I have read that a router automatically serves as a one-way (inbound) firewall. I have a Westell Veralink model 327W. Not sure if this is a router or modem and whether it automatically serves as a one-way firewall. I've tried googling this question, but couldn't find a clear answer. Anyone here know for sure?
Thanks for the quick response. I'm a bit naive about this issue, so bear with me. Two follow-up questions: 1) I'm assuming that the firewall with this product is not something I have to configure, but rather it is simply built into it and is automatically active. Correct? 2) Yesterday I went to Gibsons Research Center's web site and ran ShieldsUP! As noted above, I'm connected via the Westell Versalink 327W. My Windows Firewall is also turned on. I passed the File Sharing test at ShieldsUP!, but failed the Common Ports test because ping reply was detected. I checked my Windows firewall settings; no entries in the Exceptions tab are checked and no entries in the ICMP section of the Advanced tab are checked. I don't know much about this subject or how to fix this ping issue on my system (or even if it's serious). Help is appreciated (the simpler the explanation, the better). Thanks again!
There should be a configuration associated with your router where you can setup the firewall beyond default settings. There should be instructions in the documation that came with your router. It should be rather simple.
My 2Wire Gateway DSL modem failed the full stealth and echo ping. So I went into my firewall set up by typing in 192.168.... and I fully stealthed my firewall and all is well. I had no software firewall installed at the time either.
We got the modem/router via our phone company. There was a cd-rom that came with it that provided setup instructions, but nothing about firewall stuff. Guess I'll have to give the phone company a call.
Phone Company probably cant tell you squat. Go to the manufactures website. http://www.westell.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=242&Itemid=135
When you set up your account with the ISP, the user name and password you created is used to identify your connection to your ISP. They are NOT your router login credentials. By Googling "westell 327w password" you (and anybody else) can find out your default router address, and default username and password. Type the router address into your browser address box and hit "Go", or whatever, to access your router. Log in to the configuration menu and check your firewall settings. I have a Westell 6100, and it came from the factory with the firewall turned off. Oh, & if you have not already done so, change the default router password to something secure.