Alphabet Soup

Alphabet Soup

PIX vs. ASA An Alphabet Soup Of Protection

 

For many years, the Cisco PIX has been the established and popular firewall. But in May 2005, Cisco introduced a new offering—the Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA). The PIX is, however, still available for those who might see it as a possible choice.

Before you make a buying decision it's probably wise to consider each and see which fits your needs.

There is no doubt that your network needs protection, so a firewall is a must. There are some who prefer hardware to software and vice versa. Sticking with hardware, there are two choices that are very popular. One is an oldie but goodie and the other its newer relative. The Cisco ASA (Adaptive Security Appliance) is Cisco's replacement for it's older PIX (Private Internet eXchange) and was introduced in 2005. Interestingly, even with five years of sales and history, there are still a lot of older PIX boxes being sold.

The Cisco PIX series is a dedicated hardware firewall appliance. The Cisco ASA is a firewall and anti-malware security appliance. Consistent with features of the PIX, the ASA can also serve as an intrusion prevention system (IPS) and VPN concentrator. Additionally, the ASA could take the place of three of Cisco's separate devices: the Cisco PIX firewall, the Cisco VPN 3000 Series Concentrator, and the Cisco IPS 4000 Series Sensor.

Although the Cisco PIX is a great firewall, the needs of a security device have changed over the last few years. You see, a PIX protecting your network with a stateful packet filtering is no longer sufficient. With new and growing threats to your network, including viruses, worms, phishing, etc. the protection offered by the PIX just might not be enough to help keep your network secure. It is much better to consider a device that offers "all-in-one" protection like as a unified threat management (UTM) device. The ASA loaded with a Content Security and Control Security Service Module (CSC-SSM) becomes a real UTM.

The choice of what works best in your organization, PIX or ASA, is up to you. Each company has its own unique needs. Based on the price of a used/refurbished ASA it becomes an especially good value for the level of protection it gives. And, since the ASA series has newer and better technology, it deserves more serious consideration than the older PIX's.

 

About the Author

Hal has also been an adjunct professor of Economics teaching at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), a private, coeducational university teaching mostly members of the US Military.

Hal holds a MBA in Finance from St. John's University (NY) and a BA in Economics from The State University of New York College at New Paltz.

Hal is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Edmond, Oklahoma, a Master Mason attending Britton Lodge 434 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason attending at the Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma.

My Alphabet soup spelt out a number of words. Randomly. How can order come from disorder?

My alphabet soup spelt out 'cat' 'rat' 'hut' 'a' 'the'.

I don't believe it ! How can something come from nothing? Christians help me understand!!!

Dear lord please help this asshole to stop being a son of a bitch! Show him the ways so he can stop being a mother fucking jew loving piece of shit!!!

Masta Ace - Alphabet Soup