Network Security
Security Issues
Networking makes accessing and sharing information easy. Unfortunately, its makes your personal information easily obtainable as well. Each network is identified by the IP address given it by the ISP, and then each PC in that network is uniquely identified with a MAC (media access control) address permanently burned into the NIC. Therefore, anyone can easily see you and your network and trace where you've been online and actually steal personal information about you--your name, address, telephone numbers, and even credit card numbers if you've used them to buy things online. Skillfully malicious people prey on unwittingly unsecured information. It is understandably important that you secure your network.
The Secure Solution--Routers
The best way to do so is by simply installing a router into your network. Hooking your hub or switch up to a router isolates your network. People online can still see that there is a network, but no further. They can not see the individual PCs within the network nor can they tell how many individual PCs there are within the network. 
Boosting Performance
Besides securing your network, another plus for installing a router into your network is the boost in performance it gives. A network using only a switch will function well until it reaches the range of 20-25 computers. Installing a router will actually break up the network, then allowing up to 200+ computers to be integrated into the network.
Two-in-One Combo
Companies actually now make a switch/router combination, called a switched-router. You get the capabilities of a switch and a router all in one. These are a great way to increase both security and performance for your network.
Last Updated 3/29/04
Dustin Wilder
Student, University at Albany