Security

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Router firewall?

0 helpful
5 replies

by kenlea1

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
Have just installed and configured 4-port wired router (Thompson SpeedTouch 510) for broadband sharing between 2 home PCs (one XP Pro, one 2000 Pro). Working fine, but: Only way I could get them to talk through the router, and get online, was to disable all firewalls. Was assured that routers have their own firewalls (seems logical), but when I checked security via my XP machine, Windows Update security check told me my XP firewall was not active. It can't be if I'm going to be able to talk through the router; does the Update site only test the status of the built-in XP firewall, or does it mean I am open to intrusion? If the router does have its own firewall, how do I turn it on/configure it? Or is there a way of configuring the XP firewall to allow me to access the net and LAN? Please advise.

5 replies

by sgt_shultz

excellent questions imho. here is what i think i know about it:
your router may or may not have a firewall. for sure it has NAT, which is some protection and i think sometimes folks think is a firewall...
if your router has a firewall, you will find it easily in its configuration interface. that is the question you will need to research on internet or call isp to find out. how do you configure the router? or perhaps you already know how and have not seen mention of a firewall in there and wonder, what gives?
if that is case, believe your eyes. emperor naked. you got no firewall.
you must leave off built-in XP to allow file sharing (nothing to do with the router in this case). i don't believe you can configure much in the way of port forwarding in the built in XP firewall. you will need to download and install a software based firewall (www.zonealarm.com or www.kerio.com) I run zonealarm. quirky in the beginning but seems to be stable now. checkpoint just bought them...
and/or switch your modem/router to model with firewall built in.

by cg it

well http://speedtouch.com/prod510.htm that link says your router has a firewall. the online support page link from their web site doesn't work so I couldn't find a manual to see what it says and whether or not the firewall is enabled by default.

I wll say this, I use a Linksys router with a built in firewall & I use Norton Personal Firewall on my XP system. I do not use the Windows XP built in firewall. I don't have problem with connecting to the internet. IMHO I would ditch the Thompson router since I checked their site the last time you asked a similar question and their support page didn't work then either. Go with something like Netgear or Linksys. Easy to understand instructions. Easy to configure. Has the ability for firware updates, and doesn't cost an arm & a leg.
To answer Q#1. are you open to intrusion. Yes and no. With NAT via the router, you have some protection. If the firewall on the router is not enabled by default, then yes someone could if they are persistant enough to attack your system. Question #2 how to configure the firewall on the router, there should have been documentation with the router which should tell you all you need to know. If there isn't any see my suggestion about Netgear or Linksys. Is there a way of configuring XP Firewall to access the net and LAN. Yes there is.

This discussion is closed to new replies.