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[Sode no hirayuki]

Hi,

I've spent quite a bit of time reading tech forums and I've noticed that many people have routers with NAT as part of their security configuration. Could somebody explain to me what NAT is/does?

Also, I entered the router's settings and went to Advanced > Firewall > NAT ENDPOINT FILTERING

There are 3 options specified for UDP/TCP Endpont Filtering; they are:

Endpoint Independent
Address Restricted
Port and Address Restricted

What are these options?

I downloaded the manual for the router but it doesn't mention what NAT, Endpoint Independent, Address Restricted, and Port and Address Restricted are.

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Side Note: I thought about setting up a secure connection using WPA2. Right not I'm using an unsecured wireless network. If I setup a new secure wireless connection using WPA2 will my current unsecured connection still be available?

[FurryNutz]

http://www.support.dlink.com/emulators/dir615_revE/510/support_adv.htm#Firewall
Endpoint Independent is preferred for both.
This information is in the help menus on the routers web page.

If you use any security on Wifi, this means the unsecured connections are no longer available unless you have the correct SSID and password information to gain access. WPA2 is preferred.

[Sode no hirayuki]

Cool, thanks. I read the information provided in the help menu on the router's webpage. I don't remember seeing that Endpoint Independent allows better connectivity. I must've missed that. I wasn't sure which is generally preferred. Right now UDP is on Address Restricted and TCP is on Port and Address Restricted. Those must be the default settings then. I'll go ahead and change them to Endpoint Independent.

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So, if I use security on wifi, the unsecured connection will still exist - It just can't be accessed without knowing the password to the secured connection, right? Is that what you're saying?

Will using a secured connection interfere with signal strength and browsing speed? A password has to be typed in every time I want to connect to the internet, right?

[FurryNutz]

We've seen that changing to Endpoint Independent has resolved numerous connection issues with some gaming applications and other items people use with these routers.


When you use security for WiFi the unsecured connection isn't used or seen anymore and the only time you have to use the password is when your deviced initially are turned on and connect to the SSID name until they are turned off then need to reconnected again at a later time.

[Sode no hirayuki]

Hm, I don't entirely understand the whole password thing.

"the only time you have to use the password is when your deviced initially are turned on and connect to the SSID name until they are turned off then need to reconnected again at a later time."

What is the "device"? Is it the router? If it is, I'll only have to reenter the password when the router is turned off or reset, right? This means, I do not have to reenter the password when I restart, turn off or wake the computer from sleeping, correct?

Also, can using a secured connection slow down browsing and downloads or interfere with signal strength?

[FurryNutz]

Device means what you use to connect to the router, i.e. cell phone, laptop, pads and such.

[Sode no hirayuki]

1) So if I restart, turn off as well as wake up my computer from sleeping, I'll have to use the password to connect to the internet again?

2) And, is it possible that using a secured connection can slow down browsing, downloads or decrease signal strength?

3) Websites such as Amazon provide a secure connection when purchasing things online. Is there any additional advantage to securing my wifi if a website already provides a secured connection?

[FurryNutz]

No you shouldn't have to reenter if your waking from sleep. If you do shut down and restart the PC, you may have to, it depends on the wireless SW or if you program windows wireless profile to save the settings then yes, you shouldn't have to enter in the PW to gain access to the WiFi every time. Most newer windows versions and others save wireless settings with in a profile and thus you won't have to enter in the PW. Only if you change the SSID or put in a new one will you have to enter that new information in.

The security if for your wireless radio that broadcasts in you area. If it's unsecured then any one with a wireless device can connect. This is not recommended as others could connect and download data that is considered illegal by your ISP and cause you to be in trouble with them. Securing the wireless signal and the log in to the routers web page is HIGHLY recommended. This is just the connection to the WiFi between the devices and the router and does not effect browsing or going to web site. They have there own security for making purchases online.

[Sode no hirayuki]

Awesome information. Thanks.

I have one more question. Based on your reply, I'm inclined to believe that using a secured wireless connection doesn't affect browsing and download speed, or the wireless connection signal. Could you clarify this for me, please?

[FurryNutz]

Many factors effect wireless internet performance besides security. Again the security is for connecting to the router with the device and you shouldn't see any performance issues with browsing.

[Sode no hirayuki]

Okay, cool. Thanks.

[FurryNutz]

Enjoy.