Step 3: Application-level filters

Packet filtering by itself is not enough though. If you are serious about blocking peer-to-peer-related network traffic, you need a firewall that does application filtering. Application filtering is kind of like an extension to stateful packet inspection. Stateful packet insp

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ection can determine what type of protocol is being sent over each port, but application-level filters look at what a protocol is being used for. For example, an application-level filter might be able to tell the difference between HTTP traffic used to access a Web page and HTTP traffic used for file sharing, whereas a firewall that is only performing packet filtering would treat all HTTP traffic the same.

If you are thinking of buying a firewall that does application filtering, then be sure to look for one that is specifically designed to block peer-to-peer applications. The firewall manufacturer should also offer periodic updates that allow the firewall to block new file-sharing applications and new versions of existing peer-to-peer applications.

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