Do I need a firewall?

Discussion in 'Software' started by GCWesq, Nov 3, 2008.

  1. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    Hi.
    I'm wondering if I need a firewall (been using free Online Armor) in addition to the one built into the Modem. It's a 2wire 2701hgv-w from BigPond (broadband). It says it does/has the following. I'm also wondering what I need, to use VOIP on it. Any ideas greatly appreciated (running Vista on one computer and XP SP2 on another - both at home):

    Firewall Tab
    This chapter describes the 2Wire gateway firewall features, and provides detailed instructions on how to
    modify the firewall settings.
    Firewall Features
    The 2Wire gateway has a professional-grade firewall to help prevent unauthorized users from accessing
    your local network. The 2Wire gateway firewall includes the following features:
    Stateful packet inspection. Blocks common Denial of Service attacks (such as SYN/FIN flooding or Smurf),
    and detects and logs TCP and UDP port scans.
    Stateless packet inspection. Filters specific NetBios traffic, suspicious packets and IP fragments; blocks
    packets sent from the private network to the Internet that have spoofed IP addresses.
    Network Address Translation (NAT). Translates a local network’s IP address to an external address
    maintained by the 2Wire gateway, effectively “hiding” the existence of a home network to the Internet. The
    2Wire gateway then uses this external address to communicate with the Internet on behalf of devices
    connected to the local network.
    Port Address Translation (PAT). A function provided by some routers which allows hosts on a LAN to
    communicate with the rest of a network (such as the Internet) without revealing their own private IP
    address. All outbound packets have their IP address translated to the router’s external IP address. Replies
    come back to the router, which then translates them back into the private IP address of the original host for
    final delivery. During PAT, each computer on the LAN is translated to the same IP address, but with a
    different port number assignment.
    Inbound and outbound port blocking. Blocks common inbound and outbound protocol types from passing
    information to or receiving information from the Internet.
     
  2. LauraR

    LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

    You will get some that say all they need is the Firewall that comes with their modem/router. You will get others that say you should have both a Software and Hardware firewall.

    My opinion is they compliment each other and you should use both.

    Here's a thread with some discussion on the issue if you want to read...it's got some regulars here at MGs: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=166034&highlight=router+firewall
     
  3. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    Thanks for a very quick reply. I'll have a look.
    Geoff
     
  4. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    All a bit beyond me, I'm afraid. Guess I'd better keep the software firewall.
    Geoff
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2008
  5. Deckard

    Deckard Private E-2

    Some of my friends use the free Comodo firewall, and it appears to be quite decent.
    http://www.comodo.com/
    I just use the windows built-in and the one on the router; haven't felt the need for anything more so far.
     

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