When offering Shared Internet access, SoftRouter Plus incorporates extensive Firewall functionality, preventing unauthorized access into the local network from the Internet.

The diagram above shows a client machine on the internal network accessing a host machine on the Internet. Because the client machine started the communication via SoftRouter Plus, the Internet host can send data back through the SoftRouter to the client machine.

If a machine on the Internet were to try and gain access to a client machine located behind SoftRouter Plus, the SoftRouter would stop it unless the configuration of the SoftRouter were changed to allow access to certain machines on the internal network using a feature called "Inbound Mapping".

SoftRouter Plus therefore stops possible attacks on your network and protects against the "Ping of Death."

SoftRouter Plus' Firewall capability gives you:

	100% Firewall protection against people accessing your network from the Internet.
	The Firewall is active by default, therefore protecting your network from attack from day one of installation.
	Certain access from the Internet can be allowed into your network via an easy to use interface, offering the ability to run a web server or other Internet accessible service from behind SoftRouter Plus.

This major security feature offers headache-free protection of the local network from unwanted Internet users.

For further specific information on any of the features of SoftRouter Plus, choose a section below or return to the SoftRouter Plus main information page, and choose a subject there.