# next-generation firewall

> term

**Wikidata**: [Q17147013](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17147013)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next-generation_firewall)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/next-generation-firewall

## Summary
A next-generation firewall (NGFW) is a term for a specific class of firewall. As a subclass of the broader firewall category, it functions as a network security system that monitors and controls network traffic based on a set of predetermined security rules. The term is also commonly referred to by the aliases "next-gen firewall" and "NGFW".

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** It is formally categorized as a subclass of the `firewall` entity.
- **Parent Concept:** A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- **Aliases:** The term is also known as "next-gen firewall" and "NGFW".
- **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity has a dedicated Wikipedia page in five languages: Danish, English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese.
- **Sitelink Count:** The entity has a sitelink count of 5 across Wikimedia projects.
- **Freebase ID:** The entity's unique identifier in the Freebase knowledge graph is /m/0105pbd2.
- **Microsoft Academic ID:** Its discontinued Microsoft Academic ID was 2779248728.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a next-generation firewall?
A: A next-generation firewall, or NGFW, is a term for a specific class of firewall. It is a type of network security system designed to monitor and control network traffic based on established security rules.

### Q: Is an NGFW different from a regular firewall?
A: A next-generation firewall is a specific type, or subclass, of a firewall. It falls under the broader category of firewall technology but is distinct enough to be classified separately.

### Q: What are other names for a next-generation firewall?
A: The term has several common aliases used in the industry. These include the shortened "next-gen firewall" and the acronym "NGFW".

## Why It Matters
The existence of the term "next-generation firewall" signifies an evolution in the field of network security. By being classified as a distinct subclass of the traditional firewall, it represents a conceptual and technological advancement that required new terminology to differentiate it from its predecessors. The creation of a specific term, along with its recognition across multiple languages on platforms like Wikipedia, indicates that the capabilities it represents are significant enough to warrant a separate category within network security discourse. While a traditional firewall is defined as a system for monitoring and controlling traffic based on rules, the "next-generation" qualifier implies a development beyond this baseline, creating a new standard and point of discussion for security professionals and technology vendors. The term's presence in academic and knowledge databases further solidifies its role as a key concept in modern cybersecurity.

## Notable For
- **Specific Classification:** It is formally categorized as a subclass of the broader "firewall" entity, indicating it is a specific type within that lineage rather than a completely separate technology.
- **Recognized Terminology:** The term is recognized with specific aliases such as "NGFW" and "next-gen firewall," which have become standard in discussions of network security.
- **International Recognition:** The concept is notable enough to have its own Wikipedia entry in five distinct languages (Danish, English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese), showing its global relevance.
- **Data-Linked Entity:** It is tracked as a distinct entity in major knowledge graphs, holding a unique Freebase ID (/m/0105pbd2) and a former Microsoft Academic ID.

## Body
### Classification and Hierarchy
A next-generation firewall is defined as a subclass of the `firewall` entity. Its parent class, `firewall`, is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. The sitelink count for "next-generation firewall" is 5, while its parent "firewall" has a sitelink count of 80, indicating the parent is a much broader and more established concept.

### Terminology and Aliases
The primary term is "next-generation firewall." It is also widely known by several common aliases:
- next-gen firewall
- NGFW

### Digital Identifiers
The entity is tracked in various knowledge bases and databases with unique identifiers.
- **Freebase ID:** /m/0105pbd2
- **Microsoft Academic ID:** 2779248728 (discontinued)

### Cross-Lingual Presence
The concept of a next-generation firewall is recognized internationally, with a dedicated Wikipedia page titled "Next-generation firewall" appearing in five languages:
- Danish (da)
- English (en)
- Japanese (ja)
- Portuguese (pt)
- Chinese (zh)