Re: Networking ME, XP Securely on LAN

Tech-Archive recommends: Repair Windows Errors & Optimize Windows Performance

In article <9D7443D9-3154-4D26-9D7A-DE2BF594AF95@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, MEK
<spr321g@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Will a router's firewall or a software firewall provide protection if I
configure it properly?

Yes, a router's firewall provides protection. To verify that, set up
a LAN using TCP/IP for File and Printer Sharing behind a broadband
router, then run a port scan, such as Shields Up!! at http://grc.com

Thanks.

So if I have a router with NAT, and several computers with privately
assigned IP addresses on a LAN with shared files (and with ports 137-139 and
445 opened), the router won't pass any requests from the Internet for these
ports to the private IP addresses?

That's right. The router will drop all such requests, because they're
unsolicited. That's how NAT works. See the explanation here:

http://www.networkclue.com/routing/Firewalls/nat.aspx

Is this automatic or does the router have to be configured to block specific
ports? I have a Netgear "Wireless Firewall Router" but there is no option for
blocking individual ports.

It's automatic.

Again, thanks for the feedback.

You're welcome.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
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