A method for establishing a data connection between a first and a second processor and means for exchanging data

Disclosed is a method and apparatus described are forwarded in the data of a firewall processing unit to another processing unit, when the firewall processing unit can not process the data protocol used. The further processing unit takes over tasks the firewall computer unit in the review of data packets sent and in the implementation of access authorization. A data exchange is set up by the other processing unit again via the firewall computer unit to a protected area. Thus, an increased flexibility of the firewall function is given.