Network Mode - Microsoft MN-500 User Manual

64 Microsoft Broadband Networking Base Station User's Guide
2. On the Security menu, click Firewall Settings.
3. To enable the firewall, select the Enable the integrated firewall
check box.
-or-
To disable the firewall, clear the Enable the integrated firewall
check box.
4. To save your changes, click Apply.
Block Ping Commands
You can configure the firewall to discard network ping commands.
A ping command is like a short conversation between a device on
the WAN and your base station. When a device on the WAN sends
a ping command, the base station responds.
When you block ping commands, you are telling the base station
not to respond to a ping initiated from the WAN. This security
mechanism hides your network from hackers who may be pinging
random IP addresses to see where they get a response. A response
verifies your network location, and a hacker can then use this
information to send malicious communications to your network.
In general, it is a good idea to discard ping commands sent from
the WAN. The only circumstances in which blocking ping
commands may present a problem are:
• When your ISP needs to ping your network to ensure that the
connection is still valid.
• When you or another person needs to check your Internet
connection from an external network. For example, you may
want to do this to make sure that you can access your Web
server.
• When you are playing games on the Internet, and other players
need to verify your network location and connection speed.
To block ping commands
1. Open the Base Station Management Tool, and then click
Security.
2. On the Security menu, click Firewall Settings.
3. Select the Discard pings check box.
4. To save your changes, click Apply.

Network Mode

You have the option to use the base station for routing services or
as a bridge between two networks. The Broadband Networking
Wireless Base Station is set to routing mode by default.