Comparing L2 Bridged Mode to Transparent Mode

While Transparent Mode allows an appliance running SonicOS to be introduced into an existing network without the need for re-addressing, it presents a certain level of disruption, particularly with regard to ARP, VLAN support, multiple subnets, and non-IPv4 traffic types. Consider a scenario where a Transparent Mode SonicWall firewall has just been added to the network with a goal of minimally disruptive integration, particularly:

• Negligible or no unscheduled downtime
• No need to re-address any portion of the network
• No need to reconfigure or otherwise modify the gateway router (as is common when the router is owned by the ISP)

 

• Comparison of L2 Bridged Mode to Transparent Mode
• Benefits of Transparent Mode over L2 Bridged Mode
• ARP in Transparent Mode
• VLAN Support in Transparent Mode
• Multiple Subnets in Transparent Mode
• Non-IPv4 Traffic in Transparent Mode
• ARP in L2 Bridged Mode
• VLAN Support in L2 Bridged Mode
• L2 Bridge IP Packet Path
• Multiple Subnets in L2 Bridged Mode
• Non-IPv4 Traffic in L2 Bridged Mode