How to Install a Cisco Firewall

Cisco is best known for its server hardware, but the company makes other types of network hardware as well. Cisco firewalls provide protection against Internet threats, creating an added layer of security that hackers and other dangers have to penetrate before they even reach a user's computer. Cisco firewalls require only a few minutes of work to add them to a network. No special tools are needed to install a firewall, though network cables may be needed if they are not supplied with the firewall.

Things You'll Need

• Firewall power cord
• 2 Ethernet cables
• Installation CD
• DES or 3DES-AES license

Instructions

1. Place the Cisco firewall on a flat surface. Connect the power cable that came with the firewall to the firewall unit, but do not plug it in.

2. Insert one end of one Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the firewall labeled as the "outside" connection. Insert the other end of the cable into your modem or router using the port where you would normally connect your computer.

3. Insert one end of the other Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the firewall labeled as the "inside" connection. Insert the other end of the cable into your computer's Ethernet port or into the port of a network switch.

4. Plug in the firewall. Press the power button on the back of the firewall unit to turn it on.

5. Open your preferred Web browser. Type "https://192.168.1.1/admin" (without the quotes) into the address field and press the "Enter" key on your keyboard to launch the Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM).

6. Press the "Enter" key when prompted for a user name and password, leaving both fields blank. Click "Yes" when asked whether you wish to accept any security certificates that the browser attempts to load.

7. Click the "Wizards" menu, and then select "Startup Wizard" from the available options. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up the Cisco firewall. You will need to input your Data Encryption Standard (DES) or Data Encryption Standard/Advanced Encryption Standard (3DES-AES) license as part of the setup process; these licenses are often part of the firewall purchase, but may be purchased separately from Cisco as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a user name and password within the ASDM to add additional security to your firewall and prevent unauthorized changes.

• The DES or 3DES-AES license for your firewall is the encryption key that is used to ensure that all data passing through the firewall is secure.

References

• Cisco: Installing and Setting Up the PIX 515E Security Appliance
• TechSoup: Guide to Installing a Cisco PIX 501 Firewall
• Akadia: How to Install a Cisco Router/Firewall

Resources

• Cisco: Product License Registration Page for Acquiring New License