A server administrator is configuring a new server for an organization.
The server will function as a firewall and proxy server, as well as provide NAT services for other devices on the network.
Which of the following BEST describes how the network hardware on the server should be configured?
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A. B. C. D.A.
The correct answer is A.
To function as a firewall and proxy server, the server must have at least two network interface cards (NICs). One NIC will be configured with an IP address on the inside network, and the other will be configured with an IP address on the outside network. The NIC connected to the inside network should be connected to the LAN, while the NIC connected to the outside network should be connected to the internet.
The server will also provide NAT services for other devices on the network. Network Address Translation (NAT) is a technique that allows a device with a private IP address to communicate with the internet using a public IP address. The server must have access to both the inside and outside networks to perform NAT.
Option B, where each NIC should be configured with an IP address on the same network segment, is not a correct configuration for a firewall and proxy server. This configuration is more suited for a server acting as a router or switch.
Option C, where the server requires only one NIC configured with two IP addresses, is not recommended for security reasons. It is better to have separate NICs for the inside and outside networks to isolate traffic and increase security.
Option D, where the server requires at least three NICs, is not necessary for a basic firewall and proxy server configuration. While it may provide additional segmentation, it adds complexity and cost without significant benefits for this particular scenario.
In summary, the best configuration for a server functioning as a firewall and proxy server, as well as providing NAT services for other devices on the network, is to have at least two NICs: one configured with an IP address on the inside network and one with an IP address on the outside network.