Microsoft MN-150 manual Security Considerations for Option C

Option C:

My broadband modem has a firewall, and I want to use the switch to add more computers to my network.

In this configuration, your 5-port switch is attached by Ethernet cables to your broadband modem and to the computer that hosts the modem. The switch then serves as a central connection point for up to three additional computers. This option requires one Ethernet cable to connect the switch to your computer and an additional Ethernet cable for each additional computer.

If your Internet service provider (ISP) uses Dynamic IP (also called DHCP) addressing, your modem must be able to provide IP addresses for all computers to be connected to your network.

For more information, see your modem documentation.

After you set up the switch by using Option C, your network will resemble this diagram:

Active Internet Connection

Broadband Modem with Firewall or NAT (DSL or Cable)

5-Port Switch

Computers with

Installed Ethernet

Adapters

Security Considerations for Option C

Because a switch provides no security features, it cannot make your network secure. Your other networking hardware and software must provide the necessary security. When you plan your network under this setup option, you should make sure that your modem contains a hardware firewall or uses Network Address Translation (NAT) technology to hide your computers from unauthorized access over the Internet. In this configuration, a broadband modem with NAT enabled would provide partial protection. Software on each computer, such as the Internet Connection Firewall for Windows XP, can also provide security. Many routers or gateways, such as the Microsoft Broadband Networking Base Station, provide firewall protection and could be used between the switch and the broadband modem to provide a higher level of security.

10Microsoft Broadband Networking 5-Port Switch User’s Guide