Option D:
My computer runs firewall software and is directly connected to my broadband modem.
This setup option allows you to add one or more computers to a network that already has a computer equipped with Network Address Translation (NAT) or firewall software. In this configuration, the existing networked computer must have an available Ethernet port for connecting the switch. To allow the additional networked computers to access the Internet, the existing networked computer must always be running and use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) software.
After you set up the switch by using Option D, your network will resemble this diagram:
Active Internet Connection
Broadband Modem (DSL or Cable)
Computer with
Firewall Software
Computers with
Installed Ethernet
Adapters
Security Considerations for Option D
When the first device connected to your broadband modem is a computer instead of a base station (router or gateway), the computer must provide the security necessary to protect the other computers on your network. This computer should be running firewall software, such as the Internet Connection Firewall included in Windows XP.
