1.To examine and configure your firewall settings, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, click Run, type wscui.cpl and then click OK.
2. In Windows Security Center, click Windows Firewall.
Windows Firewall includes the following tabs: • General
• Exceptions
• Advanced
The General tab includes the following settings: • On (recommended)
• Don't allow exceptions
• Off (not recommended)
When you click to select Don't allow exceptions, Windows Firewall blocks all requests to connect to your computer, including requests from programs or services that are listed on the Exceptions tab. The firewall also blocks discovery of network devices, file sharing, and printer sharing.
The Don't allow exceptions option is useful when you connect to a public network, such as one that is associated with an airport or with a hotel. This setting helps protect your computer by blocking all attempts to connect to your computer.
When you use Windows Firewall with no exceptions, you can still view Web pages, send and receive e-mail, or use an instant messaging program.
The Exceptions tab lets you add program and port exceptions to permit certain types of inbound traffic. You can set a scope for each exception.
For home and small office networks, we recommend that you set the scope to the local network only, if it is possible. This configuration enables computers on the same subnet to connect to the program on the computer, but drops traffic that originates from a remote network.
The Advanced tab lets you configure the following: • Connection-specific rules that apply for each network interface.
• The Security Logging configuration.
• Global Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) rules that apply to ICMP traffic. (This traffic is used for error and status information transmission.)
• Default settings.
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2. The menu on the Belkin N1 is quite straightforward. All configuration options are available from the single vertical menu along the left side of the screen. Configuration options are broken down into five main categories: LAN setup, Internet WAN, Wireless, Firewall and Utilities.
The LAN setup menu lets you configure the IP address range for your LAN and configure the DHCP server. The DHCP server can be configured for lease times ranging from a half hour to forever. I was surprised that the default was forever. Typically, you want the DHCP lease to expire so that you can reclaim IP addresses for future use, but in a home environment, it really doesn’t matter. Unlike some competing routers, the N1 does not support DHCP reservation – again, probably not a big deal in a typical home.
The Internet WAN menu allows you to set up your Internet connection. By default, it’s set to acquire both an IP address and DNS settings from the ISP. For most home users, the default setting will work, but the N1 supports static IP addresses and PPPoE.
The Wireless menu lets you configure wireless settings such as SSID (network name) operating channel, operating mode (only one choice of 802.11n/802.11g/802.11b), bandwidth, SSID broadcast and protected mode. The wireless security options on the N1 are more complete than on the NetGear 854T RangeMax. The N1 supports not only WPA/WPA2 in PSK (Pre-shared Key) mode, it also supports WPA/WPA2 using an external RADIUS server.
Belkin also included a feature not found in many consumer wireless routers – the ability to use it as an access point. If you select this option, the N1’s routing and firewall features are disabled. This is a nice feature, since access points, even though they're simpler devices than routers, typically cost more. And with RADIUS support for wireless security, the N1 could be a cost effective low-end enterprise AP with Draft-N support.
The firewall features on the N1 are fairly basic, but adequate for most home consumers with the exception of serious gamers. The virtual server list is pre-populated with 140 entries that cover most common services. However, the N1 doesn’t support application triggering – a feature needed by some gamers. It does have rudimentary IP client filters (five entries) that you can schedule. The N1 supports DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Service), but only has support for one vendor (DYNDNS.org). A DMZ configuration page and a rudimentary log (that you can’t e-mail) round out the firewall offerings.
Belkin N1 Virtual Server Setup
The Utilities menu lets you reboot the router, restore it to factory settings and save/restore your router settings. The firmware update page has an icon that lets you check the Belkin site for firmware updates. Since the N1 is based on evolving technology and vendors are frequently updating drivers and firmware to offer better performance and interoperability, it’s a good idea to check for firmware upgrades often. During the time that I tested the N1, I updated the firmware in the device twice, and each time yielded better wireless performance.
Belkin N1 Firmware Update
Client Card
Since Draft-N products are based on an evolving standard, it’s a good idea to buy the wireless adapter card from the vendor that made your router. Vendors are working on improving interoperability, and the Wi-Fi Alliance will eventually begin to certify Draft-N products for interoperability. For my tests, I installed a pair of F5D8011 notebook cards into the same testbed that I used to test other wireless products for Wi-Fi Planet.
Belkin N1 Wireless Notebook Card
The Belkin cards come with nice wireless client software that can replace Windows Zero Config. The software has a user-friendly tabbed interface that shows nearby networks, signal strength, security and operating channel. It also shows the status of your connection to the router, as well as the router’s connection to the Internet.
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/reviews/article.php/3645166
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3. XP-Pro cannot host a domain, you need a real server O/S for that.
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Hope it helps
Vera Chandler
http://www.domain-name-register-store.com/