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Posted by Ron Hunter on August 3, 2005, 4:22 am
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Robert L. Haar wrote:
>
>> Robert L. Haar wrote:
>>>
>>>> nkab wrote:
>>>>> I am looking for a good 802.11g wireless router which will serve the
>>>>> purpose as a cable modem and a wireless access point (router). Does
>>>>> anyone have any recommendations?
>>>>>
>>>> Yes. I suggest you NOT put all your eggs in a single basket. But the
>>>> cable modem, and router/WAP as two boxes. Then if one function fails,
>>>> you won't be out as much to correct the problem.
>>>>
>>> Agreed. In addition, I would put a dedicated firewall appliance between the
>>> cable modem and the router.
>>>
>> Not necessary, nor usually practical, except for business use.
>>
>
> Maybe not necessary. But it is highly advisable to have some kind of
> firewall protection. NATing in a router only hides IP addresses but does not
> protect from the wide variety of malware that exists in the wild. I saw a
> recent article that said the half life of a new, unprotected PC on a
> broadband connection before it was infected with some kind of malware is 12
> minutes. Reasonable computer hygiene with anti-virus software helps (as does
> usign an OS that is less under attack that Windows) but there is still too
> much spyware floating around to be safe.
>
> For a single computer, it might be sufficient to use a software firewall.
> However, I like to have a layer defense where the layers are as independent
> as possible. In addition, If you have multiple computers on a network,
> having a single, firewall that protects the entire network is easier to
> manage and guarantees that you have protection for all of them.
>
> Practical? - very. I have a dedicated hardware firewall that cost $79 and is
> a a totally plug it in between the cable modem and router and step away
> installation. You can customize the set up and monitor it through a web
> interface if you want. I does bi-direction statefull packet inspection -
> features missing from some software firewalls. This is hardly a commercial
> installation - just a home network. If you don't want to buy one and have a
> bit of technical knowledge, you can build one from an old PC and Linux.
>
> You can get routers with integrated firewall functions, maybe even a
> combination modem/firewall/router. But if you are advocating separating the
> modem and router into two distinct devices, then the same reasoning applies
> to the firewall.
>
>
> I see no excuse for no having a firewall.
>
I never suggested NOT having a firewall. I have three computers on my
network, two desktops, and a Wi-Fi laptop. Each runs Outpost Firewall
Pro (Family license), and this enables tailored bi-directional,
statefull packet checking, and application monitoring, as well as
several other functions, such as DNS caching, and popup suppression.
This enables me to have each computer set up for the best control, while
allowing each to access files on the network. And, yes, the maximum
security is turned on for the Wi-Fi laptop in the router.
That, a good anti-virus program, and good 'safe hex' practices, have
protected me from getting any nasties for the past 10 years or so.
I also run periodic spyware scans, and have Microsoft Antispyware beta
installed.
--
Ron Hunter rphunter@charter.net
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