DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
A Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a network segment that is separated from other networks. Many organizations use them to separate their Local Area Networks (LAN) from the Internet. This puts additional security between their corporate network and the public Internet. It can also be used to separate one particular machine from the rest of a network, moving it outside of the protection of a firewall.
Frequent Uses
Common items that are placed in a DMZ are public-facing servers. For example, if an organization maintains its website on a server, that web server could be placed in a computer "Demilitarized Zone." In this way, if a malicious attack ever compromises the machine, the remainder of the company's network remains safe from danger. Someone can also place a computer on a DMZ outside of a network to test for connectivity issues being created by a firewall protecting the rest of the system.
Common items that are placed in a DMZ are public-facing servers. For example, if an organization maintains its website on a server, that web server could be placed in a computer "Demilitarized Zone." In this way, if a malicious attack ever compromises the machine, the remainder of the company's network remains safe from danger. Someone can also place a computer on a DMZ outside of a network to test for connectivity issues being created by a firewall protecting the rest of the system.
Router Setup and Functionality
When connecting a LAN to the Internet, a router provides a physical connection to the public Internet, and firewall software offers a gateway to prevent malicious data from entering the network. One port on the firewall often connects to the network using an internal address, allowing traffic being sent out by individuals to reach the Internet. Another port is usually configured with a public address, which allows Internet traffic to reach the system. These two ports allow inbound and outbound data to communicate between the network and the Internet.
When connecting a LAN to the Internet, a router provides a physical connection to the public Internet, and firewall software offers a gateway to prevent malicious data from entering the network. One port on the firewall often connects to the network using an internal address, allowing traffic being sent out by individuals to reach the Internet. Another port is usually configured with a public address, which allows Internet traffic to reach the system. These two ports allow inbound and outbound data to communicate between the network and the Internet.