Multi-Location Deployment – Experience s Key Learnings
Introduction
Implementing network security across multiple locations requires a balance of standardization and flexibility. Recently, I completed five SonicWall TZ370 firewall implementations across five different locations, each with distinct ISP dependencies, network structures, and security requirements.
This document captures the implementation approach, challenges faced, solutions applied, and key learnings from these deployments, highlighting real-world considerations involved in enterprise firewall rollouts.
Project Scope & Objectives Scope
- Deployment of SonicWall TZ370 firewalls at five locations
- Fresh firewall implementation replacing legacy routers
- Dual ISP configuration at each site
- Security hardening, VLAN segmentation, and VPN enablement
Objectives
- Provide secure and controlled internet access
- Ensure ISP redundancy and failover readiness
- Implement layered security controls
- Enable secure remote and inter-site connectivity
- Maintain configuration backup and recovery readiness
Implementation Approach
At each location, the firewall was deployed using a structured and repeatable approach:
- Initial Setup
- Accessed firewall via default LAN interface
- Changed default administrative credentials
- Configured LAN IP addressing and basic access policies
- Firewall Registration & Licensing
- Registered each firewall on the MySonicWall portal
- Activated required security licenses
- Verified license synchronization and service availability
- WAN & ISP Configuration
- Configured two ISP links (Primary & Secondary)
- Validated connectivity on both WAN interfaces
Key Challenge: ISP MAC Binding
A common challenge across locations was that the primary ISP connection was MAC- bound to the legacy router, preventing internet access through the firewall.
Resolution
- Reset MAC binding at ISP/modem level
- Power-cycled ISP devices
- Revalidated WAN connectivity
Once resolved, internet connectivity was successfully established on the firewall at all sites.
Firmware & Security Hardening
To ensure platform stability and security:
- Firewalls were upgraded to the recommended stable SonicOS firmware
- Core security services were enabled:
- Intrusion Detection C Prevention (IDS/IPS)
- Gateway Anti-Virus
- Anti-Spyware
- Botnet Filtering
- Geo-IP Filtering
This layered security approach ensured proactive threat detection and prevention.
Web Control, VLANs & VPN Configuration
- Web Control policies were implemented to block malicious and bad-reputation websites while allowing business-required URLs.
- In select locations, VLANs were created for departmental segregation, improving network isolation and traffic control.
- VPN configurations (site-to-site or client VPN) were implemented on each firewall to enable secure connectivity.
All configurations were validated through functional and security testing.
Testing, Backup & Handover
Before completion:
- Internet access and ISP failover were tested
- Security policies and web filtering behavior were validated
- VPN connectivity was confirmed
A full configuration backup was taken for each firewall and stored securely to ensure quick recovery in case of misconfiguration or future changes.
Key Learnings
- Legacy ISP dependencies (MAC binding) can significantly impact deployments
- Firmware upgrades should be completed before production rollout
- Security layering is critical for effective firewall protection
- VLAN segmentation improves control and scalability
- Configuration backups are essential for operational continuity
Conclusion
These SonicWall TZ370 implementations reinforced that a successful firewall deployment goes beyond enabling internet access. It requires structured execution, strong security fundamentals, and preparedness for real-world challenges.
The experience strengthened my approach to delivering secure, resilient, and scalable network environments across distributed locations.
Author : Prithviraj Patil