Cable Forum - View Single Post

goldchip · 02-01-2005, 10:44

Just some things to consider:
1. a router/firewall combo will only stop inbound connections - it won't stop anything on your pc connecting to the internet. ( At home I use NIS and a router combo)
2. Stealth is a whole other argument. The RFC (Request For Comment) dealing with this issue says that ALL network connected devices (your PC), MUST answer to certain calls - such as a ping. Personally I prefer my firewalls to disregard ALL traffic not initiated from within. (That's my personal opinion, and goes against the RFC - as long as I can enable again to troubleshoot then I'm happy).
3. Unless you have a service (such as DNS, HTTP, etc on your box, then even if the port is open - there is nothing to connect to.
4. Some sites that test your connection (sygate?) will say that you should install their software *just in case* - sounds like someone trying to scare people into buying to me - again my personal opinion.

02-01-2005, 10:44	#24
goldchip Inactive Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 64	Re: Do i need a router? Just some things to consider: 1. a router/firewall combo will only stop inbound connections - it won't stop anything on your pc connecting to the internet. ( At home I use NIS and a router combo) 2. Stealth is a whole other argument. The RFC (Request For Comment) dealing with this issue says that ALL network connected devices (your PC), MUST answer to certain calls - such as a ping. Personally I prefer my firewalls to disregard ALL traffic not initiated from within. (That's my personal opinion, and goes against the RFC - as long as I can enable again to troubleshoot then I'm happy). 3. Unless you have a service (such as DNS, HTTP, etc on your box, then even if the port is open - there is nothing to connect to. 4. Some sites that test your connection (sygate?) will say that you should install their software just in case - sounds like someone trying to scare people into buying to me - again my personal opinion.