Netgear WGM124 User Manual download pdf (Page 50)

NETGEAR Wireless Router Setup Manual

B-10 Network, Routing, and Firewall Basics

December 2004

IP Configuration by DHCP

When an IP-based local area network is installed, each computer must be configured with an

IP address. If the computers need to access the Internet, they should also be configured with a

gateway address and one or more DNS server addresses. As an alternative to manual

configuration, there is a method by which each computer on the network can automatically obtain

this configuration information. A device on the network may act as a Dynamic Host Configuration

Protocol (DHCP) server. The DHCP server stores a list or pool of IP addresses, along with other

information (such as gateway and DNS addresses) that it may assign to the other devices on the

network. The wireless router has the capacity to act as a DHCP server.

The wireless router also functions as a DHCP client when connecting to the ISP. The firewall can

automatically obtain an IP address, subnet mask, DNS server addresses, and a gateway address if

the ISP provides this information by DHCP.

Internet Security and Firewalls

When your LAN connects to the Internet through a router, an opportunity is created for outsiders

to access or disrupt your network. A NAT router provides some protection because by the very

nature of the process, the network behind the router is shielded from access by outsiders on the

Internet. However, there are methods by which a determined hacker can possibly obtain

information about your network or at the least can disrupt your Internet access. A greater degree of

protection is provided by a firewall router.

What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a device that protects one network from another, while allowing communication

between the two. A firewall incorporates the functions of the NAT router, while adding features for

dealing with a hacker intrusion or attack. Several known types of intrusion or attack can be

recognized when they occur. When an incident is detected, the firewall can log details of the

attempt, and can optionally send E-mail to an administrator notifying them of the incident. Using

information from the log, the administrator can take action with the ISP of the hacker. In some

types of intrusions, the firewall can fend off the hacker by discarding all further packets from the

hacker’s IP address for a period of time.

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Netgear WGM124 User Manual Page 50