Chapter 1 – Introduction and Description
Multi-Tech RouteFinder RF650VPN User Guide
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RF650VPN Technology
Before we look at how the RouteFinder works and how to use it, we will illustrate why the RouteFinder is
necessary for the protection of networks, as well as show which problems and risks exist without an
appropriate security system.
Networks
These days, the Internet is firmly established as the key technology for communication and information
procurement; as a storage medium for knowledge and experience values and as the market place for
information services. Since the beginning, its dimensions have multiplied and from 1995 to 2001, the
world wide increase in domains names has been almost exponential.
The systems in the global network communicate via the Internet Protocol Family (IP), including TCP, UDP
or ICMP. The IP addresses are the basis of this communication. They clearly identify all available units
within the network.
The Internet itself is actually just a collection of computer networks around the world of varying shape,
size and speed. Where two or more networks join, a whole host of tasks arise, which are dealt with by
routers, bridges or gateways. A special type of connection between two networks is called a firewall.
Generally speaking, three types of networks meet at the firewall:
1. External network/Wide Area Network (WAN)
2. Internal Network/Local Area Network (LAN)
3. De-Militarized Zone (DMZ)
Firewall Network Connections