network can protect against outside intrusions and cyberattacks in packet filtering and restrictive firewalls.
- You should also have an inside network with fewer security measures so people can work there in relative safety. The inside network is separated from the internet by an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS).
- The IPS is a security device that protects against attacks and intrusion. The IPS can be set to block or quarantine certain types of traffic.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Having A Perimeter Network?
The disadvantages of having a perimeter network are that it is difficult to use, hard to scale up, expensive, and vulnerable to new threats.
- Difficult To Use. Other disadvantages of perimeter networks are that they are challenging to use because it usually takes an expert to configure the firewall rules.
- Hard To Scale Up. Perimeter networks can be hard to scale up because you must set up security zones with different levels of protection.
- It Is Expensive. It is also expensive to purchase and maintain a firewall; therefore, not all organizations can afford them.
- Vulnerable To New Threats. Perimeter networks are also vulnerable to new threats because they require changing the firewall rules to block the threat. This takes time and therefore leaves the network exposed during that period of time.
Conclusion
A perimeter network is a way of securing your business. It can be implemented with multiple layers to provide the most security possible, making it harder for hackers to break in. A perimeter network also offers complete protection against any cyber attack because firewalls and antivirus software protect all devices on every machine.
This means no device is unprotected from viruses or ransomware attacks- which could cause irreparable damage if they could get through onto an employee’s laptop or mobile phone! The best part about having a perimeter network?
You don’t have to pay expensive annual fees as you would with other types of cybersecurity solutions – making this one affordable option for small businesses who want peace of mind when it comes to their digital safety.
