Router Question

[Bodhi]

I installed a wireless router today from lynksys, with a hardline into my gaming machine.  Is it true that I can now drop my firewall program as the Router works as a firewall?

[Nashwan]

Most consumer routers do. Can't say without seeing the exact model.

Try disabling your firewall, and check at http://grc.com

Look for "Shields Up" and whenyou get to the page, click "all service ports".

[Martlet]

Originally posted by Bodhi
I installed a wireless router today from lynksys, with a hardline into my gaming machine.  Is it true that I can now drop my firewall program as the Router works as a firewall?

No.  A router isn't a firewall.  If you have NAT enabled, though, it's good protection from your casual hacker and most internet transmitted viruses (not email transmitted).   A firewall is completely different.

[CyranoAH]

What Martlet said

[Bodhi]

Martlet, what is NAT?

Oh, and it's a wireless-g broadband router w/ four port switch...

[Martlet]

Originally posted by Bodhi
Martlet, what is NAT?

Oh, and it's a wireless-g broadband router w/ four port switch...

NAT is Network Address Translation.  Basically, it allows you to have multiple pieces of equipment using one IP.  The router will assign subnet IPs to equipment that pass through it.  This makes it hard for people/things to actually access your computer since they don't know the address past the router.  It also can make it hard for games to work unless you pass the correct ports through the router to the correct machine.

If you put the router on DMZ in order to play games, you may as well not even have a router.  Everything gets through.

[AKIron]

Most of the gateway routers sold today are considered to be firewalls, your linksys probably is. With a wireless you'll want to either disable the wireless capability or secure it. By default it's not secured and your neighbors or anyone driving by can connect to your network. They may even do this unintentionally and if they happen to be infected with a virus or worm, you're in trouble. If you can't or won't do this then leave the software firewall installed on your pc.