School of Engineering (ENG)

The aim of this project is to present the development of Cisco network security appliances throughout the years, from the simple standard access control list, through PIX Adaptive Security Appliances to the latest ASA Adaptive Security Appliances. The project will show the most important features of each of those stated above and the way to configure them. A detailed explanation of the security appliances and techniques is also included.

Furthermore this project will put some of the most commonly used features of the appliances to a test, in order to produce a thorough comparison of the most effective appliance to use in different scenarios. In conclusion, the report will cover the evolution in security mechanisms from the single access control list applied to a router interface, regulating traffic on the basis of IP address, to the complex security policies and the flexibility that they offer in terms of network monitoring, intrusion detection and prevention and traffic flow control.