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Can VoIP and firewalls work together for the greater security good?

Andrew Graydon EXPERT RESPONSE FROM: Andrew Graydon

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QUESTION POSED ON: 03 October 2005
To allow VoIP to pass through the firewall, ports have to be left open. Can you point out some ways to help VoIP and firewalls work together for the greater security good?

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EXPERT RESPONSE
Unfortunately, traditional perimeter firewalls do not handle VoIP traffic very well. They are unable to deal with the dynamic utilization of IP traffic by the VoIP systems and regrettably mean you typically have to open a lot of ports. This is not a new problem, however. Each of you has dealt with this in other areas, such as e-mail. The solution is quite simple - - by utilizing a SIP perimeter device working in parallel, or in conjunction with your existing firewall solution, you can ensure that the VoIP traffic and infrastructure is as secure as any other IP communication system you currently use.


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