How do routers work?

Hi all

I just haven't been able to participate on the BBS for some time now. And even now I am reading this from my email of the Windows-HelpNet newsletter of Recent BBS postings.

But I have to say, this is a great thread!

Reboot: knowing these things (I think I can think like a router) but explaining them is another thing!! You did a fabulous job.

Chiles so did you. Excellent commentary!

Chiles I guess I am one of the few that you spoke that does have programming experience in addition to Networking.

I began as a programmer in 1980. Programming for me struck a creative chord in me I didn't know I had. Creating a computer program is like an artist painting a picture. I think I felt some of what an artist would feel while painting. Making the computer do things is a joy.

I have programed in several BASIC languages, C, Cobol, Pascal, DBase some Modula some Fortran and loved ASSEMBLY language so much at one time I could code in it as easily as I write this message.

I grew into networking from administering a multiuser system (initially on a Data General Mini computer and later converted to PC based) of serial dumb terminals many years ago.

This was during early Novell. Then the switch to Novell later. Early Novell was kludgey then became good for some time, then became yucky again when they were trying so hard to be proprietary and different from Microsoft. Today it is only windows networking for me.

Well enough reminiscing. Point is this is a fantastic thread!

Mike

 

Well, I'm glad some of this headful of (mostly) useless knowledge is going to some good cause. (Educating is my second favourite hobby)

Chiles4: Port forwarding is simply allowing the router to use a port on the computer. If a game needs port 1024 open to work, your computer would use it. A router blocks it. Open port 1024 on the router and it works. Forwarding is simply taking the info coming in on port 1024 and (like forwarding an email) sending it somewhere else (another port on the computer) instead of the same port. Although you CAN use the same port, and it's recommended that you do, to avoid any confusion.

JSS3rd: If you're using XP, in Networking, set up the least used type of connection as the alternate. Go into Networking properties, TCP/IP, properties, Alternate connection tab...

Random notes:
A hardware router is ALWAYS a good investment. Even if you never plan on having more than one computer, it's the best protection one can have on the internet, if combined with the right software (antivirus, spybot, adaware, et al).

Think ahead. Even if you only have one computer now, in 3 to 5 years, you'll probably buy another. Networking is the single largest growing industry for home users. Get at least a 4 port, even if you don't need it now.

Simplicity. A router beats ICS, or dual NIC setups, hands down. (see above)

D-Link. Definitely in the top 3, along with Linksys and SMC. Yes, I know there are many others, but they're just not worth buying IMHO.

 

Reboot ...

Thanks, but it wasn't necessary. With a little help from D-Link's excellent technical support (available free of charge, 24/7 except on major holidays) I am now able to move the laptop back and forth between ethernet and encrypted wireless with no interruption of service.

 

I love this thread.
An access point is exactly what it says, a point on the network, any network, where it can be accessed.
The router is the network traffic cop.
Now a switch is a hub, but not all hub's are switches.
A hub has access points or ports attached to a bus and each port has its own address. When you plug hardware into a port on a TCP/IP network each piece of equipment has its own IP address and advertises it on the bus. This way information knows where to go.
On a Hub that is not a switch all the traffic on the bus shares different time slots. Say pc1 talks to pc2 while pc3 talks to the printer, and pc4 surfs the internet, the load on the bus is divided by time so you see how more traffic can slow things down.
On a Switch(hub) it is different. The bus between pc1 and pc2 do not interfere with anyone else and it is as if they are connected directly. The same goes for pc3 and the printer and pc4 and the internet. It virtually separates all the traffic into three separate paths and there is little time loss. HTH

 

Reboot

Are you using the SMC7004vbr? or another SMC product.
Since reading all that you wrote, and spending another day & 1/2 reading some more, I found that the principals of these routers are basically the same, at least the ones for home or small office use. I went to d-Link's support area: www.support.dlink.com
where by downloading their manual and reading and looking at all the diagrams, wizards, it appeared that it sort of simplified everything. Traveling thru FAQ's I submitted a question that bugged Billy Boy. They sent back an e-mail saying to REMOVE ALL SOFTWARE FIREWALLS before installing their routers.
I also went to an area: www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc1631.html
wehich provided a long list of NAT ports and its uses.
You did explain the many ports available, but I will eventually like to know how it will all come together. Believe me , I'm reading and reading. Your insights have been wonderful and without them I would have been very lost.
Again, please let me know what router you are using. I am NOT using wireless. If you are recommend another router you all have confidence in.
Thanks

donabano

 

I'm using the D-Link DI-514, which has performed flawlessly, and I didn't uninstall ZoneAlarm (or even turn it off) before installing the router.

One caveat, though. The DI-514 is 8.011b only. If you have visions of 8.011g in your future, look at one of their others.

 

Jim

Thank you for your input. I am living in the Caribbean and wireless seems to be a problem right now here. This is why I am using hard wire. It all seems easier for the installers.

Waiting to hear from reboot and others also. I am sure I will make
a decision soon. The phone co. guy may come tomorrow and install my DSL line, so at least I can download faster and speed things up a bit.

Thanks again
donabano

 

The SMC Barricade 7004VBR is proving to be one of the best.
It has NAT, it has a firewall, and it has SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection).
Most routers do not have SPI.
The Linksys that BillyBob has, DOES have SPI, but it's turned off by default, and I don't know enough about the Linksys to get it configured properly.
The D-Link that BillyBob has now, is a much better router (as is proven by his frustration playing online games). If it were easy to play online games, then the router isn't working right, or it's not set up right.

Don't worry about how it all comes together. Get a router, turn on the firewall (and SPI if it's available), and surf.
If you need to open ports for online gaming (or other specific purpose, such as DCC for IRC) then do it manually.
All your normal internet functions will still work. Browser, FTP, and email will have no troubles. IRC will work on some networks that do not need IDENTD, however, most routers are set up to provide IDENTD on port 113 automatically, so no problem there either.

 

It seems that the SMC is the way to go then. I will place an order for it tomorrow. I do enjoy playing pinochle, spades and a few other games at yahoo. How would I configure this or just wait until I get it hooked up and will go from there.

I see an advanced setup for experts while setting up manually, but I'll get help as I need it. I guess I will have to also uninstall Kerios firewall before installation.

Thanks

donabano