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 com- puter 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

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NetComm NB5Plus4 manual Appendix B Adsl Router terms, What is a firewall?, What is NAT?, What is a DMZ?
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NB5Plus4 specifications

The NetComm NB5Plus4 is a sophisticated ADSL modem/router designed to cater to the diverse needs of both home and small office users. Launched in an era when high-speed internet became a necessity, this router offered a blend of performance, versatility, and affordability, making it a popular choice among consumers.

At its core, the NB5Plus4 features ADSL2/2+ technology, which enables users to achieve higher download and upload speeds compared to traditional ADSL technology. With its capability to support speeds of up to 24 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream, this router serves as a robust solution for bandwidth-intensive applications such as streaming video, online gaming, and large file transfers. This high-speed connectivity is essential for multiple users in a household or office environment, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted internet access.

One of the standout characteristics of the NB5Plus4 is its integrated 4-port Ethernet switch. This feature allows users to connect multiple wired devices directly to the router, creating a stable and fast network for laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles. Additionally, the device supports wireless connectivity through its built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, which comply with the IEEE 802.11g standard, providing users with wireless speeds of up to 54 Mbps. This dual functionality makes it ideal for a variety of networking scenarios.

The NB5Plus4 also boasts advanced security features, ensuring that users' data and privacy remain protected. It includes a firewall, NAT (Network Address Translation), and support for WPA/WPA2 encryption protocols, effectively safeguarding against unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.

Moreover, the device is user-friendly, with a web-based graphical user interface that simplifies the setup and management process. Users can easily configure network settings, manage connected devices, and monitor internet usage through this intuitive interface.

In summary, the NetComm NB5Plus4 combines ADSL2/2+ technology with Ethernet and wireless connectivity, making it a well-rounded router for modern internet needs. With its focus on speed, security, and user accessibility, it remains a reliable choice for those seeking efficient home or small office networking solutions.
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