Appendix B Adsl Router terms, What is a firewall?

Appendix B: ADSL Router terms

What is a firewall?

A firewall is protection between the Internet and your local network. It acts similarly to the firewall in your car, protecting the interior of the car from the engine. Your car's firewall has very small opening that allow desired connections from the engine into the cabin (gas pedal connection, etc), but if something happens to your engine, you are protected.

The firewall in the ADSL Router is very similar. Only the desired connections that you allow are passed through the firewall. These connections are normally originating from the local network; such as web browsing, checking your email, downloading a file, and playing a game. However, in some cases, you can allow incoming connections so that you can run programs like a web server.

What is NAT?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation. Another name for it is Connection Sharing. What does this mean? Your ISP provides you with a single network address for you to access the Internet through. However, you may have several machines on your local network that want to access the Internet at the same time. The ADSL Router provides NAT functionality that converts your local network addresses to the single network address provided by your ISP. It keeps track of all these connections and makes sure that the correct information gets to the correct local machine.

Occasionally, there are certain programs that don't work well through NAT. Some games, and some applications have a bit of trouble. The ADSL Router contains special functionality to handle the vast majority of these troublesome programs and games. NAT does cause problems when you want to run a SERVER though. When running a server, please see the DMZ section below.

What is a DMZ?

DMZ really stands for Demilitarized Zone. It is a way of separating out part of your local network so that is more open to the Internet. Suppose that you want to run a web-server, or a game server. Normal servers like these are blocked from working by the NAT functionality. The solution is to "isolate" the single local computer into a DMZ. This makes the single computer look like it is directly on the Internet, and others can access this machine.

Your machine isn't really directly connected to the Internet, and it really has an internal local network address. When you provide the servers network address to others, you must provide the address of the ADSL Router. The ADSL Router "fakes" the connection to your machine.

You should use the DMZ when you want to run a server that others will access from the Internet. Internal programs and servers (like print servers, etc) should NOT be connected to the DMZ

NetComm NB5 Ethernet/USB Modem Router	YML717 Rev1
74	www.netcomm.com.au

NB5 specifications

The Netcom NB5 is a highly regarded broadband modem and router that has gained popularity for its robust features and reliable performance. Designed to cater to a variety of networking needs, the NB5 is particularly well-suited for home and small office environments.

One of the standout features of the Netcom NB5 is its ADSL2+ technology, which enhances internet speeds significantly compared to traditional ADSL modems. This technology allows users to achieve download speeds of up to 24 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1 Mbps, depending on the distance from the service provider’s exchange. This capability makes the NB5 an excellent choice for video streaming, online gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications.

The NB5 also integrates a built-in router, facilitating easy sharing of the internet connection among multiple devices. It supports both wired and wireless connections, with an 802.11g wireless standard that ensures a stable and fast wireless connection over a considerable range. With four Ethernet ports, users can connect wired devices such as computers and gaming consoles directly, ensuring optimal performance without the limitations typically associated with wireless connections.

Security is a top priority for the Netcom NB5, which features advanced firewall capabilities including Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI). These features help protect the network from various external threats. Additionally, the NB5 supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) encryption to safeguard wireless connections from unauthorized access, ensuring users’ personal data remains secure while browsing the internet.

Another characteristic that enhances the user experience is the NB5’s easy setup and web-based management interface. This intuitive interface allows users to configure their settings effortlessly, monitor network activity, and customize security protocols without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

The Netcom NB5 is also noteworthy for its compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for different user environments. Overall, the design, advanced technology, and feature set of the Netcom NB5 make it a reliable option for users seeking a high-performance internet solution. With its ability to deliver fast and secure internet connections, the NB5 continues to be a popular choice among consumers and small businesses alike.