FYI: A router is normally distributing data which is given to the router. A firewall is more a protector against unwanted visiters. A router can never be a firewall, because a firewall is able to work up to layer 7 of the OSI model (application layer) but a router works only till layer 3 (network layer). A router can have accesslists to prevent users to come in a certain network area. The decision is made on ip addresses. This function can also be done by a firewall. A firewall is able to encrypt and decrypt. This is something what a router normally doesn't do.
The same applies to the router and the switch. The router can do the same as a switch, but more. I hope this will help your understanding. Greetings, Harry >> Unix for stability. >> Macs for productivity. >> Windows for solitaire. Philip Stortz wrote: > no, a router and a firewall are two entirely different things, however, > some companies do offer combination firewall/router boxes, in which case > you are fine, but there are routers without firewalls, and firewalls > without routers. -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Macintosh? Get free email and more at Applelinks! <http://www.applelinks.com>
