As cable deployment continues to bring broadband to
the masses, it is now becoming easier to safeguard both
personal data and computing resources. The buildout of
cable access networks is encouraging cable subscribers to
connect multiple computers to share broadband connections.
Cable subscribers can connect multiple PCs using
combinations of wired and wireless Local Area Network
(LAN) technologies, allowing each of these PCs to share
a single broadband connection. Both home users and
companies need to protect against hacker attacks and
remove the risk of unauthorized users gaining entry
into the LAN.
Residential subscribers need the ability to safeguard
their home computing resources and personal information,
and Small Office Home Office (SOHO) users and Small
to Medium Enterprise (SME) users must protect the value
of their business information. Telecommuters and people
working from home after hours need to similarly protect
the integrity of company information.
The United States Federal Government recommends that
Internet users add firewall protection — a system designed
to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network
and also warns that PCs without firewalls can be accessed
through their Internet connection. Without firewall
protection, users can lose valuable personal or corporate
information and they risk permanent damage to PCs and
peripherals. Multi-PC households, small businesses
and corporate telecommuters can all benefit from
easy-to-use firewalls that allow them to enjoy the
advantages of broadband Internet connections —
while avoiding the risk of intrusion.
Always-on broadband connections present particular
risks that must be addressed. It is critical that each LAN
is protected by a firewall. Without a firewall, anyone
on the Internet could theoretically access computing
resources and private data. Everyone operating a LAN
connected to the Internet should deploy a firewall that
secures the LAN and protects it against outside attack.
All traffic entering or leaving the LAN pass through
the firewall, which examines each traffic flow and
blocks flows that do not meet the specified security
criteria. There are different configurations for firewalls,
and cable subscribers need to ensure that they provide
the appropriate security levels.
Protecting Local Area Networks
with Easy-To-Use Firewalls
Wireless Cable Modem Gateway Family
White Paper
