Replies to post #1353 on Computer Learning (HELP)

[Phil(Hot Rod Chevy)]

MM,

How does a hardware firewall work?

The "hardware firewall" is a router, but in essence a "hub".

All of my computers are connected to the router. The router is connected to my cable modem.

The router is considered a firewall because my computers are not visible to the scanners the hackers use while looking for open ports.

Or so I am told.

How does it determine which sites are permitted access and which sites are denied?

It cannot determine whether or not sites are permitted, because it is simply a "pipe" to the internet, and also allows me to access any computer's data or components from any other.(on my network)

Does the process slow down incoming data?

It does not slow down the system.

Have fun,
Phil

[Mattu]

A hardware firewall is how you play ball with hackers.

It puts an entire piece of equipment who's only mission in life is to pass thru data you want and keep out data you don't want.

I run multiple networks. But my favorite one is where I have an entire Linux computer acting as a firewall. Hell, sometimes, I can't even get into it. LOL

Generally, it decides what to allow by decided whether or not someone from the internal network requested something from the site it's coming from. Like, if you are surfing site ihub.com, and all the sudden a request comes into the network from 205.111.11.11 .... the Linux says "Ah, no thank you." and simply drops the requests. I don't make mine fire back a reply of denial to the scanners. I'd rather the scanner assume that nothing exists, then "something just denying it."

A lot of software-based firewalls aren't great because of the computer they are sitting on, not necessarily the software themselves. Programs and windows components open up ports that probably shouldn't be opened and scanners will pick that up. The advantage of having a router or Linux box sitting in front is that it has 1-2 ports open and those are filtered...no other software screwing with ports.

MB