Broadband Tech > Security > Security > Just curious Routers,

Just curious Routers,

Updating a router assumes the router manufacturer has issued a firmware update later than the one you have. In the case of a router issued by your ISP, they will update the firmware only if necessary for their network to function correctly (same as with the modem they give you).

My router is over 6 years old. There hasn't been a firmware update since it was one year old (Linksy). I have the latest BETA firmware update as the latest regular one would not let me use Ping Plotter Pro. But the "latest" beta firmware update for this router was available only in Europe and not it the USA because Linsky said USA customers are too dumb to do it and don't deserve any beta firmware. (Can you believe a Linksy tech actually said that)?!

As ZA, it doesn't update unless you update it. I have not updated my ZA on Vista in almost a year. I didn't want the new update when I looked at it. I prefer the version I have on Vista. The newer update was to stop ZA from giving me a lot of popups. I use ZA for the popups! I wouldn't use it if it didn't give a lot of them.
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reply to 80828656

reply to Mele20
"Mele", maybe mis understood question or I worded it wrong I meant about the updating the firewall protection against new ways to protect your computer, not the firmware/hardware, but what it blocks out

thank you again for the information
, W.W.

reply to 80828656
Routers or most routers block on the network layer. So in that they just work. The ports are either allowed or not, forwarded or not. Plus all the other low level stuff they do.
Software firewalls operate at that level plus most operate at the application level. Since they control software then they also need to now be updated. Unlike ports which just are software changes.
Routers that operate at the application level also get more frequent firmware updates.
Plus software operating on a computer is open to hacking by other stuff on the computer. So the firewalls need to try to keep themselves safe from whatever a user may unknowingly download. Thus more frequent updates.
On a home router all that is running is the firmware and no other junk. So if strong password and wan side connection turned off there is no way for viruses to infect a router. So the firmware does not need to protect itself.

reply to 80828656

No "Nonymous",I have never heard of eith of those thing befor, nor their meaning, I'am no computer wiz

You do understand that NAT/NAPT (that is what makes all Routers secure) is something that works all the time and that there are no updates to that?

and 40 percent of the people here when a question is asked by someone,TO LEARN.get ridiculed or laughed at for asking & get nothing wise cracks & sarcastic replies.

so don't ask questions except from FRIENDS,(and even then it is asked in Private)

Thank U for the help or any information

W.W.
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some know how listen to both side & discuss,other have a closed mind & only know how to critize

reply to 80828656
The router I run I built out of an ancient PII using IPcop several years ago.

It's rarely had any updates since then and I'm up to date.
Heh, there hasn't even been a single update all this year.

reply to Doctor Olds
There are, of course, more advanced "security routers" (Fortinet, Juniper, SonicWALL, WatchGuard, etc.) which incorporate internal malware blocking. These will require frequent updates for their internal signatures, just like the anti-malware software in your PC.

reply to 80828656
Some good answers in the thread. I think my answer is basically what several of the other posters already said.

Routers tend to simply look at the packet, look at their rules tables and signatures, and know what to do with the packet.

Software firewalls interact with a changing Operating System, which gets updates, try to determine which program is sending packets etc. Their job is lot more complex then simply looking at what is in the packet. When a new OS is out it tends to be better to have a version designed for that OS.

That said, there are still people using a firewall like Kerio 2.14 which has not been updated in many years. Most software firewalls do not need to be updated often but companies make money selling software so they will add features etc to upgrade you and sell you a new version.
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reply to 80828656
Jazzy,

An analogy I like to use is a router is like a bouncer. When that windows virus comes poking around your IP address looking to get in the router basically says I don't know you you're not getting in. The virus never gets to touch the Windows machine. A software firewall on the other hand runs on the operating system. If there is a bug to be exploited, the firewall may not be able to prevent it unless it knows to look for it. That's why the more frequent updates, it is actually on Windows and MAY be vulnerable.

reply to Doctor Olds
True, NAT/NAPT tends to be pretty much a fixed thing. However, routers still receive firmware updates from time to time to address various issues. These updates might improve the router's stability, address new Daylight Savings Time dates and/or add some new features. In wireless routers, new standards may get incorporated, leading to security and/or speed improvements.

reply to 80828656

Re: Just curious Routers,

reply to 80828656
I'll add this..I do run a software FW on all the comps..but it's 8signs. By itself, it's a SPI firewall that does occasionally have updates...perhaps once a year or two.

I run it for granular control and live monitoring. It's nice that way.

Let the AV/AS/AM apps handle that other stuff...firewalls should be just firewalls and routers should just route packets IMO. The fact that a Router provides a layer of security is just a happy accident really...NAT was never intended to be such a thing.

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reply to Vampirefo

Re: Just curious Routers,