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Firewall Supply and Installation at Chicky Oink - 1st Progress Update.
Introduction.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses of all sizes rely on strong and stable internet connectivity to run operations, communicate with clients, and safeguard sensitive data. At the same time, the growing number of cyber threats—ranging from malware to unauthorized access—makes it essential for companies to deploy reliable network security solutions. One of the most effective measures to strengthen network defenses is the use of a firewall.
Chicky Oink, a fast-growing establishment, recognized the importance of securing their business network. As part of their commitment to operational efficiency and data protection, they sought to install a hardware firewall device within their infrastructure. Installersph IT Solutions was tasked to supply and carry out this deployment. This article presents the first progress update on the Firewall Supply and Installation project at Chicky Oink.
Project Background.
The project involves the supply, physical installation, and configuration of a firewall system to manage and control network access. The firewall plays a central role in filtering traffic, blocking unauthorized websites, preventing potential threats, and maintaining the overall security posture of the business.
Chicky Oink’s main objective in this phase of the project was straightforward: deploy the firewall into their existing data cabinet and configure it according to their requirements. Among the initial rules defined was the blocking of specific websites considered unproductive or unnecessary for daily operations.
Installation Process.
The team began the day with the physical setup. The firewall device was carefully unboxed, inspected, and prepared for installation. Chicky Oink already had a data cabinet in place, housing their networking devices such as the router, switches, and access point controllers. This cabinet served as the central hub of their network infrastructure.
The firewall was mounted into the cabinet with proper consideration for airflow, power access, and cabling. The device was positioned neatly alongside the other components to ensure that maintenance and future upgrades would not be hindered. Cable management was applied, connecting the firewall between the internet modem and the internal switch to guarantee that all network traffic would pass through the firewall for inspection.
By mid-day, the physical installation was complete. The device powered on successfully, and the team proceeded with the configuration process.
Configuration Stage.
Once the firewall was integrated physically into the cabinet, the team accessed the management console to begin setting up the required rules and policies. Chicky Oink’s initial request was to block access to a specific website that was deemed unnecessary and potentially disruptive to workplace productivity.
The configuration involved creating an access control rule within the firewall’s system. The team defined the target website’s domain, set the appropriate filtering category, and applied the rule across the entire network. After saving the changes, the team initiated a series of tests to confirm whether the firewall successfully blocked the website.
Encountered Problem.
During testing, the expected outcome did not materialize. Despite the rule being in place, the specified website remained accessible across the network. The team conducted a round of troubleshooting to verify the setup. They reviewed the firewall policies, checked the syntax of the domain name, and confirmed that the rule was active and applied to the correct interfaces.
Several possible reasons were considered. One was the firewall’s DNS resolution and whether it was correctly interpreting the domain being blocked. Another possibility was that cached browser data might have allowed the website to load despite restrictions. Additionally, the team explored whether the firewall required a system update or advanced filtering options to fully enforce the block.
Even after these efforts, the issue persisted. This meant that while the firewall device itself was operational and integrated into the network, its filtering functionality was not fully effective.
Time Constraints.
As the team worked through the problem, the duty hours of the day gradually came to an end. The troubleshooting process, though carefully executed, required more time and detailed investigation than the available working hours could accommodate. The configuration challenge remained unresolved by the close of the day.
Given the complexity of firewall rules and the need for precision in addressing the problem, the team decided to schedule the continuation of the task for another date. This approach ensures that the troubleshooting and testing can be carried out thoroughly, without rushing or overlooking critical details.
Professional Approach.
While the first day of progress ended with the blocking issue unresolved, it is important to note that the project remains firmly on track. The installation of the device was successful, and the firewall is already integrated within Chicky Oink’s infrastructure. The pending task relates to refining the configuration and ensuring that filtering rules perform exactly as intended.
The team at Installersph IT Solutions approaches every project with professionalism and diligence. Rather than applying temporary fixes or rushing through configurations, the decision to continue the process on another day reflects a commitment to quality. It ensures that when the firewall is officially handed over, it will be functioning as expected, meeting all of Chicky Oink’s requirements.
Next Steps.
The next scheduled visit will focus on the following tasks:
Rule Verification and Adjustment – A deeper review of the firewall’s filtering settings will be carried out to identify why the block was not enforced.
Advanced Testing – Multiple devices within the network will be used to verify results, eliminating the possibility of local cache or isolated errors.
System Updates – If necessary, firmware updates will be installed on the firewall to ensure it operates with the latest features and security patches.
Client Walkthrough – Once the issue is resolved, the team will provide a short demonstration to Chicky Oink’s management, showing how the firewall blocks the selected websites and how rules can be monitored.
Conclusion
The first progress update on the Firewall Supply and Installation at Chicky Oink highlights both the achievements and challenges encountered during the project. The firewall has been successfully installed into the data cabinet and is now part of the network’s architecture. However, a configuration issue prevented the blocking of the intended website, and the resolution will continue in the next session.
Such challenges are not uncommon in IT deployments. What matters most is the professional handling of issues, the willingness to investigate thoroughly, and the assurance of delivering a solution that meets the client’s needs. Installersph IT Solutions remains dedicated to completing this project with precision, ensuring that Chicky Oink gains the full benefits of their new firewall system.
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