Network Address Translation (NAT)

This solution is mostly geared to support those of you who are connected to the Internet via broadband - either dsl or cable. A Network Address Translation (NAT) device is similar in function to a firewall. At home, the NAT device is your Internet cable/dsl router. This solution will cost you some money. A good cable/dsl router will cost from $60 to $120. Read the box before you buy, and make sure the router has NAT.

A Hardware Firewall

In essence, a NAT gives the same results as a firewall, but it does it in a slightly different manner. If you only have one PC at home, use the first diagram. You then connect your PC to the router. Here are two simple connection diagrams.

   

In each diagram, notice the dotted horizontal line. It indicates a division, a fence or wall, between the Internet and your PC(s). The dotted line is the dsl/cable router. It is your hardware firewall - to keep the bad guys out. The division is marked as WAN and LAN for Wide Area Network and Local Area Network. Without the router, your PC lies out in the open, on the WAN and vulnerable to attack.

Wireless Router

This will be covered in more detail later. But if you are using wireless now, be sure to learn about identification codes.

A Stealth PC

... coming soon ...