Router NAT Firewall
If you own a router, then you are using a network address translation (NAT) firewall. NAT firewalls allow multiple devices to share a single public IP address, keeping your network safe by blocking unwanted traffic.
When a device on your network tries to access the internet, the router will create a NAT session and assign a unique port number to the session. This port number is used to allow replies from the internet to the correct device on your network.
Additionally, NAT firewalls also have the ability to block incoming traffic to your network. This is useful for preventing unauthorized access to your network from the internet.
Many routers also have advanced firewall features beyond NAT, such as deep packet inspection and intrusion detection. These features can help identify and block malicious traffic before it reaches your network.
It's important to keep your router's firmware up to date to ensure it has the latest security features and patches. You should also use strong passwords to protect your router from unauthorized access.
In summary, NAT firewalls are an essential part of any home or office network. They provide a layer of protection by blocking unwanted traffic and allow multiple devices to share a single public IP address. Keeping your router updated and secure is important for the safety of your network.