For years I have used am ‘automatic unmanaged’ switch in my home. I don’t need wireless.
I just plug my modem into the switch.
From the switch is 3 Macs, VOIP phone, PS4 and security camera.
I hear about firewalls and routers all the time to from bad actors outside my network.
Would anyone recommend something other than a switch for protection from outside threats? Thx in advance
Mac Pro
I'm not familiar with that modem but its documentation would indicate it is a gateway device. (https://mediacomcc.custhelp.com/euf/assets/documents/modem%20user%20guides/Hitron%20CGNV_User%20Guide.pdf)
Why do you need a switch?
Change the modem's default username/password.
Routers typically provide security for your local network. Devices on a local network are assign non-routable private IP Addresses which can not be accessed from the Internet. Read and follow the directions in the users manual.
An Ethernet Switch that has no "smarts" can't be hacked -- it is a passive "store [momentarily] and forward device that does not intervene in the protocol, except to discard damaged packets (which rarely occur).
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So if your gateway is secure, every device on your network is secure, and there are no worries. Most gateway devices are providing "strictly local" IP addresses for your devices via DHCP. These addresses are unreachable from the Internet and unroutable, so they cannot be used directly.
Ranges of Private IP address Blocks:
24-bit block10.0.0.0 – 10.255.255.255
20-bit block172.16.0.0 – 172.31.255.255
16-bit block192.168.0.0 – 192.168.255.255
Then the gateway 'acts as your agent' when dealing with the Internet, and uses its own routable IP address to send and receive messages on your behalf. When something comes in, if you did not request it, the packets are discarded, preventing you from receiving anything unsolicited.
Then the gateway 'acts as your agent' when dealing with the Internet, and uses its own routable IP address to send and receive messages on your behalf. When something comes in, if you did not request it, the packet are discarded, preening you from receiving anything unsolicited.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_address_translation
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what is the IP address of the computer you are using?
If it is in one of the ranges of private IP address I posted above, you are already well protected by Network Address Translation, and should forgetaboutit and get your important work done.
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If you have three devices connected, you are using Network Address Translation. No ISP gives out three routable IP Addresses without charging you extra money.
Modem: The modem was supplied by my ISP Specrtum. I just swaped it last week so I can get 200mbps internet. Its called E31N2V1 by Hitron Tech
Swithcer/splitter: As far as I know… its an ‘automatic unmanaged’ Netgear GS208.
Does anybody know if either of these offer me protection from outside intruders?
I don’t think I have any gateway or firewall. In other words, I don’t think I have anything protecting me from outside intruders. I don’t know how easy it is to get into my 3 Apple computers and other connected devices.
My modem (Hitron E31N2V1) is what Charter/Spectrum has been issuing all their customers for a year now. Its my understanding that this modem and my switcher (Not WiFi Router) do not provide protection from outside intruders. Switcher (Netgear GS2085)
I have always used ISP provided modem to switcher to connect my 3 computers etc. I have heard that I need to daisy chain some other device to provide firewall protection from outside intruders. Is this true?
Yes, I fit within one of the IP# ranges. I have also looked at the link to the manual for my modem that ‘BobTheFisherman’ included. It looks like my modem does have firewall so I don’t need to daisy chain any extra devices between my modem and switch. Now I just have to find out how to access the modem security settings. Thank you both for giving me this peace of mind.
Is your modem a gateway device, IE is it also a router?
Now I just have to find out how to access the modem security settings.
See if the following article can help: Default Passwords FAQ - Lifewire
Are ethernet switches secure?
