Category: Software

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on by

Exact Steps to Find Your Network Security Key On All Devices

Confused about network security keys? You’re not alone. This guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to find your network key for the four most popular digital devices.

Here’s a quick summary:

  • iOS: Open the Settings app, tap on Wi-Fi, select your connected network, and find the Password field.
  • Android: Open the Settings app, tap on Network & Internet, go to Internet, tap on your connected network, choose Share, and view the passwords that show up.
  • Mac: Use the Keychain Access app, find your current network, double-click on it, check the Show password box, and authenticate.
  • Windows PC: Go to Settings, then to Network & Internet, then to Wi-Fi. Access the properties of your wireless network connection by clicking on the second row starting from the top, and find the network security key by scrolling down on the network’s window.

Keep reading if you’d like more detailed instructions on where to go, along with tips for keeping your network secure.

1 CloudTalk

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Any Company Size Any Company Size

Features

24/7 Customer Support, Call Management/Monitoring, Contact Center, and more

Find a router or modem network security key

A network security key is most commonly known as a Wi-Fi password. If you’re trying to find the network security key on your router or modem, you’ll probably need to dive into your device’s settings. The steps will vary slightly depending on your router model and firmware, but here’s a basic guide.

Just a heads-up: your security key might go by the name of WEP key, Wireless Security Key Password, or something similar. Keep an eye out for those variations.

Step 1: Identify your router’s IP address

  1. Open a web browser on a device connected to your network.
  2. In the address bar, enter one of the following standard router IP addresses: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, or 192.168.1.254.
  3. Press Enter to access the router’s login page.

Step 2: Log in to your router

  1. Enter the username and password for your router. If you need to change it, you can find the default login credentials on the router or the user manual. If you use a good Internet Service Provider, it’s easy to find guides and videos online for more tips.
  2. Note that some routers may not require a username, and the password could be left blank or set as admin. If you can’t find your password, do the same but connect to your modem via an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Navigate to the wireless settings

  1. Once logged in, look for a section related to wireless settings or Wi-Fi configuration.
  2. The exact location can vary depending on the router’s interface, but it is typically found under Wireless, Wireless Settings, or Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Setup.

Step 4: Find the network security key

  1. Look for a subsection within the wireless settings that mentions security or encryption.
  2. Standard options include Security, Wireless Security, or Encryption.
  3. Within this section, you should find the network security key associated with your Wi-Fi network.
  4. It might be labeled as Key, Network Key, Passphrase, Password, or similar terms.

Step 5: Note any variations

  1. As mentioned earlier, the terminology used for the network security key can vary. Look for alternative labels or terms that indicate the same information.
  2. Make note of any variations you come across during the search, as they may help you locate the network security key more easily.

Now, let’s review each device type in detail.

iOS network security key

For iOS, follow these steps to find your network security key:

  • Access settings: Open the Settings app on your iOS device, located on your home screen.
  • Navigate to Wi-Fi: Within the Settings menu, tap on Wi-Fi.
  • Select the Wi-Fi network: Select the desired network by tapping its name.
  • Access network details: Look for the small circled i icon next to the chosen network, and tap on it.
  • Reveal the network key: You’ll notice the passphrase is hidden in gray bullet characters, like • • • • •. Tap on it, authenticate, and the network security will show up.

Android network security key

  • Settings: Open the Settings app on your Android device. You can typically find this app on your home screen or in the app drawer.
  • Network & Internet: Access the first item on the list, called Network & Internet, and then tap on Internet.
  • Network selection: Long-press the Wi-Fi network name you’re interested in This action will usually reveal additional options related to that network. You can also simply tap it and access an additional screen.
  • Sharing options: Choose Share. The specific wording may vary depending on your device, but search for an option to share or display network details. You might need to authenticate.
  • Key sharing methods: Your key will show up as a QR code and a small written line. You can share either. Some Android devices also allow sharing it with nearby technology.

Note: Sharing via a QR code allows other devices to connect instantly without typing.

Keep in mind these variations:

Some Android users report that their menu option is called Internet and Network — the reverse of Network & Internet. Also, older Androids might reveal the key directly after long-pressing the network name. Finally, seek options like Show Password or Network Key.

Mac network security key

Obtaining your Network Security Key on macOS is not as straightforward as iOS, Android, or Windows. macOS Ventura, the 2022 release, incorporated a feature to make Wi-Fi passwords easier to check, but other versions like Monterey don’t have it. Fortunately, we’ve found a workaround for either situation.

To find your network security key on macOS Ventura, do this:

  1. System settings: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and click on System Settings, which is called System Preferences in older versions.
  2. Network: Use the search bar to find Network, access it, and then click Wi-Fi on the right.
  3. Advanced settings: Scroll down and click Advanced to open the list of known networks.
  4. Copy password: Click the More button, which you’ll recognize as three dots inside a circle right next to the network name, then choose Copy Password.
  5. See the network security key: Paste the password in a Notes document or your browser.

If you have an older MacOS version, you’ll need the Keychain Access app. To find your network security key on macOS Monterey or older versions, do this:

  1. Open Keychain Access: Use the search bar at the top of the screen to find Keychain Access. Don’t mix it up with Keychain, which is a separate item.
  2. Find your current Wi-Fi network: Use the search bar inside the new window to find your existing Wi-Fi network.
  3. Access your Wi-Fi network specs: Once you find it, click on it or use the i icon.
  4. Show password: Check the Show Password box, authenticate, and obtain the network security key.

Here are some variations you might encounter:

Older Mac versions may have slightly different Network Preferences navigation. Your device might switch between System Preferences and System Settings. Also, look for keywords like Security and Wireless Password. Your OS could be a one-off case and you could find the network security key more easily than how we described it.

Windows network security key

  • Taskbar options: Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in your Windows taskbar. The taskbar is typically located at the bottom of your screen.
  • Network settings: Choose Network Settings from the pop-up menu by clicking on the > sign next to the Wi-Fi logo. This action opens the list of current Wi-Fi networks.
  • Network selection: Click Properties next to your desired Wi-Fi network.
  • Scroll down on the network page: Within that window, scroll down until you see the View Wi-Fi Security Key.
  • Password display: Click on View. A pop-up will give you the password.

Furthermore, if you need help finding the key on Windows 10 and later, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, choose Status, then Wireless Properties, and finally Security to uncover the key.

Here are a couple more variations to note:

The wording in Network Settings and Security tab layout may vary based on your Windows version. Also, keywords like Security and Network Password will guide you.

I’m getting the network security key mismatch error

If you are seeing the “Network Security Key Mismatch” error, don’t worry, it is usually a pretty easy fix. Let’s look at the most common reasons for a network security key mismatch, and how to solve each one:

  • Typing errors: You might be simply punching in the wrong password. Check for inadvertent spaces, missing characters, or incorrectly placed symbols. Keep in mind that the capitalization of characters matters for many network keys. Is the Caps Lock key toggled on or off?
  • Concealed characters: Some devices mask the key with asterisks or dots. Look for options like Show Password or uncheck Hide characters to reveal the actual key and ensure accurate input.
  • Outdated security: Older networks using WEP security may have shorter, hex-coded keys with the letters A-F and 0-9. Confirm that you’re entering the key in the correct format.
  • Network changes: If your router has been modified or updated, network names and keys may have changed. Double-check the latest information with your internet service provider or network administrator.
  • Signal interference: Wireless signals can be inconsistent. Try moving closer to the router, restarting your device, or temporarily disabling antivirus software.
  • Device variations: Different devices handle network keys differently. Check your device’s Wi-Fi settings for hidden options or variations.

Alternative steps to address the mismatch error

If none of the easy fixes worked, follow these simple steps to walk the error back to its source:

  • Verify the key: Confirm for typos, hidden characters, and format requirements. Make sure you’re using the correct key for the specific network.
  • Restart everything: Perform a quick reboot of your router and device. A fresh start can sometimes resolve minor glitches.
  • Forget and reconnect: Disconnect from the network on your device and then reconnect, entering the key carefully again.
  • Update drivers: Outdated device drivers can lead to connectivity issues. Check for and install any available updates.
  • Check the user manual: Your router and device manuals may contain troubleshooting insights. Take a look for additional guidance.
  • Seek assistance: If all else fails, reach out to your internet service provider or network administrator.

Where do I find my hotspot security key?

Let’s see how to connect to a hotspot. Hotspots are the wireless networks you can start up with your mobile phone. Sometimes, data plans don’t allow you to set up hotspots, but in most other cases turning a hotspot on is fairly easy.

Step 1: Open the settings menu on your device

For iOS and Android devices, go to Settings.

Step 2: Look for the Hotspot or Tethering option

  • On iOS devices, it may be called Personal Hotspot.
  • On Android devices, it can be found under Network & Internet.

Step 3: Access the hotspot settings

Tap on the Hotspot or Tethering option to open the settings.

Step 4: Find the security key

  • Look for the Password or Security Key field in the hotspot settings.
  • The security key may be labeled as Wi-Fi password, Hotspot password, or similar terms.
  • On some Android devices, the password might not show up on this step. Now that you’ve turned your Hotspot on, expand the Quick Access Menu — the screen you access by sliding down from the top — and tap the Hotspot icon. You’ll be sent to a screen where you can tap and check on the password.

Step 5: Learn your own security key

  • The security key is typically a combination of letters, numbers, or both.
  • Learn it and use your data plan to connect to other devices via your hotspot.

Remember to keep your hotspot security key confidential and only share it with trusted individuals. It’s usually only used by those who set it up to avoid hefty data plan bills.

How to avoid network security key problems

Use a strong key

Craft a unique password with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Aim for at least 12 characters for optimal strength. And try to remember it — don’t write it down.

Don’t use a network security key that’s identical to another password or security key you use for something else. Reusing passwords is a major security risk. Learn more about how to create a secure password or security key.

Share your key with as few people as possible

Treat your code like the precious resource it is. Only share it with trusted individuals who absolutely need it. Remember that anyone with it can access your network or could change it behind the scenes.

Rotate keys regularly

Consider changing it every six months to a year, especially if you suspect a breach in your company or have shared it with a neighbor affected by a power-out. I know, changing passwords is a huge headache, but it’s a critical part of keeping your home or business network secure.

Enhance network security

Upgrade your wireless network security protocol to WPA3 whenever possible. It offers significant encryption advancements compared to the older WPA2, making your network tougher to crack.

Create a separate guest network with a different key for temporary users. This keeps your primary network safe from potential vulnerabilities introduced by unknown devices.

If it is not already, enable your router’s firewall to act as a digital bouncer, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic and keeping away unwanted intruders.

SEE: Learn more about what a firewall does to protect your home network.

When changing isn’t necessary

If you have a rock-solid security key and haven’t shared it with anyone untrusted, there’s no need to change it just for the sake of it. Consistency can sometimes be your best friend.

Changing your key can sometimes cause compatibility issues with older devices that haven’t been updated with the new password. Assess the potential downsides before making a hasty switch.

Posted on by

6 Types of Network Address Translation: Which One to Use?

Network Address Translation (NAT) is one of the key technological concepts behind the performance of communication networks and the internet at large. NAT is a mechanism for converting private (local) IP addresses into public (global) IP addresses and vice versa.

There are six main NAT types: static, dynamic, port address translation, overlapping, and masquerade.

Understanding the functionality of each NAT type — as well as its purpose — is vital in helping you choose the right one to reap the most benefits.

1 CloudTalk

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Any Company Size Any Company Size

Features

24/7 Customer Support, Call Management/Monitoring, Contact Center, and more

Network Address Translation, IPv4, and IPv6

It’s helpful to understand a little bit about how IP addressing works in order to understand the different types of NAT and the problems they solve.

NAT enables efficient use of limited IPv4 addresses — there are only 4,294,967,296 possible 32-bit IPv4 addresses, which is not enough for every device worldwide — NAT allows organizations to maintain numerous private devices while requiring only a small number of public addresses for internet access.

IPv6 is the next generation of internet protocol, designed to solve the IPv4 address shortage. Instead of 32-bit addresses, IPv6 uses 128-bit addresses. This creates an almost unlimited number of addresses — enough for every device on Earth to have its own unique identifier.

IPv6 reduces the need for NAT, but it is still important in networks where IPv4 and IPv6 coexist. These mixed environments often rely on NAT to ensure smooth communication between devices using different protocols.

As organizations transition to IPv6, understanding when and how to use NAT remains essential for maintaining efficient and reliable connections.

The six types of Network Address Translation and what they do

Once again, NAT is a technology that allows the use of private and public TCP/IP addresses by facilitating the translation between internal and external IP addresses. It involves routing and remapping IP addresses via routing devices such as firewalls and routers.

Since you can’t use a private IP address to gain access to an external network like the internet, NAT ensures that a local host has internet access by translating local IP addresses into one or multiple global IP addresses.

Conveniently, NAT allows a unique IP address to represent a whole group of devices and computers. In other words, NAT is what enables you to connect multiple electronic devices to your home router while using the same public IP address to access the internet.

NAT is typically implemented by a router. In addition to facilitating address translation, NAT can serve a number of important additional purposes:

  • Network security: Obscures internal IP addresses, adding a layer of protection against external threats.
  • Firewall functionality: Filters traffic and blocks unauthorized access based on security rules.
  • Port forwarding: Enables external access to internal services by forwarding specific ports to the appropriate devices.
  • Load balancing: Distributes traffic across multiple servers for better resource utilization and traffic management.
  • Session tracking: Ensures proper routing of incoming data by tracking active connections.
  • Simplified network management: Reuses private IP addresses, reducing the need for public IP allocation.
  • VPN support: Allows secure communication between devices on different networks by translating IP addresses.

The following six types of Network Address Translation offer different means of improving network security, addressing connectivity issues, and solving performance problems.

1. Static NAT

Description: This is a straightforward translation that maps a single private IP address to a corresponding public IP address. A static NAT must match the number of IP addresses on the local area network (LAN) with an equal number on the outside network. For this reason, Static NAT is also called balanced NAT.

Purpose: Static networks are fixed because they provide one-to-one (or many-to-many) mapping, allowing the creation of a fixed translation to an actual address. As a result, their mappings provide a consecutive connection to the same address. Ultimately, Web and FTP servers favor using Network Address Translation because of its consistency and reliability.

Benefits: Static networks reduce the problem of overlapping addresses while also providing a degree of protection for your registered public addresses.

Static NAT can be more challenging to set up, but it is usually easier to manage and troubleshoot — leaving you with a low-maintenance network. Also, when you switch networks, you won’t face the hassle of having your IP addresses renumbered.

Limitations: Since static networks have fixed IP addresses that don’t change, they are more susceptible to spoofing and hacking, as malicious actors can easily target them. These security risks make it critical to protect your network with firewalls and encryption.

Additionally, a static NAT is bi-directional, meaning hosts can initiate connections both inside and outside the network. Of course, you need a policy to allow this, but it could still expose you to a significant security loophole.

Finally, static Network Address Translation is also more expensive than its dynamic counterpart because it requires more public IP addresses for its implementation. These increased costs extend to your internet service provider (ISP), which will typically charge you more for the privilege of a dedicated IP address. Meanwhile, the inflexible nature of static IPs also forces you to change them manually if you ever move to another location.

Best for: Static IP addresses are best for applications, processes, and protocols that require a consistent IP, such as web hosts, application servers, printers, routers, and gaming consoles.

Example: In addition to one-to-one mapping, static NAT is bi-directional, allowing connections between an inside and outside address. For instance, assume you have a web server in your LAN with a private inside address of 172.17.1.0.

Perhaps you want to make it accessible when a remote host makes a request to 209.165.200.10 (an example of a registered public IP address). To do so, you or your network administrator must configure at least one interface on the router (which typically has NAT inside and NAT outside), along with a set of rules it’ll use to translate IP addresses in traffic payloads and packet headers.

In this case, a configuration for the router to allow static NAT outside-to-inside translation will look something like this: ip nat inside source static 172.17.1.0 209.165.200.10.

2. Dynamic NAT

Description: Instead of single mapping, dynamic NAT maps a group of public IP addresses to internal addresses.

For this to work, network administrators must configure an organization’s router to handle a pool of IP addresses to facilitate dynamic NAT. This way, an internal IPv4 host that wants internet connectivity can make a request to the router, which dynamically assigns an available public IPv4 address from the pool.

Similarly, when a machine in a private network needs to access an external network such as the internet, a public IP address from the available pool is assigned to it.

The nature of Network Address Translation, which requires translating private IP addresses into public ones, creates a dichotomy of inside and outside IPs. As such, dynamic NAT requires associating an unregistered IP address on the LAN’s inside list — with the pool of registered IP addresses on the outside global list.

Keep in mind that “NAT inside” represents the inside addresses, which are unregistered IPs on the private LAN behind the NAT device (typically a router). Meanwhile, “NAT outside” represents everything else, such as external networks with registered, public IP addresses (like the internet).

Purpose: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and remote access environments use dynamic NAT to supply and conserve IP addresses.

Benefits: The dynamic nature of this type of NAT provides many advantages. In terms of security, for example, there is no static IP address to trace and target, so the periodic changes frustrate hackers with nefarious intentions. Dynamic NAT therefore hides and protects your private network and its associated devices from the malicious dangers of the outside world.

Dynamic NAT is also cheaper and more adaptable than static networks, which is reflected in its ability to connect to different locations and networks without changing IP addresses. This means you aren’t burdened with having to update your settings and reconfigure your devices because the server automatically assigns the IP addresses.

The increased connection capability provides enterprise networks with greater flexibility. Large, distributed organizations, which typically require multiple public IP addresses, often choose dynamic NAT to efficiently manage their network traffic.

Limitations: Most of dynamic NAT’s limitations are due to the technicalities of mapping several local IPs to a pool of public IP addresses. Since dynamic IP addresses are likely to change and may expire without notice, dynamic networks end up introducing more overhead due to switching and associated path delays during translation.

As a result, the overall network performance is reduced because of unreliability, unpredictability, and a lack of end-to-end traceability. For example, a router or firewall will drop traffic if a local host attempts to make a connection when all the public IP addresses from the pool have already been assigned.

Best for: Dynamic networks are ideal for when an organization can anticipate the number of fixed users that will access the internet at a given time. They have low maintenance requirements, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness that make them suitable for managing environments with significant host devices.

In terms of privacy and protection, dynamic IP addresses are best-suited for devices and scenarios that demand increased security systems and flexibility. As such, they are ideal for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.

Example: Assume you have a computer on an internal network with a local address of 172.178.0.1/24. Dynamic NAT will assign a registered address to your internal host from a pool of public IP addresses, such as those from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.150.

To a remote server, any traffic coming from this setup will appear to originate from a public IP address. However, the NAT system is actually masking the original machine’s address of 172.178.0.1/150 and hiding your entire internal network.

Once the request has been satisfied and the source machine is idle, the network returns the public IP address (192.168.1.1) to the free pool of NAT resources.

As a result, a configuration of the router to allow dynamic NAT translation would look like this: ip nat pool NAT-POOL 192.168.1.1 192.168.1.150 netmask 255.255.255.0.

This dynamic NAT configuration ensures that when an inside host makes a request to an outside host, any private addresses in the 172.178.0.1/24 are translated to public addresses in the 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.150 range.

3. Port Address Translation (PAT)

Description: Like NAT, PAT is a technique to translate private IP addresses into public ones, but it does so in combination with a port. As an extension of NAT, it allows multiple devices within a private network to use a single public address.

PAT is also known as NAT overload. It creates a fully extended translation with a translation table that contains entries for IP addresses and source/destination port information.

PAT uses port numbers to determine which traffic belongs to a particular IP address. It works by using many-to-one mapping, assigning each device a unique port number to identify it when routing incoming traffic.

Keep in mind that although Cisco uses the term PAT, other vendors use different names. For instance, Microsoft prefers Internet Connection Sharing.

Purpose: PAT was designed to conserve IPv4 addresses by using a single public IP address for a group of private hosts—despite how a more permanent solution emerged in the form of IPv6. PAT leverages unique source port numbers to distinguish communication interactions on each translation.

Benefits: PAT is more cost-effective than NAT. Thanks to its one-to-many mapping, one registered IP address with PAT can theoretically connect to thousands of internal devices, enabling simultaneous internet access for many devices.

This is because port numbers are based on 16-bit character encoding. Consequently, a router can potentially support up to 65,536 port numbers (since 16 bits can represent 65,536 addresses, which you get from calculating 2 to the 16th power).

Since the host on your private network doesn’t expose their IPs, NAT fortifies them against security threats launched from public networks.

Limitations: While PAT was developed to conserve IP addresses, it can easily result in port exhaustion. It also limits your network infrastructure from running multiple instances of the same service on the same address.

For instance, you can’t use two public web servers if they both have to listen to the default port 80 on the same address. Thus, since organizations using PAT must rely on a single IP address, it prevents them from easily running more than one of the same type of public service.

Best for: PAT is ideal for most home networks and small-time businesses or shops. Homeowners can leverage a single IP address from their ISPs and configure their router to assign internal IP addresses to devices on their network.

Example: Assume your LAN has private IP addresses in the range of 172.17.0.1, 172.17.0.2, and 172.17.0.3, and you want to access a remote server through your registered 155.4.12.1 public IP address.

Your router must maintain a Network Address Translation table because NAT’s execution — especially with PAT—requires mapping unique ports and IP addresses. This table not only keeps entry records for every distinct combination of private IP addresses and their corresponding ports, but it also keeps their global address translation and unique port numbers.

Therefore, if a host system on your local network with an IP address of 172.17.0.1 and port 1056 (172.17.0.1:1056) wanted to access Facebook, for instance, the router would translate this private address into 155.4.12.1:1056.

When Facebook receives this request and responds, the traffic will be sent to 155.4.12.1:1056. When the router gets this response, it’ll look up its NAT translation table (for the private IP address the message belongs to) and forward it to 172.17.0.1:1056.

4. Overlapping

Description: IP allocation is one of the central issues you’ll face when designing a network, whether that’s for the cloud or a traditional on-premises environment. However, network concepts like overlapping are suddenly heightened when migrating your infrastructure to the cloud.

The concept of overlapping denotes a conflict of IP addresses. This can occur because an IP address is assigned to multiple applications, devices, or logical units—especially when this is being done on the same network. Moreover, popular services like AWS and third-party products like Docker automatically reserve specific IP address ranges, which can result in conflicts when you try to use them.

In practical terms, overlapping occurs because several devices share common IP addresses. When this happens, if there are two or more networks with overlapping IP addresses, the configuration will only work if you use Network Address Translation.

Implementing this setup requires two routers/firewalls within the intermediate network to hide the identical networks and IP addresses. Inside the local private network, the router or firewall assigns a public address to one or more computers. Consequently, this creates an intermediary between the private and public networks.

Purpose: NAT overlapping eliminates the need to make manual changes to networking configurations (like the subnet environment) to avoid conflicts. It allows enterprises to connect and communicate across multiple environments, shared resources, and virtual machines. By overlapping NAT, it removes duplication, confusion, and loss of data packets.

Benefits: NAT overlapping enables you to handle IP address conflicts, letting computers communicate without the need to readdress all of those devices.

Limitations: Like most NAT scenarios, overlapping is limited to IPv4 networks. You will most likely be able to avoid this obstacle with IPv6-based networks due to the size of their address space.

Best for: Overlapping NAT is best used for preventing IP address conflicts, usually by mapping a unique IP address to a virtual private network (VPN) or virtual machine connected to the network.

Example: Although it can occur unintentionally, NAT overlapping is often triggered in two instances. The first of which happens when companies merge or are acquired and both continue to use the same private IP address ranges (like the RFC 1918 block of addresses, which isn’t routable over the internet). Secondly, when managed service providers with unique IP addresses add new clients, they must provide access to customers with the same IP address range—and this can trigger overlaps.

5. Masquerade NAT

Description: Masquerade follows the basic concepts of NAT, but as it translates private source IP addresses to public ones, outgoing connections use a single IP address. This allows a private network to hide behind the address bound to the public interface.

IP masquerading hinges on a Linux-based router performing smart, real-time IP address and port translation so that a private (reserved) IP address connected to the Linux box can reach the internet.

This NAT type uses a one-to-many form of Linux IP masquerading, with one computer acting as a gateway for the internal network to reach the internet. When computers on the network send requests through this gateway, it replaces the source IP address with its own before forwarding the packets to the internet.

In general, the masquerading computer keeps track of connections, along with their sources, and reroutes packets with Linux’s connection tracking feature. Essentially, the masquerading machine sort of tricks the remote server into thinking it made the request instead of an internal machine — hence the name.

Keep in mind that masquerading is only initiated by the internal network with a range of local IP addresses hidden and bound behind a public IP address.

Purpose: By hiding intranet clients, IP masquerading conceals individual devices and computers so their IP addresses are effectively invisible from the internet. Network administrators generally implement IP masquerading to deal with instances of two conflicting private network imperatives.

Remember, to be reachable on the LAN, every computer and computing device on the local intranet must have an IP address. At the same time, they also require a public IP address to access the internet — be it a fixed or dynamically assigned address. To bridge this duality, a masquerading machine acts as a router, serving as a gateway to separate the intranet from the internet.

Benefits: IP masquerading enables network administrators to implement a heavily secured network environment. With a fortified firewall, hackers find it considerably more challenging to break the security protection of a well-configured masquerade system.

Although it’s used to hide multiple addresses, it is also relatively cheap because you only have to purchase a single IP address to use with many internal systems.

Lastly, Masquerade Network Address Translation prevents external hosts from initiating traffic into your network, so it has some additional protection from outside attacks built in.

Limitations: Implementing IP masquerading comes with a performance impact, however it is not very noticeable in most instances. That said, if you have many computers creating active masquerading sessions, the processing power required is likely to affect the network’s throughput.

At the end of the day, hiding provides an extra layer of protection, but your entire network is only as secure as the masquerading machine — so it’s a weak link in the chain. Moreover, the hosts that hide behind masquerading cannot offer services like file transfer or mail delivery because their networks can’t establish inward connections.

Finally, IP masquerading requires specialized software/equipment like a Linux box or ISDN router, and it simply cannot work without a Linux machine. Likewise, some networks just won’t work through a masquerade without significant hacks or modifications.

Best for: NAT masquerading is best for concealing your internal network, allowing you to reap added security benefits. It is ideal for helping machines with non-routable IP addresses to access the internet. It is also economical, so it’s good for price-sensitive environments—because you only need to purchase one public IP address and it doesn’t necessarily require a firewall.

Additionally, masquerading networks only allow machines inside the network to initiate communication, so they are useful in work environments where employers don’t want external users initiating conversations with their employees (while still providing their staff access to the internet). However, you must enable the port forwarding feature on your router or TCP/IP connection to overcome this restriction and allow 2-way communication.

Example: Your internal network may have multiple computers, but each requires individual IP addresses within a range of private IP addresses. When a local computer requests an external service, the router will send packets to the remote host outside the LAN if you set up the system conventionally.

Meanwhile, the source address in the packet will indicate that it is from a private IP address. Since private, unregistered IP addresses aren’t officially part of the internet, they aren’t valid return addresses, meaning the receiving host can’t send a reply.

With IP masquerading, you can circumvent this problem by configuring one of the computers as a conventional router so it acts as a single gateway.

As a result, when one of the workstations on your intranet or small ethernet network wants to access a remote host (such as TechRepublic’s server), the masquerading system takes over. The computer then routes its packets to the host acting as the masquerade, which accepts the request and forwards it to the remote host.

The only host visible on the internet in this case will be the masquerade machine, which replaces the source IP address with its own before sending the packet to the destination outside the LAN.

6. Reverse NAT

Description: Reverse Network Address Translation (RNAT) is a sub-type of static NAT that translates a public IP address into a private one. While static NAT is bi-directional, RNAT’s translation only goes in one direction — and since it goes in the reverse direction of general NAT, it earned the name Reverse NAT.

Purpose: The primary purpose of RNAT is to allow servers with private, non-routable IP addresses to connect to the internet, meaning users can connect to themselves via the internet or other public networks. It also allows you to administer hosts in the LAN remotely behind a NAT firewall.

Benefits: The so-called reverse direction of RNAT makes it possible to publish a service or server from a private LAN to the internet. Since it allows you to administer network hosts remotely behind a firewall, it improves practicality and security. It is also helpful for capturing and redirecting domain name server (DNS) and network time protocol (NTP) requests.

Limitations: Since hosts hide behind NAT-enabled routers, RNAT lacks end-to-end connectivity.

Best for: Besides publishing a server or service from a LAN, reverse NAT is also ideal for scanning remote IP addresses.

Example: Depending on your router, there are several ways of implementing a reverse NAT configuration. If you have a feature-rich Cisco router, for example, you can simply follow the static NAT instructions for allowing external traffic to reach a specific host, perhaps by permitting traffic on TCP/IP port 80.

On the other hand, if you have a Netgear, D-Link, or Linksys router, you can explore how they allow port forwarding given their respective parameters. In any case, the general methods for implementing reverse NAT require providing the local IP address you want to be accessed from outside and identifying (or activating) the local server’s internal port that will be used to respond to external traffic and internet connections.

Is NAT really that important?

Yes, because NAT is immensely beneficial — and it serves as a fairly effective line of defense against malicious attacks.

Of course, NAT is not a panacea to network issues, so it’s a good idea to incorporate network monitoring tools in your cloud computing infrastructure to ensure applications and services run smoothly.

In any case, there are a number of higher-level benefits that come with NAT.

IP conservation

As previously mentioned, NAT is a powerful solution for mitigating the depletion of IPv4 addresses. It conserves the number of IPv4 addresses in use by allowing private, local networks using unregistered IP addresses to communicate with wide area networks (WAN) and the internet.

In many instances, this conservation delays the need for an organization to migrate to IPv6.

Enhanced security

NAT enhances security by directly preventing internet access to private IP addresses on internal networks. It essentially acts as a firewall, building a fortified moat around your private network to bolster security against malicious attacks.

Additionally, NAT improves privacy by hiding your network’s topology so hackers cannot get “a lay of the land” to equip them for launching successful attacks.

Network boundaries

NAT creates network boundaries by separating private and public networks. This boundary boosts the privacy of your local addresses and the systems attached to them. At the end of the day, the local address behind your NAT firewall/router is private — and therefore can’t be routed across the internet.

Cost-effectiveness

Without NAT, every device worldwide would need its own public IP address. This would mean registered IP addresses would be very scarce, making communication networks expensive to maintain.

NAT also boosts cost efficiency in other ways, such as by reducing the frequency of address overlapping. Likewise, NAT has reduced the price of maintaining a LAN by making IP routing commonplace, even in residential homes.

Speed and improved network performance

Although path delays can happen while switching, NAT still helps network performance by allowing many devices to share a common IP address.

Increased flexibility

NAT allows networks to connect to the internet through a bunch of configurations, which means it can be used for a wide range of purposes.

Four downsides to using Network Address Translation

While NAT’s benefits tend to outweigh its liabilities by a fair amount, you should still be aware of the downsides so you can prevent or circumvent them.

Increased performance problems

Due to the additional layer of processing and translation required for NAT, network performance problems like latency and packet loss are often induced.

Limited connectivity

While NAT provides an overall enhancement to network communications, it can also limit end-to-end connectivity in other ways. For instance, NAT limits the direct connection and communication of devices hosted on different private networks. This means that some strict NAT configurations will cause connectivity to lag and slow down internet surfing.

Bottlenecked traffic

Since all traffic must pass through the Network Address Translation router, it can lead to a more limited bandwidth that slows or impedes the free flow of packets.

Issues with tunneling protocols

To execute its processes, NAT frequently modifies the header values in a packet. This action can interfere with the integrity checks conducted by IPsec and other tunneling protocols, such as those used in VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). As a result, Network Address Translation can disrupt the proper functioning of tunneling protocols, complicating secure communication across networks.

Posted on by

Why Router vs Firewall Really Only Matters at Work

Routers and firewalls are network security devices, sometimes grouped into business and home network packages or sold separately as dedicated hardware.

Though the two are closely linked, routers and firewalls are very different devices.

  • Router: Exchanges data between networks or gateways.
  • Firewall: Blocks traffic from protected networks.

Put simply, routers connect networks and move data efficiently, while firewalls protect networks by controlling and securing the flow of data.

For home networks, most people already have a router with a built-in firewall. Under normal circumstances, they don’t need to get an extra firewall to keep their network safe.

Businesses, on the other hand, typically have more than one router and benefit from having a discrete firewall device or application. Thoughtful deployment of both elements is an important part of securing a business network.

1 CloudTalk

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Any Company Size Any Company Size

Features

24/7 Customer Support, Call Management/Monitoring, Contact Center, and more

Key differences between routers and firewalls

Here is a quick breakdown of the key differences between routers and firewalls:

Network Role: Routers and firewalls serve different purposes in a network. A router connects networks and ensures data travels efficiently between them, like a VoIP router for voice traffic. A firewall, on the other hand, is like a security checkpoint, inspecting and filtering data to block potential threats.

Traffic Management: Routers focus on directing traffic based on IP addresses, determining the best path for data to reach its destination. Firewalls control traffic by applying security rules, deciding what data is allowed to pass through or be blocked based on factors like source, destination, and content.

Default Behavior: By default, routers allow all data to pass unless specific restrictions are added. Firewalls take the opposite approach: they block most traffic unless explicitly allowed, prioritizing security over openness.

Placement: Routers are typically positioned at the edge of the network to connect it to the internet or other networks. Firewalls can be placed at the edge or internally within the network to control access between segments, adding extra layers of protection.

Customization and Control: Firewalls are built for granular control, letting you enforce security policies based on specific applications, users, or behaviors. Routers, while configurable, prioritize speed and efficiency over detailed filtering.

Why router vs firewall doesn’t matter on a home network

Most routers have a built-in firewall that offers basic protection for homes and very small offices. Typically it is a stateful firewall capable of inspecting traffic flows and performing basic perimeter security.

Because the router already has a firewall installed, the average home network does not need a separate or additional firewall. These simple networks tend to have a handful of devices connected to a single router, and the integrated firewall is enough to keep the network safe from unwanted traffic and prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to the network.

On top of this, modern devices have built-in firewalls of their own. Windows Defender and Android Firewall are two common examples.

From the moment your ISP turns on the internet at your house, every device connected to the router is already shielded from the public internet by multiple firewalls.

If you are doing something out of the ordinary at home — like running a business with sensitive information or hosting a game server — more advanced software or hardware firewall protections will be important to set up.

People with a lot of IoT (Internet of Things) devices on a home network might also consider additional firewall protections as one of the ways to reduce IoT attack surface.

But outside the edge-cases, you really don’t have to compare router versus firewall at all — you probably have both already.

Why router vs firewall matters a lot for business

On business networks, tons of devices are logging in and out constantly, using cloud applications and potentially connecting to offices at other locations over a Wide Area Network (WAN).

Unlike simple home networks, business networks have multiple routers (and a host of other elements) that connect physical and virtual resources to users. Routers play a key role in setting up an effective network security architecture, and while they may have built-in firewall functionality, businesses most often have dedicated hardware and/or software firewalls.

Organizations need to protect their connected devices from virus and malware threats, but also from sophisticated security concerns that would never impact a home network.

Business-grade firewalls offer granular control over the traffic, which means that managers can regulate access separately for different users and applications. This is important when you have protected resources on the network that you need to make available to the public, remote workers, or third-parties.

This access control is centralized in a business’s firewall security policy, which a network manager can view and control. Many businesses also deal with payment information flowing in and out of their networks, either for customer purchases or employee salaries, so their systems are required to be HIPAA and PCI-DSS-compliant — which isn’t always possible with consumer-grade firewall tech.

Businesses have other considerations as well, such as whether their routers or firewalls should be placed at the network edge. Edge routers are typically used to give access to remote workers so they can connect to the corporate network. In fact, the terms “edge routers” and “firewalls” are often used interchangeably to describe a network security device that protects the LAN from a point “between” networks.

Can a router and firewall be on the same device?

Certain software-defined networks and routers come equipped with software firewalls already installed. Some businesses prefer this because of the simplicity of having the two integrated. It just doesn’t make much sense to have multiple devices that need to be configured and managed separately, especially when each comes with its own potential setbacks.

Yet, for some businesses, the added labor is worth it to keep the devices separate. For instance, when all a router needs to do is route traffic to intended destinations, it will have a lot more resources to spare than if it were simultaneously doubling as the network’s firewall.

Likewise, if your network starts hiccupping, the single router-firewall device may not know how to share the limited network resources most efficiently. Depending on the unique network conditions, this can lead to dropped VoIP calls, laggy video conferences, or even security risks.

Finally, having a dedicated firewall allows you to be much more specific as to what you’d like that firewall to do — and how you’d like it to do it. Most businesses use both stateless and stateful firewalls and need a high degree of configurability over firewall rules.

Posted on by

What Is a Host Based Firewall and Is it Secure Enough?

A host-based firewall is installed and run on a single device, like a laptop, cell phone, or server. These firewalls are tailored to individual devices so they can monitor and control its specific traffic — as opposed to network-based firewalls, which protect an entire network of devices.

Most consumer devices come with host-based firewalls pre-installed. If you use an HP laptop or an iPhone, you’re already protected by host-based firewalls. Microsoft and Apple provide their own versions of these firewalls and frequently update them to address new cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.

Aside from your personal phone and computer, host-based firewalls also play a critical role when it comes to business cybersecurity. Host-based firewalls play a vital role in securing individual endpoints. This level of protection is critical as business networks increasingly accommodate remote workers and cloud applications.

I’ll start with the consumer end of host-based firewalls, and then we’ll cover what businesses need to know about this incredibly important network security tool.

1 CloudTalk

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Any Company Size Any Company Size

Features

24/7 Customer Support, Call Management/Monitoring, Contact Center, and more

What consumers get with a host-based firewall

As a consumer, the host-based firewall on your phone or laptop gives you a vital default level of protection on your personal devices. Since you probably use your devices for things like banking, investing, and storing important personal info, this built-in protection is crucial.

Host-based firewalls typically come pre-installed, and they’re already designed to guard against a range of common cyber threats. If you’re reading this on a device running Windows or Apple software, you’re probably using a host-based firewall right now.

But how exactly do these firewalls work? Primarily, it comes down to regulating network traffic based on predetermined firewall rules and deciding which applications or services on your device can access the internet and which external sources can connect to your device.

In other words, you can think of host-based firewalls as the “gatekeeper” to your device.

So if you have one of these firewalls installed and go to use an application that requires internet access, like a web browser, the firewall will evaluate this request against its set of rules.

If the application is recognized as safe and allowed internet access under these rules, the firewall permits the connection. But if an unknown program attempts to send data from your laptop to an external server, the firewall can block this outgoing traffic, preventing potential data theft or other malicious activities.

Similarly, if unsolicited traffic tries to access your device from the internet—say, a hacking attempt targeting vulnerable ports on your laptop—the firewall can deny this connection, keeping your device secure.

This ongoing monitoring and regulation of incoming and outgoing traffic, based on established security rules, is how host-based firewalls actively protect your devices from a variety of cyber threats.

That said, while host-based firewalls are effective at managing traffic and blocking unsolicited connections, they may not be as equipped to handle more advanced threats like phishing attacks or malware that a user might unknowingly download.

For consumers using home networks or connecting to public Wi-Fi in places like airports, a host-based firewall provides a necessary security measure. It’s your first line of defense, particularly in public settings where network security is uncertain.

But relying solely on your host-based firewall isn’t recommended; it should be part of a broader security approach that includes antimalware software and following online safety basics.

What businesses need from a host-based firewall

In a corporate environment, host-based firewalls need to do more heavy lifting beyond basic traffic filtering. They should provide advanced security features to make sure you’re protected against sophisticated cyber threats.

Advanced functionality

If you’re using a host-based firewall in a business setting, it should use advanced features like deep packet inspection and intrusion prevention systems.

Deep packet inspection (DPI) essentially delves into the contents of the data packets traversing your network. This means that not only are the headers of packets scrutinized, but so is their payload – the actual data being transmitted.

For example, DPI can uncover a seemingly harmless email attachment carrying hidden malware, allowing the firewall to block it before it compromises the network. To borrow an analogy from a physical package, it’s akin to checking not just the address on a package but also carefully inspecting its contents.

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), on the other hand, are basically sentinels or watchmen for your network. They’re constantly monitoring network traffic, looking for patterns or activities indicative of a cyberattack.

Suppose an IPS detects an unusual number of requests to a particular server within the network, resembling a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. If that’s the case, it can immediately take action to block this traffic, often before users even notice any disruption.

Behavioral analytics and anomaly detection enable firewalls to learn what “normal” device behavior looks like and detect deviations that might indicate a security threat.

For example, if an employee’s laptop suddenly starts transmitting large amounts of encrypted data at unusual hours, a host-based firewall can identify this as anomalous behavior and alert the security team or block the activity automatically.

Application-level control refers to the ability to manage and enforce firewall rules based on specific applications within network traffic.

For example, a firewall could allow access to a specific application like Slack for communication while blocking unauthorized file-sharing apps that pose a security risk.

Centralized management

Effective host-based firewalls should offer centralized management for businesses to easily monitor and configure devices at scale. Features like role-based access controls and automated updates ensure that IT teams can maintain security without manual oversight on every device.

This is particularly valuable for organizations with a distributed workforce, as they can scale protection without compromising efficiency. Learn more about best practices for firewall management.

Integration with broader security frameworks

A host-based firewall must integrate seamlessly with other network security software, such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems. This ensures that all layers of the security architecture communicate effectively, enabling quick threat detection and coordinated responses.

Endpoint protection

Businesses often deploy host-based firewalls on endpoints like laptops, desktops, and mobile devices, which are critical for remote and hybrid workforces. These firewalls offer device-specific security, preventing threats even when employees connect through unsecured networks.

For example, a remote employee working from a café with public Wi-Fi remains protected from threats such as unauthorized access or data interception. Additionally, firewalls can be tailored to specific device usage, like safeguarding graphic designers who frequently transfer large files.

In industries that rely heavily on Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare, smart cities), host-based firewalls are used to protect these devices from cyber threats. IoT devices are a common target for hackers, due to their connectivity and often limited security features. Host-based firewalls can be installed to prevent IoT devices from connecting to other devices outside the network.

Do you always need a host-based firewall?

If your business already has a robust IT security framework — network firewalls, endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, and other advanced security measures — you may wonder: is a host-based firewall still necessary?

I say yes, one hundred percent.

First of all, why not? What’s the downside to running a simple host-based firewall on every device connected to your network?

A comprehensive IT security policy benefits from multiple layers of protection, and a host-based firewall is one of the most effective layers to secure individual devices, particularly when they are used outside your corporate network.

While EDR systems and antimalware software are crucial for detecting threats and blocking malicious activity, a host-based firewall provides the first line of defense by monitoring device-specific traffic.

Even with a secure network perimeter, devices are vulnerable to attacks when employees work remotely or use unsecured public networks. Host-based firewalls offer device-level security by filtering incoming and outgoing traffic specific to that device. For instance, when an employee connects to a public Wi-Fi network, the host-based firewall ensures the device remains protected from attacks such as data interception or unauthorized access.

Remote work security has been one of the biggest challenges for many organizations. A host-based firewall is a simple solution to offer basic protections to employee devices, regardless of where they are.

Posted on by

What Does a Firewall Do To Protect My Home Network

A firewall is a security protocol that protects your internal network from the threats of the internet. It keeps an eye on the data that comes in and out of your home network.

Without a firewall, your trusted private network could be at risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, and malware from the public.

1 CloudTalk

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Any Company Size Any Company Size

Features

24/7 Customer Support, Call Management/Monitoring, Contact Center, and more

The technical side of what a firewall does

To get to grips with how a firewall works, you need to understand how data travels between internet networks.

Basically, data moves across the internet in the form of information-filled packets. A firewall inspects these data packets to analyze their:

  • Content: The information each data packet contains, such as an image, text, or video.
  • Protocol: The language of the data packet, for example, HTTP or TCP.
  • Port: The medium that the data is traveling through, such as email, web, or a social media network.
  • Source: Where the data is coming from, for example, the IP address or hostname of incoming traffic.
  • Destination: Where the data is headed, including the IP address, hostname, and other information that describes where the traffic is going.

Afterwards, the firewall determines whether to let the data packet pass or, instead, to block it based on a set of predefined rules.

To ensure that dangerous data packets are blocked, it’s crucial that you properly set up your firewall, create effective rules, and keep it up to date.

SEE: Learn the fundamentals of computer networking. 

Hardware firewalls

Hardware firewalls are dedicated physical devices, often integrated into routers or standalone appliances, that act as a barrier between a private network and the internet. They offer robust, centralized protection, making them ideal for organizations and businesses that need to secure multiple devices or high volumes of network traffic.

Although they are typically more expensive than software firewalls, hardware firewalls provide scalability and consistent performance, protecting an entire network without relying on the resources of individual devices.

Software firewalls

Software firewalls are applications installed on individual devices to monitor and control network traffic at the endpoint level. They are included by default in most operating systems, such as Windows and macOS, and some routers also incorporate software firewall capabilities.

These firewalls can be customized to block specific applications, filter outbound and inbound traffic, and provide alerts for suspicious activities. The specific capabilities will depend on what type of software firewall you are using. A Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), for example, may provide tools for access control, intrusion prevention, advanced threat intelligence, and deep packet inspection.

What a firewall does to protect your home network

1. Blocks unauthorized traffic

To reiterate, a firewall blocks threats coming from restricted sources or ports.

This means your firewall will block any data packets coming from a restricted IP address or website. It will also reduce your home network’s visibility to potentially risky protocols.

Firewalls can also block data packets that have malicious content.

Basically, firewall users can set predefined rules to give a firewall access control of their data. Based on these rules, the firewall will shut out intruders. For instance, parents may set rules in the firewall to deny access to certain applications or block out content based on certain keywords.

2. Defends against threats

A firewall serves as a checkpoint for all data packets, so it protects your home’s internet system from several threats, including:

  • Cyberattacks coming from hackers who want to damage your system or steal and erase data.
  • Malware that infects not just software but also hardware, possibly destroying applications and devices.
  • Ransomware that locks important files, seeking funds from you to release it.

Instead of just sniffing out these malicious invaders, a firewall neutralizes them in case they do enter your network. This way, it prevents the threats from spreading through your network infrastructure, further decreasing the scope of the damage.

Learn more about the latest threats to network security and how to defend against each one.

3. Prevents application intrusion

Even if you expect untrusted applications to act out of line, sometimes your most-trusted apps will try to access and extract sensitive data from your device.

This can happen when the application is outdated, infected, or a hacker tries to use it to get into your system.

Thankfully, your firewall observes an application’s behavior to make sure there are no attempts to enter unauthorized resources. Doing so, it protects your sensitive data.

For example, if an application tries to access a location or photos on your device even though you haven’t allowed it to do so, the firewall will act immediately to stop it. Along with protecting your data, it will also inform you of unusual activity.

4. Improves network performance

Firewalls are more than security guards. Since they monitor the flow of traffic and keep an eye on who’s accessing your devices, they free up valuable resources. By doing so, they reduce network congestion and improve your performance online.

Apart from filtering out unnecessary traffic volume, a firewall also keeps the network’s functioning in check by increasing your security.

What’s more, firewalls prevent crashes that can occur due to cyber attacks, misconfiguration, or bugs in your system.

5. Maintains privacy

Imagine a stranger watching you through your window. Creepy, right?

This is something hackers may do to keep an eye on your data and browsing habits. They might even use your private information against you.

A firewall stops this from happening by using rules to filter network traffic, blocking unauthorized attempts to access your system or monitor your activities. It inspects data packets for suspicious patterns, ensuring sensitive information stays secure.

Advanced firewalls use features like deep packet inspection and stateful packet filtering to detect and prevent unauthorized data transfers or malicious activity. They also monitor outgoing traffic, stopping applications or malware from transmitting private data to untrusted sources, providing a crucial layer of protection against data breaches.

6. Logs and audits data

Firewalls don’t merely observe the traffic coming in and out of the network. They can also be configured to log information about this traffic.

This data is critical in order to check the information later in case an unfortunate event arises and you need to go back and analyze what happened.

A firewall can track the timestamps, size, protocols, ports, IP addresses, and other details of a given packet. This information can help you investigate network activity. For instance, if a bug enters your system and ends up disturbing it, you can access the firewall’s log to track exactly where it came from.

Apart from being useful in tracking activity, these logs are also helpful in identifying system or security issues in the long run. Learn how to perform a firewall audit.

7. Scans for vulnerabilities

Some firewalls can also scan weaknesses in your network’s connected devices. This allows the firewall to alert you of outdated or misconfigured software.

They can also integrate with other vulnerability scanning programs to give you an idea of your network’s security position.

This isn’t all, though. Since firewalls can also analyze the severity of your vulnerabilities, you’ll be in a better place to prioritize important security upgrades or changes in the future.

What doesn’t a firewall do?

While a firewall is an important part of a security system, it is still just a part. It’s far from the only type of network security protection you need.

For example, you should have good antivirus software to protect your network. Antivirus software protects against malware by detecting and removing harmful files that the firewall doesn’t block. Firewalls only inspect network traffic, and malware hiding within applications, files, or devices may go undetected.

Skilled hackers can also slip through a firewall’s guard by using port hopping, spoofing, and other sneaky techniques to deliver malicious payloads. All these tricks can fool the firewall into believing that a hacker is transferring legitimate data packets from trusted sources, ports, or protocols.

Along with a firewall, antivirus software creates a layered defense, constantly monitoring your system for threats that pass through the firewall.

These are just two of the most important technologies to use when you are setting up network security — a firewall is one of several layers that play an important role in keeping your devices and personal data secure. Here are some of the other common tools people use:

  • Anti-phishing software: Blocks malicious websites, links, and content.
  • VPN: Encrypts and secures your connection by masking your online activity and covering your IP address.
  • Antivirus software: Defends against malicious software by scanning individual files, downloads, applications, and network traffic.
  • Intrusion detection system: Filters network traffic to protect against cyber hackers by blocking them before they can enter your system.

Installing a firewall in combination with these solutions can protect you from online scams, attacks, malware, tracking, and sensitive data extraction.

SEE: Learn about common network security configuration mistakes.

There are also limitations of firewalls to be aware of:

  • Firewalls may block legitimate traffic.
  • Firewalls may fail to catch harmful traffic or alert you about threats.
  • Misconfigured firewalls can create new vulnerabilities.
  • Overly restrictive firewall rules can negatively impact user experience.

Firewalls for consumers are typically easy to install and require minimal configuration. There are many different types of firewalls. I would recommend using one that fits your confidence level with computer networking. Setting rules for firewalls is certainly something you can teach yourself how to do, but as I mentioned, misconfigured firewalls can cause a host of problems or accidentally open the door to hackers.

Firewalls for businesses manage and monitor network traffic on a larger scale, protecting against external threats while supporting advanced features like intrusion detection/protection and deep packet inspection. Unlike consumer firewalls, which typically secure single devices or small home networks, business firewalls are designed to handle high traffic volumes and support complex networks.

However, even powerful business firewalls are only one piece of an effective network security strategy, which should also include endpoint protection, employee training, and regular system monitoring to guard against evolving cyber threats. Learn more about how to secure a network and the best network security tools available today.

Posted on by

5 Reasons to Use a Stateless Firewall (+3 Key Downsides)

In networking, “state” refers to the context or session data of a current network connection. A stateful firewall, therefore, keeps track of the state of each connection passing through it, while a stateless firewall does not.

Although they may sound less restrictive, stateless firewalls are incredibly useful for securing home and business networks. They use ACLs (Access Control Lists) to determine which traffic to allow through and which traffic to block.

Of course, not tracking the state of network connections means that stateless firewalls can’t tell you as much about the traffic on your network as stateful firewalls. The benefits of stateless firewalls come with tradeoffs.

Businesses often balance these trade-offs by using both types in tandem, with stateless firewalls handling bulk traffic filtering at the perimeter and stateful firewalls offering deeper inspection behind them.

By the end of this post, you’ll know when stateless firewalls work really well, and when another solution might work much better.

1 CloudTalk

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Any Company Size Any Company Size

Features

24/7 Customer Support, Call Management/Monitoring, Contact Center, and more

Five reasons to use a stateless firewall

1. They’re efficient

The biggest advantage of using a stateless firewall is efficiency. Since they only check for individual packets (rather than tracking the state of connections like their bulky stateful counterparts), stateless firewalls are like lean, mean, security machines.

This makes them far more useful when handling high volumes of traffic. For instance, since they don’t have to keep up with the specific details of every connection passing through, stateless firewalls won’t chew up as much memory and processing power.

If you’re running a large-scale website that receives tons of traffic, for example, you won’t want your firewall to slow things down. With a stateless firewall, you can set up strong network security protections without jeopardizing a website’s performance.

SEE: Avoid these mistakes when configuring network security. 

2. Stateless firewalls are simple to set up and maintain

Setting up a stateless firewall is a breeze compared to stateful firewalls.

Stateful firewalls dynamically maintain state tables to track ongoing connections, ensuring traffic flows are legitimate by monitoring session information.

In contrast, stateless firewalls rely on a fixed set of filtering rules, such as allowing or blocking packets based on IP addresses, ports, or protocols. This makes stateless firewalls simpler to configure and less resource-intensive, though it also makes them less adaptable to dynamic or context-dependent traffic than stateful firewalls.

3. Stateless excels on the network perimeter

Stateless firewalls are often used as a first line of defense in network security due to their simplicity and effectiveness at blocking unwanted traffic.

They are particularly useful in scenarios where only basic access control is needed, such as filtering traffic between trusted and untrusted networks. This protects specific services from common attacks like port scans, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, or VoIP fraud.

While they may not offer the deep inspection or session awareness of stateful firewalls, they can serve as an effective initial barrier, reducing the load on more advanced systems by blocking simple, high-volume threats before they reach more sensitive parts of the network.

4. They’re inherently less vulnerable

Stateless firewalls don’t keep track of past traffic or active connections, which makes them less prone to certain types of attacks that target the firewall’s memory or stored data.

Instead, stateless firewalls simply compare incoming packets to their pre-defined “allow” and “deny” rules, ensuring that traffic is only allowed into the network if it meets specific criteria. This straightforward approach ensures that only authorized traffic enters the network.

Since they don’t need to manage the details of each connection, stateless firewalls avoid some of the vulnerabilities that can arise when a firewall tries to remember everything, like becoming overloaded during different types of DDoS attacks, where attackers flood the system with too many requests.

Stateful firewalls offer deeper inspection and more thorough security, but that introduces additional complexity, which can be exploited by attackers. Stateless firewalls, with their simpler design, avoid this risk altogether.

5. Stateless firewalls are cost-effective and affordable

Because they don’t require the advanced features of stateful firewalls, such as session tracking or deep packet inspection, their hardware and maintenance costs are significantly lower. This makes them an accessible choice for organizations with limited IT budgets or smaller networks.

Stateful firewalls are more expensive due to their advanced features, such as integrated intrusion detection and prevention systems. These firewalls also require more processing power, memory, and specialized hardware to manage real-time traffic analysis and maintain security.

Key downsides of a stateless firewall

While stateless firewalls have their advantages, they also come with some downsides.

1. Minimal packet inspection capabilities

Since it doesn’t keep track of connections, a stateless firewall won’t maintain a table of all the previous connections that have gone through the firewall. This makes it faster and easier to handle high volumes of traffic, but it comes with minimal packet inspection capabilities.

For example, stateless firewalls can only inspect individual packets based on headers and protocols, meaning they cannot look at the contents of the packets themselves. This makes them less effective at detecting and preventing more sophisticated attacks that can bypass simple packet inspection, such as ones that use encrypted traffic.

Moreover, due to the lack of connection tracking, a stateless firewall cannot always distinguish between legitimate and malicious traffic. This can result in unnecessary blockages of legitimate traffic, which can disrupt business operations. It also makes it more difficult to modify the firewall, as stateless firewalls cannot recognize connection states — so they can’t allow and deny traffic dynamically based on them. Learn more about how stateful inspection works.

2. Harder to scale

One of the biggest downsides to stateless firewalls is that they can be an absolute nightmare to scale in certain scenarios.

The problem lies in the fact that a stateless firewall only examines individual packets to determine whether to allow or deny them. This means that, as the number of connections to your network increases, so does the number of rules in your firewall. Therefore, when your network has a high volume of traffic, it can be extremely difficult to manage and maintain.

Unfortunately, with stateless firewalls, you need to create manual rules for each kind of packet that travels through the network. This can lead to a situation where there are simply too many rules to manage — which can lead to network performance issues, security flaws, and massive administrative overheads. Learn more about how to create a firewall policy that works for your network.

3. Initial configuration to work properly

Although stateless firewalls are a breeze to set up compared to stateful firewalls, the process isn’t exactly the easiest.

Stateless firewalls can require a fair bit of initial configuration to work properly. For instance, since they don’t maintain connection states, they must rely on other factors—such as IP addresses and port numbers—to determine whether or not incoming packets are allowed into the network.

This means that, in addition to the aforementioned filtering rules, some additional settings require careful configuration to ensure that legitimate traffic is allowed through while malicious traffic is blocked. Learn more about how to set up a firewall properly.

Posted on by

ERP vs CRM: Understanding the Key Differences

Customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) have a fair amount of similarities but they do possess some key differences. Both CRM and ERP are software solutions that, when applied correctly, assist businesses of all sizes with centralizing customer data, increasing work productivity, and improving automation processes in order to drive revenue growth.

However, where these two software platforms differ is that CRM often supports sales and customer service operations, while ERP supports financial operations and accounting. When it comes to automation features, a CRM system automates customer interactions and sales processes, whereas an ERP system automates fiscal operations and business practices.

1 monday CRM

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Any Company Size Any Company Size

Features

Calendar, Collaboration Tools, Contact Management, and more

2 Pipedrive CRM

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Any Company Size Any Company Size

Features

Calendar, Collaboration Tools, Contact Management, and more

3 Creatio CRM

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Medium, Large, Enterprise

Features

Dashboard, Document Management / Sharing, Email / Marketing Automation, and more

What is CRM?

CRM is a robust software tool that can be integrated into your business to boost productivity and enhance communication and collaboration among your team members. The main goal of any CRM system is to improve customer interactions, which leads to stronger relationships between your business and its clientele, and translates into higher profitability through lead conversion.

Managers and teams accomplish this goal and more by relying on a centralized hub that stores all customer data, which can then be easily accessed by team members. This is particularly useful if multiple team members are working on the same account and need to collaborate in lockstep, making it easier for them to understand the individual wants and needs of their customer base, while taking the appropriate actions needed to move forward.

A CRM system allows your sales and marketing teams to stay organized, identify prospective leads, and by utilizing advances in automation practices, convert those leads into paying customers. Ultimately, a CRM system assists with maintaining and nurturing relationships with existing clientele in an effort to keep their interest from waning; while also increasing customer retention, reducing churn, and prioritizing new customers when necessary.

What are the benefits of CRM?

There are many benefits that come with adopting CRM software for your business, with improved customer interactions being at the top of the list. Since a CRM system works by storing important customer data in a singular hub, that information can be easily accessed by anyone on your team with just a click. Every interaction between your team members and customers is logged and provides important insights that can be recalled and leveraged to build loyalty and boost customer satisfaction.

A CRM can also significantly improve customer service through automation. Customer support can be automated to track patterns in customer behavior, which will assist your team with identifying and addressing certain issues before they become problematic. When using a CRM to improve customer service, it is also much more likely to increase customer retention and reduce churn.

When customers continue to return to your business, you can expect to see a definite increase in sales. And because a CRM directly assists with building your sales pipeline, streamlining sales processes and automating important tasks, team members are much more likely to focus on their most profitable customers, which leads to a noticeable increase in overall sales revenue.

What is ERP?

ERP is a software solution that manages and organizes a company’s daily business activities, such as accounting, project management and risk management. An ERP system also ensures that supply chain operations function optimally and continue to provide flexibility when updates need to be made. A robust ERP platform should possess several important features, including an enterprise performance management function, which assists with planning and budgeting a business’s financial results.

ERP systems connect various business processes and allow data to flow smoothly between them. By gathering shared data from different sources, ERP reduces data duplication and ensures improved accuracy, which creates a single reliable source of information. In today’s business landscape, ERP systems are essential for managing businesses of all sizes across many different industries.

What are the benefits of ERP?

ERP systems offer several key benefits for businesses. For example, an ERP system centralizes data across all departments, ensuring that everyone has access to accurate and up-to-date information. This not only improves decision-making and ensures a reduction in errors, but it also promotes better collaboration between team members. With all functions integrated, companies can streamline their processes, automate repetitive tasks, and eliminate inefficiencies, which ultimately saves time and reduces operational costs.

Another benefit of ERP is its ability to improve reporting and analytics. ERP systems provide real-time insights into business performance, helping managers monitor their financials, and forecast future trends. This data-driven approach allows for smarter decision-making and better strategic planning.

Finally, as ERP systems are scalable, they can grow with a business. This flexibility makes it easier for companies to adapt, expand into new markets, and incorporate new technologies, ensuring the system remains useful as the company continues to evolve.

What is the difference between CRM and ERP?

CRM and ERP are both critical systems for businesses but serve distinct purposes. CRM is designed to manage customer relationships, focusing on improving customer satisfaction, retention, and sales. It centralizes customer data and automates sales and marketing processes, which makes it easier to nurture leads and build lasting customer connections. CRM is mostly used by sales, marketing, and customer service teams to optimize customer engagement and boost sales revenue.

On the other hand, ERP is a comprehensive system that integrates essential functions such as finance, inventory, human resources (HR), and production. ERP’s primary goal is to streamline workflows and ensure efficient resource use across departments. By centralizing data from different functions, ERP provides a unified view of business operations, enabling better decision-making and coordination between teams.

While CRM focuses on improving customer relations and driving sales, ERP focuses on optimizing the company’s internal processes. Businesses often integrate both systems to create a cohesive operation, where customer-focused efforts are supported by efficient resource and data management across the entire organization.

Key features of ERP and CRM

ERP systems centralize and streamline a business’s core operational functions, including finance, inventory, HR, and supply chain management (SCM). ERP systems improve efficiency and visibility across all departments, making it easier for teams to collaborate, track performance, and make informed decisions.

Key ERP features include:

  • Real-time data sharing across departments.
  • Automated workflows.
  • Advanced reporting tools that help with budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.

CRM systems focus on managing customer interactions, helping businesses build stronger customer relationships, and drive sales. CRM systems provide insights into customer behavior and buying patterns, enabling sales and support teams to offer a more tailored and responsive customer experience.

Key CRM features include:

  • Contact management.
  • Lead tracking.
  • Sales forecasting.
  • Customer segmentation.
  • Tools for automating follow-ups and creating personalized marketing.

How to choose the right tool for your business

To choose the right CRM vs ERP tools, start by understanding your business’s needs, goals, and budget. For a CRM, consider your team size, customer interaction complexity, and required features like lead tracking and automated follow-ups. You should also make sure the CRM system is user-friendly and can grow with your customer base.

For ERP, choose a solution that fits your industry and integrates well with your current system tools. Make sure it supports essential functions like finance, inventory, and HR, and check for strong reporting, data security, and customization options. Consider looking for flexible solutions and always review the support and training provided by the ERP system to guarantee its smooth implementation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the key difference between CRM and SCM?

Customer relationship management (CRM) focuses on managing a company’s interactions with customers to boost satisfaction, loyalty, and sales. A supply chain management (SCM) system optimizes the flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to end customers, and aims for efficiency and timely delivery.

Can you use ERP for CRM?

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can be used for customer relationship management (CRM) purposes, as many ERP solutions include CRM modules. These modules allow businesses to manage customer data, track interactions, and improve sales processes, although dedicated CRM systems often offer more advanced customer-focused features.

What are the benefits of an ERP?

There are a host of benefits that come with adopting an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for your business. An ERP system centralizes data across departments, which improves communication, efficiency, and decision-making. It also streamlines operations, reduces redundancy, and provides real-time insights, which enhance productivity and scalability.

Can CRM and ERP be integrated?

A customer relationship management (CRM) system and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can be integrated by combining customer-focused and operational data for a complete business view. This integration improves data accuracy, streamlines workflows, and enhances customer service, making for an efficient experience across several business functions.

Posted on by

DHCP: When to Use it (And When Not to)

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) automatically assigns unique IP addresses to your devices, along with other necessary details like subnet masks and default gateway information. This process allows devices to communicate within the network and access the internet.

Automating this process, rather than manually configuring each device, saves a lot of time and reduces errors.

DHCP is a free and reliable way to configure devices on IP networks, but it isn’t without its drawbacks and security vulnerabilities. I’ll walk you through the advantages of it along with the tradeoffs, to help you understand when it’s apt to use.

1 RingCentral Office

Company Size

Employees per Company Size

Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)

Medium (250-999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees) Medium, Enterprise, Large

Features

Hosted PBX, Managed PBX, Remote User Ability, and more

Essential DHCP terms

To understand DHCP, there are a few other terms and technologies you will need to know:

  • IP address: An IP address is a unique identifier for each device on a network. DHCP can dynamically assign addresses from a pool of available numbers, letting devices communicate within the network and on the internet.
  • Subnet mask: This is a number that defines a range of IP addresses available within a network. It helps you divide networks into subnetworks for more efficient management and security.
  • DHCP server: This is a network server that assigns IP addresses, default gateways, and other network parameters to client devices. It relies on the DHCP to respond to broadcast queries by clients.
  • DHCP client: This is any device that requests and obtains an IP address and other parameters automatically from a DHCP server. Clients can include computers, smartphones, and other network-enabled devices.
  • Lease duration: Lease duration is the length of time an IP address is assigned to a device. After the lease expires, the device must request a new IP address or renew the existing one.
  • DNS server: A DNS server translates domain names into IP addresses so that network requests can be routed to the correct servers.
  • Default gateway: The default gateway is a device that serves as an access point or IP router to pass traffic from a local network to other networks or the internet.

How DHCP works

Let’s walk through the process step by step, breaking it down into five discrete stages that ensure seamless IP address allocation and network connectivity. Knowing the fundamentals of computer networking will be really helpful for understanding this process.

DHCP discover

The DHCP process begins when a client device connects to the network and needs to obtain network configuration parameters. It broadcasts a “DHCP discover” message to the network.

This message is a request for configuration information. Since the client device doesn’t yet have an IP address, this broadcast is sent to a special address that all DHCP servers listen to.

DHCP offer

After receiving the discovery message, a server on the network responds to the client, or device, with a “DHCP offer” message.

This message contains critical configuration data, like an available IP address from the server’s pool, subnet mask, and lease duration.

If there are multiple DHCP servers on the network, the client may receive several offers, each with different configuration options.

DHCP request

The client will evaluate all the offers it receives, then select one and respond to the network with a “DHCP request” message.

This message indicates the client’s acceptance of one of the offers and informs all DHCP servers on the network of the decision.

At this point, other servers that made offers will retract them and reserve those IP addresses for other devices.

DHCP acknowledgement

The server that made the selected offer responds to the client with a “DHCP acknowledgement” packet.

This finalizes the lease of the IP address to the client and may include additional configuration information, such as the DNS server address and default gateway.

The client configures its network interface with this information, establishing a connection to the network.

Lease duration and renewal

The process is essentially complete at this point, but the IP address lease is only valid for a specific duration, known as the lease time. This means that before the lease expires, the client must either renew its existing lease or request a new one.

If the client shuts down or leaves the network before the lease expires, it sends a “DHCP Release” message, relinquishing its IP address and making it available for other devices.

When it makes sense to use DHCP

Since DHCP can automate an otherwise tiresome manual process, we generally recommend it for most business and network environments.

Here’s the main reasons why I’ve found DHCP a good choice.

Dynamic network environments

In settings where devices frequently join and leave the network, such as businesses with multiple users or public Wi-Fi networks, DHCP is ideal. It dynamically allocates IP addresses, making it easier to manage a changing roster of devices. Doing this process manually would be much less efficient. If you want to support a Bring Your Own Device network, for example, I’d say DHCP is a must — though you will have to stay on top of BYOD security.

Reduced administrative workload

Since DHCP automates the process of assigning IP addresses, it frees up administrators to spend time on other things. This significantly reduces the workload for your network administrators and minimizes the chance of errors that can occur with manual IP assignments.

Scalability and flexibility

DHCP is highly scalable, so whether your network is small or expanding rapidly, it can adapt. It’ll continue to manage IP addresses efficiently as the number of connected devices on your network grows or shrinks.

When to avoid using DHCP

There are scenarios where assigning a static IP address makes sense. For example, servers, network printers, and other devices that need to maintain a consistent network address for easy accessibility are better suited to static IP addresses.

DHCP can also present security risks or become a single point of failure in a network if it’s not properly secured and monitored. Since IP addresses are assigned dynamically, it can be challenging to track which device had a particular IP address at any given time.

If your server goes down, new devices may be unable to connect to the network, and existing devices may encounter issues upon lease renewal.

What you need to set up DHCP

If you’re clear on the pros and cons and have decided to go with DHCP, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to get everything set up.

  1. DHCP server: The central element of any DHCP setup is the server. This can be a dedicated server, a network router with DHCP capabilities, or a virtual server running on a networked computer. Whatever you choose, the server needs to be reliably connected to your network and configured to manage IP address allocation.
  2. Configurable IP address pool: The server needs a range of IP addresses, known as a pool, from which to assign them to client devices. This pool should be carefully planned to ensure there are enough addresses to accommodate all devices on your network.
  3. Network information: The server also distributes other network information to clients besides IP addresses. This includes the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.
  4. DHCP configuration parameters: You’ll need to set parameters on the DHCP server, such as the lease duration and any specific configuration options required by your network.
  5. Network security considerations: If you’re implementing DHCP in a business environment, your network needs to be secure. Setting up firewalls, securing the DHCP server against unauthorized access, and regularly monitoring network activity are crucial. You can also consider investing in data loss prevention software.
  6. Backup and redundancy: You should always have a backup server or a failover system, which I’ll talk more about below. This can help ensure continuous network operation even if your primary DHCP server runs into issues.

How to get the most out of DHCP

Once your DHCP is up and running, here’s what I recommend you do to maximize its effectiveness.

Regularly update and audit DHCP settings

To maintain security and performance in your network, you’ll need to regularly update and audit your settings. Keep an eye on your IP address pools. As your network evolves, the range of IP addresses allocated by DHCP should be adjusted. This ensures there are always enough addresses to meet demand without over-allocating resources.

Choosing the right lease durations is also key. The appropriate length for leases can vary depending on how your network is used. For example, in a dynamic environment where devices frequently come and go, shorter lease durations might be more effective. In more stable networks, longer leases can reduce the administrative overhead of continually reassigning IP addresses.

Implement DHCP failover for high availability

By setting up a DHCP failover system, you can prevent a single point of failure in your network. The process involves configuring a secondary DHCP server that can take over the responsibilities of the primary server in case it fails or goes offline.

In other words, your server needs to be accounted for when you create a business continuity plan. It’s a critical part of your infrastructure.

The key is to configure both servers so that they have synchronized lease information. Aside from maintaining uninterrupted network service, this also ensures that IP address allocation continues without glitches. This step is particularly important if you’re operating in an environment where network reliability is critical, like large enterprises or service provider networks.

It’s also a good idea to test your failover. Doing so will ensure that it functions as expected when it matters most, like during a server outage.

Segregate networks with DHCP scope

A DHCP scope is a defined range of IP addresses that the server can assign to clients. By defining scopes, you can control how IP addresses are distributed across different segments of your network.

Creating different scopes for various departments, floors, or types of devices helps in efficient network organization and management. This level of segregation can improve network performance, enhance security, and simplify troubleshooting.

What’s more, you can also implement specific security policies or restrictions for each subnet. This can help prevent the spread of network threats and manage controls — just make sure your scopes are configured in a way that prevents IP address conflicts within your address pool.

Manage DHCP scopes

Once scopes are configured, they need to be regularly monitored. If a scope reaches its capacity, it’s a sign that you either need to expand the range of IP addresses in that scope or reevaluate the network’s IP address usage. High utilization rates can lead to IP address exhaustion, where new devices can’t join your network.

Certain devices are better suited for static IP addresses rather than DHCP, it’s true. With scopes, you can set up exclusion ranges for your servers, printers, and other network equipment. Exclusion ranges prevent the server from assigning these addresses dynamically, reducing the risk of IP conflicts.

Monitor and analyze DHCP traffic

Checking over your DHCP traffic will not only help boost your network performance, but also help keep security risks to a minimum.

Implementing tools with real-time monitoring will help your network administrators track where your IP addresses are going. Real-time monitoring can also help flag sudden surges in IP requests, usual network issues, or malicious activities.

You can also set up security alerts for abnormal activities, like multiple failed IP address assignments or requests from unauthorized devices. Detecting these things early can help prevent network intrusions, spoofing attacks, and other network security threats.

Posted on by

Will DECT Devices Work In A Call Center? Yes, With Limits

Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) is a standard used for creating wireless voice communication systems. The most common examples of DECT devices include cordless phones and wireless headsets, though the technology is also used in devices like baby monitors and remote controls.

DECT communications are used in call centers, hospitals, job sites, and other workplaces where wired communication isn’t feasible. The reliability of DECT makes it a relevant player among competing wireless technologies like Bluetooth.

Let’s go through how DECT works, its advantages, disadvantages, and how it compares to using Bluetooth devices in a call center.

DECT systems and unique frequency

A DECT system typically has two components: a base station and a portable handset or headset. Base stations can be connected to a PBX or VoIP phone system as you would other types of phones.

Base stations are fixed in one location and connected to the telephone network. The major function of the base station is to establish and maintain communication between the headset and the network. You can think of them as mini cellular network towers that also function as a charging base. Meanwhile, the headset can be connected to a computer or desk phone through the base station.

Normally, you need to pair a DECT headset to a base station before it can be used. During pairing, a secret authentication key is shared and stored on both devices. Only paired headsets can have access to the DECT network. Unauthorized devices will be blocked if they attempt a connection.

When a headset is within range, it picks up the signal that’s continuously sent by the base station. This signal contains all of the information needed by the headset to connect with and send data through the base station. Multiple headsets, up to five or six depending on the model, can be paired with one base station.

During an active call, the DECT headset converts analog voice signals into digital data and transmits it to the receiving unit via the base station. In the case of inbound data, the base station receives the digital data and converts it back to its original analog state before sending it to the headset.

DECT is designed specifically for voice communication and works on its own frequency range, between 1.8GHz and 1.9GHz, so there’s no interference from other wireless technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

DECT manages its available frequency with TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access). Multiple DECT devices can share the same frequency without overlapping because it’s divided into time slots — every call uses a different channel.

DECT can cover a range of approximately 50 meters inside buildings and up to 300 meters in open space. Similar to other wireless tech, its coverage area can be affected by thick walls and certain weather conditions.

Advantages of DECT in call centers

DECT may not be as popular as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but it still offers a few potentially useful benefits in a call center.

No interference with Wi-Fi

As I mentioned, DECT works on a specific frequency range, 1.8GHz to 1.9GHz, which is separate from Wi-Fi’s range of 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

This separation is beneficial in a call center because it makes DECT less susceptible to interference that can lead to voice distortions and dropped calls. The only possible sources of interference to a DECT headset are other DECT headsets, and there would have to be a lot of them in the same space before this can happen.

If there were only Wi-Fi headsets in a call center, there would be a lot of interference from the headsets themselves, as well as other devices sharing the same frequency like Bluetooth, internet routers, wireless mice, and even microwave ovens in the break room. Interference can lead to call agents hearing conversations from other agents, choppy audio, and dropped calls.

Secure communication

Calls need to be protected against eavesdropping. DECT provides highly secure voice communication using authentication and encryption to minimize the risk of unauthorized access during calls.

DECT uses the DECT Standard Authentication Algorithm (DSAA) that is only accessible to DECT manufacturers. DECT authentication begins with the base station sending a random “challenge” number to the headset. The headset uses the algorithm to generate a response calculated with the authentication key from the initial pairing and the challenge number.

The base station uses the same algorithm to generate its response. It then compares both responses to see if they match, and the call will be allowed to go through if so. Meanwhile, any intruder looking for a way into the system needs physical access to both devices because the authentication key is not transferred over the air.

The second layer of DECT security is encryption, for which it uses the DECT Standard Cipher (DSC). With it, voice data is scrambled before being transmitted to a receiver by using a cipher key that’s calculated during authentication. The receiver can decipher the data using the same key. Again, the cipher key is not transmitted with the data, as it’s stored on the devices instead.

Greater wireless coverage

DECT devices can work up to about 150 feet from a base station inside, and more than twice that when used outdoors.

Class 2 Bluetooth devices are limited to about a 30 feet range. The vast majority of Bluetooth devices are Class 2, like VoIP headsets commonly used in call centers.

Call quality

The basic expectation with DECT is that calls will be as clear and crisp as they would be over traditional copper wire phone lines. With Bluetooth, the call quality expectations are lower because the connection isn’t as stable as DECT.

Were you to invest in really high-quality Bluetooth equipment, you can get the call quality pretty close to DECT. Some people might not even notice the difference. But there’s always the chance of interference with a Bluetooth connection, and if you have a bunch of call center agents in the same room all using Bluetooth, the chances of interference go up.

Limitations of DECT in call centers

DECT provides a call center with both secure and high-quality voice transmissions, but there are some meaningful drawbacks that you should take into consideration.

More equipment to buy and maintain

DECT is a plug-and-play option that works really well for small offices, retail, job sites, and other workplaces where you’re never going to need more than a handful of phones.

A large call center requires a lot more equipment, which comes with significant costs. The costs of each piece depend on the brand and features they offer. DECT headsets, for example, can cost anywhere from $120 to $400 per unit, and base stations can cost up to $1,000 per unit.

When you opt for call center software, you really just have to buy headsets. Good ones aren’t cheap, but you don’t have to think about base stations, extra batteries, and chargers for DECT phones.

Call centers also need to dedicate additional resources when maintaining a large DECT network, which can be complex. First, you’ll need to find the right locations for the base stations to get the best coverage. There also needs to be seamless handovers when agents move within the call center to prevent dropped calls. This involves extensive network planning and mapping that you might not need with other options.

For example, Bluetooth softphones typically offer a more straightforward and cost-effective alternative. They require less equipment, as call agents can use their Bluetooth headsets with softphone applications on their existing computers and mobile phones. Also, due to familiarity, Bluetooth tends to be easier to integrate with existing equipment anyway.

Limited mobility

DECT provides wide wireless coverage but it requires all headsets to stay within the coverage range of a base station, meaning call agents are confined to the call center building. Furthermore, a DECT headset can’t be paired with multiple devices making it less ideal for call agents who work remotely.

Other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth offer more flexibility for call agents who prefer to be mobile or work remotely. Wi-Fi devices can function anywhere there’s an available internet connection. Bluetooth devices can be connected to mobile phones, cars, computers, and so on.

DECT devices are also limited based on the type of data transmitted. It’s for voice communication and doesn’t support other forms of media — at least for now.

DECT vs Bluetooth in a call center

Bluetooth is a simpler and more convenient alternative to DECT. They both have their pros and cons, but ultimately, the decision to use either of them in a call center depends on your needs and priorities.

DECT is designed specifically for voice communication while Bluetooth can work with other forms of media. It provides more wireless range in a building, up to 50 meters, while Bluetooth covers between 10 to 30 meters. Also, Bluetooth shares its frequency band with several other wireless technologies and devices which can shorten its range significantly.

While DECT allows you to have many headsets in the same space and still maintain high-quality audio, Bluetooth is more susceptible to interference — which can lead to poor audio and dropped calls.

Bluetooth offers more mobility, since call agents can pair their headsets to their computers and mobile phones. DECT headsets must remain with the coverage of a base station, which is the only other device it can be paired with. Some of these headsets can connect to mobile phones, but it must be through the base station.

Expanding a DECT system can be more expensive than doing so with a Bluetooth system because of all the additional equipment needed. On the other hand, Bluetooth technology doesn’t provide any additional security.

Finally, DECT headsets use less power than Bluetooth devices, which means more talk time. Their isolated frequency also means it can provide higher-quality audio than Bluetooth headsets. Putting costs aside, DECT can be a better choice for busy, non-remote work environments like call centers.