mudturtle74
join:2007-06-29
Killen, AL
| Keep using wireless router just for firewall feature?
I was using a wireless router for use with a laptop and a desktop computer. Well now I really only use the desktop computer hard-wired and don't need wireless anymore. Should I keep using the router for the purpose of the built-in firewall, or is it alright to just do away with the router all together? I have turned off the radio for now. I'm using Windows firewall turned on in Vista Home. |
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docrice
join:2008-03-31
Fremont, CA
| As a general rule, I would never connect a client machine directly to the Internet (even if my client was an extra-hardened OpenBSD machine). Much preferable to have some kind of gateway handling that for me. A consumer router will at least provide you with NAT by default, although most people don't seem to utilize the additional filtering capabilities which it makes more like a traditional firewall. |
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nwrickert
sand groper
Premium,MVM
join:2004-09-04
Geneva, IL
 ·AT&T U-Verse
 ·AT&T Midwest
| reply to mudturtle74
Should I keep using the router for the purpose of the built-in firewall, ... In a word, yes.
I have a router at work which was purchased specifically for that purpose. It allows me to isolate computers from the Internet. Mostly it was used so that we could do a fresh install of the OS, then install all of the security patches, before putting directly on the internet. However, if you don't need the computer to be directly on the internet, then it is wise to continue to use the router as a firewall.
At home, I wouldn't consider doing it any other way.
--
AT&T dsl; Speedstream 5100b modem; openSuSE 11.0; firefox 3.0.11 |
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Anav
Sarcastic Llama? Naw, Just Acerbic
Premium
join:2001-07-16
Dartmouth, NS | reply to mudturtle74
YES. |
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mudturtle74
join:2007-06-29
Killen, AL | reply to mudturtle74
Thanks for everyone's reply. That was what I was thinking, too, but was not sure if it was really necessary. Even though I could get by without it, it is a much better security feature. |
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