Linksys RT41P2-AT User Guide - Page 26

Broadband Router with 2 Phone Ports The Security Tab - Firewall When you click the Security tab, you will see the Firewall screen. The Router's firewall enhances the security of your network. You can also enable a variety of filters to further protect your network and block anonymous Internet requests. Firewall The firewall uses Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) to check the incoming data transmissions before allowing them to enter your network. To enhance the security of your network, this feature is enabled by default and cannot be disabled. Additional Filters Filter Proxy. Use of WAN proxy servers may compromise the Router's security. If you deny proxy, you will block access to any WAN proxy servers. Click the checkbox to enable proxy filtering. Filter Cookies. A cookie is data stored on your PC and used by Internet sites when you interact with them. Click the checkbox to enable cookie filtering. Filter Java Applets. Java is a programming language for websites. If you deny Java Applets, you run the risk of not having access to Internet sites created using this programming language. Click the checkbox to enable Java Applet filtering. Filter ActiveX. ActiveX is a programming language for websites. If you deny ActiveX, you run the risk of not having access to Internet sites created using this programming language. Click the checkbox to enable ActiveX filtering. Filter Multicast. Multicasting allows for multiple transmissions to specific recipients at the same time. If multicasting is permitted, then the Router will allow IP multicast packets to be forwarded to the appropriate computers. Click the checkbox to enable multicast filtering. Block WAN Requests Block Anonymous Internet Requests. This keeps your network from being "pinged" or detected and reinforces your network security by hiding your network ports, so it is more difficult for intruders to work their way into your network. Click the checkbox to block anonymous Internet requests. This feature is enabled by default. When you have finished making changes to this screen, click the Save Settings button to save the changes, or click the Cancel Changes button to undo your changes. For help information, click Help. Chapter 5: Configuring the Router The Security Tab - Firewall Figure 5-10: Security Tab - Firewall spi (stateful packet inspection) firewall: A technology that inspects incoming packets of information before allowing them to enter the network 20