Firewall Product Testing
Network firewalls are systems that enforce access control policy between an organization's network and the Internet for security purposes. Functionally, firewalls work closely with a router program to examine each network packet and determine whether to forward it toward its destination. Firewalls also include or work with a proxy server that makes network requests on behalf of workstation users. Firewalls come in different forms as hardware and software based. Testing for a wide array of hardware/software levels of the firewall has not only became a recommended procedure but also an essential part because of the sensitivity of the domain it addresses. Firewall product testing may be primarily categorized in three areas: Functionality, Performance/Stress, and Security. Firewall Functionality testing simulates the "real-world" scenarios and compliance testing. Performance and Stress Testing is done to isolate any scalability issues or limitations of the firewall product and determines the performance o f the firewall at boundary or near-boundary levels defined. Security Testing covers the vulnerability of the firewall product against DoS, DDoS attacks, application/port vulnerabilities.
Firewall Compatibility / Functionality Testing is done to verify that the product under test functions correctly without anomalies, difficulties or discrepancies. This phase of testing is performed to test and verify the functionality of primarily the following features:
Performance and Stress Testing isolates any scalability or limitation issues of the firewall product and determines the performance of the firewall. Following tests may be performed to have a check on this area...
