Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)Palo Alto Networks Security PlatformMedium
A client has an existing network infrastructure where they cannot make significant changes to IP addressing or routing. They need to deploy a Palo Alto Networks firewall to provide granular application and threat visibility without disrupting the current network flow. Which deployment mode would best suit these constraints?
- ATap
- BHigh Availability
- CVirtual Wire
- DLayer 3
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Virtual Wire
Virtual Wire mode allows the firewall to be transparently inserted into an existing network segment without requiring changes to IP addressing or routing. It bridges two interfaces and inspects traffic flowing between them, providing granular visibility and policy enforcement while maintaining network transparency.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Tap mode is for monitoring only and does not enforce policies or provide active protection.
- B. High Availability is for redundancy, not a deployment mode for initial insertion without network changes.
- D. Layer 3 mode requires IP addressing and routing changes, which conflicts with the client's constraint.
Virtual Wire Deployment Mode
A firewall deployment mode that transparently acts as a 'bump-in-the-wire,' bridging two interfaces and allowing for inline inspection and policy enforcement without requiring changes to network topology or IP addressing.
- Transparent to network infrastructure
- No IP address configuration on interfaces
- Provides inline security enforcement
Memory trick: Virtual Wire makes security appear without a network tear.