Firewall
A set of related programs, located at
a network gateway server, that protect
the resources of a private network from
users from other networks. Basically,
a firewall, working closely with a router
program, examines each network packet
to determine whether to forward it toward
its destination. A firewall also includes
or works with a proxy server that makes
network requests on behalf of workstation
users. A firewall is often installed in
a specially designated computer separate
from the rest of the network so that no
incoming request can get directly at private
network resources.
Glossary of IP
Communications
