what do you recommend for this?

[HondaF1]

i have a dsl broadban connection. phone wire comes from special phone line to braodband mode, network cable from broadband modem to linksys wifi router. network wire from linksys wifi router goes to a PC near it. all other computers (around 3) use the wifi b connection. Is this enough internet and network security? Or should I set up a smooth wall box?

 

[gaidin123]

I would make sure that the linksys router is configured with WEP and MAC address restrictions on the wireless side. For normal users I don't think an additional smoothwall box is necessary. If you do any port forwarding things will be getting complicated quickly since you will have to forward through 2 devices.

That said, you can never have enough protection. I wouldn't trust a linksys box to be my only layer of protection except perhaps for the WRT54G with the sveasoft firmware.

Gaidin

 

[n0cmonkey]

It should be fine as long as you keep your machines up to date, practice basic best procedures, and are using the wireless security available to you.

 

[JackMDS]

The general term Security is often use as a Verbal Connector that as nothing to do with how the system functions.

There is Internet Security, and Wireless Security. Beside the verbal usage of the word Security one has Nothing to do with the other.

Wireless is just a replacement for a Wire and thus can be intercepted by people in the neighborhood attaching then self to your LAN. That why there is Wireless Security measures to avoid Local Tapping. Wireless Security measures have to be used even if you do not have an Internet Connection.

Link to: Wireless Security.

The Firewall "Job" is to protect the Internet connection from being invaded, and to prevent your LAN computers from transmitting out to the Internet privileged information.

Entry Level Cable/DSL Routers NAT Firewall provides very basic protection, and more is needed.

Link to: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Link to: Internet infestation -Or, how you are getting Internet "Junk" in and compromise your Computer/Network?

Internet Connection protection has to be used regardless of whether the LAN is Wired or Wireless.

:sun:

 

[HondaF1]

Hi. Thanks for the suggestions, but I was thinking about more of the firewall thing side. Do I really need a firewall if I have a linksys router?