Proxy Servers

[wickedy]

Lo.

I'm after some assitance in identifying makes and models of hardware proxy servers. Someone has suggested a Blue Coat unit but I haven't been able to locate any other manufacturers that make hardware units.

Basically, one would be used to sit in our technology room (so pref. 19" rackmount unit) to perform content filtering on our new broadband conection.

Any assistance would be most welcome.

Thanks!

 

[wickedy]

Erm. No. Probably not.

Just after something that we requires the minimum of setup really.

Either way, can you suggest any manufacturers>

 

[wickedy]

Well, I need to set up a small (6 max PCs) network at work for the sole purpose of providing a "Internet Cafe" style setup. It has to be a wired network.

Now, I hold my hands up and freely admit I know nowt about networking hardware. I've been reliably informed that, once I get the cable broadband sorted out, and wired into our Technology Room, I will need:

- a firewall; connected to
- a proxy server; connected to
- a network switch, which will in turn be connected to our computers via our in-house hardwired trunking.

I believe I need a proxy server to perform the content filtering - to block access to sites deemed unsuitable for viewing at work (i.e. those that contain racist, homophobic, sexist, defamatory, offensive, illegal or otherwise inappropriate material).

So far, I'm considering either a Cisco PIX 501 or Juniper NetScreen 5GT for the firewall. I've had the Blue Coat Proxy SG200 suggested for the Proxy Server and I'll find a suitable unmanaged (I think that's what I need) switch after I've got the other bits finallised.

Now, not knowing a huge amount (nothing) about what a proxy server can do, I don't exactly know what I should be looking for. Am I correct in stating the proxy servers can also provide anonymous internet browsing??

Also, where does antivirus scanning come into the equation?

Ta for the assitance. Please jot down anything you think may be of use!

 

[wickedy]

Edit: NetScreen can also do content filtering from an internal database but this requires a Juniper license to do so. No idea how much this costs but if you did get a NetScreen it comes with 30 day eval licenses for optional extras such as Antispam, URL Filtering, Antivirus and Deep Inspection so you'd be able to try the Integrated URL Filtering out first.

Ah....

So, if I were to purchase the NS 5GT, I wouldn't necessarily need a proxy server for content filtering as the 5GT could do all that you've listed once I purcased the required license(s)...?

So a proxy server is basically designed for larger installations?

 

[wickedy]

bigred, phemo, et al,

Thanks muchly.

I could be back with more questions later but this is more than enough to get me going.

Cheers chaps.

 

[wickedy]

I'm back, and almost as confused as before.

To be honest the setup you're talking about is very expensive for 6 machines, given what you've now said, I'd go for a netscreen 5GT and use surfcontrol on it. this does web filtering and is as good as any proxy appliance. surcontrol runs on a seperate machine (may as well be the cheapest 1u dell you can find).

more info here..

http://www.surfcontrol.com/Default.aspx?id=885&mnuid=1.1.9.1

I've had a look at the netscreen product specs and at the surcontrol site and i'm confused. The 5GT comes with surfcontrol on it (I think) or do I need to install surfcontrol onto a seperate machine (a 1U dell jobbie) which is connected to the 5GT?

edit: Hang on.... Surfcontrol comes with it bu needs to be installed on the seperate but connected unit. I don't need to buy it seperatly. Yes??!?

 

[wickedy]

ta