Can Anyone Help Me With My Modem?

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 3:26 pm

Hi,

I know this is probably completely OT, but I thought I would give it a go.

I had to get myself a new modem as my old one stuffed up on me. I used to have an Alcatel 330 USB modem but now I have a Speedtouch 546 modem which is basically a multi PC connection modem/router which connects via a network card and not usb.

Previously, I could see with my old one when I was online and also see what my speed was (via my taskbar), plus I had an Icon on my desktop. However, now I don't seem to have that option. I seem to automatically go online when I power up the PC and there is no way to see if I am online nor can I see what my speed is. I don't want to always connect to internet when I am using my PC. I don't see how I can go on/off line when I choose to. Can anyone help?

I hope it's clear what I am trying to say and I apologise for this being totally OT. I realise that I can ask support help from my ISP, but it means waiting a couple of days and I want to know ASAP.

Thanks

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 3:58 pm

Thanks for your (very quick) reply Stardust.
Yes it is a ADSL Modem/Router. I also pay a fixed rate each month
Do you know how I can choose whether I want to go online or not? As I said before, it automatically goes online as soon as I switch on the PC and I don't want to always go online. I would like the option of choosing when I want to go online or not. Or is this standard with LAN'Ethernat Modems?
Thanks for the link to for the software that allows me to see the traffic, but shouldn't this be standard anyway when I installed my new modem without the need for 3rd party stuff?

Thanks

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 4:50 pm

Thanks again Stardust for your reply. However, I am still not clear about a couple of things.

1) Excuse my ignorance but what do you mean by SW? If you mean software, I have a software firewall nstalled (ZoneAlarm Pro)

2) What do you mean by point 2?

Once again excuse my ignorance and thanks!

Oh, one more question. I also have a problem now with online gaming. Even though I can surf the net, I can't seem to join an online game anymore. Why is this?

[ This Message was edited by: Atomic Marshmallow on 2005-11-12 16:59 ]

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 6:35 pm

your questions are very likely to be answered by the manual of the router, which this thing actually is - the modem is only a small part of it.

The lights on the front panel should indicate if the modem really uses the physical line connection.
It's probably configured to autoconnect on request and whenever Windows starts up, it generates network traffic which is interpreted as such a request.
As Stardust writes, you can define an idle period after which the modem hangs up (the light on the front panel should change).

Regarding 2) there is lots of software which attempts to connect to an internet site without actually informing you.
The clock options of the PC might be set to adjust the time by using a Network Time Server.
Automatic software updates - which isn't a good idea at all with a modem...

Software that reports it's use or (in really bad cases) that executes a hidden function on your PC and transmits it's results (whatever that may be).

If you're supposed to suffer from the latter two options greatly depends on what sites you visit on the net, what stuff you download or if you open obscure email attachments.
A 'careful' dealing with those items almost guarantees a troublefree networking.

In your current configuration you can deactivate the software firewall running on the PC, as your router/modem combi hides your physical network adress from the internet - the process is called Network Adress Translation (NAT in the manual) AND has a firewall built in.

This firewall seems to be active and configured in a way that online games cannot connect anymore - there's a chapter in the manual regarding exactly that topic.

also keep in mind that a firewall is no protection against anything that you've (down)loaded and executed on your PC (programs, mail attachments) - that stuff isn't called 'Trojan' for nothing

I just mention these things (of which you're probably aware anyway) because they exist, in fact your current setup is a pretty safe construction. The NAT feature alone is already a great improvement of safety.

cheers, tom

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 7:03 pm

Thanks Astroman for your response!!

So are you saying that the built in Firewall I have in my Modem/Router is better than my software one (ZoneAlarm Pro) and that now I can stop using Zone alarm or at least not continue my subsription of it (that will save me a little money)?

Is there anything I can do regarding waht you said about:
"The clock options of the PC might be set to adjust the time by using a Network Time Server."

Thanks

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 8:27 pm

The clock options of the PC might be set to adjust the time by using a Network Time Server.

not sure where this is adjusted in XP
on Macs under OSX it's the default setting of the clock panel, but that could as well be due to unix heritage

I don't know the firewall of that box or ZoneAlarm in detail, nor do I know your particular safety needs - but do I know that the biggest risk is still the person that operates the PC.

Those router firewalls (in this price range) are probably not configurable in the most detailed way, but they do their job.

ZoneAlarm Pro is much more than a firewall and some of it's functions are also available as free software.
It's probably a good one-click-no-worries solution, but that has it's price and performance fee

Imho they adress a bit too much emotions on their site, which makes them suspect to me anyway... and this IS a HUGE market segment.

if you do a lot of games, email with more than the usual business contacts, download demos etc, the the 50 bucks per year could be a good investment - for me they'd be a waste.

...and who tells that they don't spy and monitor your computer ? You allow them a permanent network connection as a trusted party...

cheers, tom - kidding

[ This Message was edited by: astroman on 2005-11-12 20:38 ]

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 9:21 pm

Thanks everyone who has responded.
One more question. Is it true that with LAN connections you are always connected to the internet? That it is the "nature" of LAN to work that way? I have created a shortcut on my desktop of my LAN connection to enable it ON to connect online and OFF to disconnect. It seems to work, though am I doing something that I shouldn't do if I do that?

I hope I can figure out how I can open ports for my online games and there was a way to see what my connection speed is.

I apologise for my ignorance in these matters, but it is all new to me.

Spirit · Post by **Spirit** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 9:48 pm

Do a free speed test here:
http://bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/

If you have a decent firewall and anti-virus software then it's not a concern leaving your machine permanantly connected. I think as Tom pointed out it's more significant what you do and where you go (just like the real world) as to your likelihood of picking up something nasty.

A LAN is nothing more than "local area network". So I don't understand your reference to that.

IMHO for good protection you come through a router and have good anti-virus software, a firewall and do regular sweeps of your machine with:

AdAware & Spybot:
http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file_d ... 423,00.asp

Hijack This
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

In anti-virus software (and firewall) I like Norton Internet Security package. Many here hate it. But it has protected me without fail.

petal · Post by **petal** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 4:43 am

There's something I don't understand. It sounds to me that you have an internetaccount that allows you to stay on the net 24/7 without paying extra for it right? If this is the case why would you want to go through all this trouble in order to be able to turn off and on the connection?

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 6:06 am

To answer your question Petal, I choose not to stay online 24 hours, seven days a week. I want to exercise the choice on whether I want to be online or not and just because I can doesn't mean I want to.

To address your query Spirit:

The reason I wrote LAN is because that is how my internet connection is displayed as. I always thought that LAN only refered to a network connection you may have at say your home, but now it seems that is how I connect to Internet. Maybe it has something to do with my new modem/router as it is a multi PC one now and not just for a single connection (perhaps).

By the way Spirit, didn't you use to work at Brashes or Allens in Melbourne? If so, I remember meeting you quite a few years ago there and we spoke at length about music and stuff.

virtualstudio · Post by **virtualstudio** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 6:37 am

hi,
to go offline:
Start>Control Panel>Network Connections> lan-connection>disconnect and then the next time you start up it is still disconnected
if you want to go omn line just the same and connect.
as for clock settings:
just go to your controle screen go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Date and Time > Internet Time > Untick "Automatically synchronize with an internet time server"

good luck.

[ This Message was edited by: virtualstudio on 2005-11-13 06:38 ]

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 9:22 am

Thanks Stardust for your response. Just a quesion though about firewalls. My new modem/router has a built in firewall. I also use Zone Alarm pro> I was told by a guy in the help section that I don't need 2 firewalls anymore and that I can delete Zonealarm. Would you agree with that? If I don't need ZoneAlarm it would save me some money, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 10:16 am

as far as the firewall is concerned you do not need Zone Alarm pro.

Imho they do not even charge for this functionality - what you pay for is that email and spyware checking and updating (as that sh*t chanes almost daily...) and 'privacy' maintainance an whatever else is included in the package.

If you are unexperienced and visit the wrong places it's only a matter of time until you catch something unpleasant.
If you avoid the risks then the program is not needed of course.

In any case you have to proceed at your own risk.
As you probably paid the fee anyway you could use Zonealarm to study network safetey.
Just try to understand what the items mean and google up one or the other.
You'll find experiences of other users and even tutorials.
Not all at once, just one item that you find most interesting (or strange), next week another.
It's not that difficult and your knowledge and attention will quickly grow.

cheers, tom

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 10:32 am

Thanks for your reply Astroman (and everyone else who have responded-very much appreciated)!!

But just to clarify. Are you saying that I don't need a software firewall at all or are you saying that I don't need the pro version as it only has a couple of extra features the free one doesn't have?

What do you mean by wrong places? Can you specify an example please?

And finally what do you mean by:

"As you probably paid the fee anyway you could use Zonealarm to study network safetey.
Just try to understand what the items mean and google up one or the other.
You'll find experiences of other users and even tutorials. "

Thanks

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 2:13 pm

On 2005-11-13 10:32, Atomic Marshmallow wrote:
...or are you saying that I don't need the pro version as it only has a couple of extra features the free one doesn't have?

you do not seem to know (or care) about those couple of extras - sack the program

I originally assumed you had that version intentionally to be on the safe side with email attachments and spyware, too.
For the firewall only there's no need to pay 50 bucks/year.

What do you mean by wrong places? Can you specify an example please?

god beware

I try to avoid certain words, as search engines (like Google) index this place and the context attracts the wrong kind of people.
it's about sites which provide downloads of software with removed protection, serial numbers, sparly to none dressed guys 'n gals - sometimes referred to as the red-light-district-of-the-internet

...you could use Zonealarm to study network safetey. ...
You'll find experiences of other users and even tutorials.

well, you don't have to - I meant simply (if you're interested) to improve your knowledge about network operation and safety.
It's not exactly required, but often very handy - and it's better to know at least a little bit how these things work.

Those network breakdowns (covered in news) when another 'worm' program spreads with an avalanche of network traffic, have 2 reasons:
an idiotic operating system (that makes the attack possible at all)
and users without any idea about what they click and do.
there are thousands each day who open obscure email attachements because '...it cannot harm, our department has anti-virus software'
if you cannot laugh about the last sentence, then it's probably time to refresh some basic knowledge

cheers, Tom

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 3:29 pm

Once again thanks for your responses!!

Stardust it seems that my modem/router firewall is a NAT one, so I guess then I need to continue using my software asweel in order to have "proper" protection? Seeing I use the paid for pro version , which apparently gives me more protection should I stick with it or will the free version suffice? I'd rather be safe than sorry.

My apologies for constantly asking questions regarding this topic, but I lack a lot of knowledge in this particular area.

Thanks

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 2:33 am

all current router/modem combinations do NAT and have a firewall built in, which is usually active by default and blocks anything (by default) except 'regular' web access.
As Stardust wrote, the capabilities of these firewalls vary, but this doesn't have to concern you - your couldn't operate a sophisticated one anyway due to your admitted lack of knowledge

So I'd rather suggest you keep ZoneAlarmPro at least until you know better (opposed to my previous post).

Internet - modem - NAT - firewall - router - yourlocalnet - your PC

the modem does nothing but physically transform the signals
NAT translates between a public network adress (which you get from your provider) and a local adress (provided by your box).
The latter acts as a door to the internet for your PC and is usually referred as 'gateway'.

It's the job of the router to translate the adresses of data packets between these two rings:
the outer one (Internet) and the inner one (your local net), which is 1 humble system, but qualifies as a net technically

The 2 rings have intentionally incompatible adresses, so no machine from outside can directly access your PC, which in turn cannot get outside (even with a proper physical connection it couldn't because the network numbers don't match).

All and every traffic has to go through the router box and it's programs as there are: firewall and NAT.

in fact it IS complicated, but only in description, the box does it all automatically.

maybe this 'visual' representation of the traffic path makes it easier to understand where the safety mechanisms are placed.

The separation of adresses is the biggest hurdle to directly access your box.
Otherwise (for example) your printer would be visible on the internet if you have clicked 'share with others' - not exactly useful, but could be annoying...

The firewall further refines this as it knows about which types of data packets belong to which application etc, and if it's a good one it peeks at each single bit that crosses it's line and filters out what's considered inappropriate.
Don't worry about the details, the standard setup works pretty well.

All this covers only safety concerns with more or less direct connections between machines. The NAT makes it 'less direct' and the firewall additionally inspects and filters data packets.

It does not cover at all the risks of stuff you load on your computer and THAT is a far greater concern today.

Any program you load via the internet could (potentially) have hidden content that either installs a virus program or turns your machine into a kind of server without that you even notice.
The latter isn't exactly true in your special case, as the modem connection is very slow by nature, so your machine would probably 'feel' strange in such a situation.

A firewall is of no help in this context, as it can only inspect single data packets - it cannot (for obvious reasons) detect something in a packed program file.
It wouldn't even bother as you downloaded it via regular web access, which is allowed.

that's why I suggest you keep ZoneAlarmPro - today the firewall is your least concern, as most 'attacks' are done by moving hidden content to your machine via regular file transfers or email attachments.

cheers, Tom

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 4:50 pm

Wow!!! Thanks Astroman for your lengthy response. I really appreciate the trouble you have gone through (and everyone else who has responded) to answer my queries !! PlanetZ has a lot of very helpful people and is a valuable source of information.

One final question on this subject and I will never raise the issue again.

I don't seem to be able to play online games anymore. I have succeeded with some connections but most of the time I haven't. So it seems just pot luck. The help desk of my ISP say I shouldn't need to open up ports to be able to play. But some people are saying I need to allow access to certain ports. But then why is it that I have been able to play some games and not others. Prior to getting this new modem, I had no trouble. And is it safe to allow access to gaming ports?

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 5:34 pm

On 2005-11-14 16:50, Atomic Marshmallow wrote:
...But then why is it that I have been able to play some games and not others. Prior to getting this new modem, I had no trouble...

this depends on how the games are programmed - not all created equal.
As explained above: in your prior setup the game server could 'see' your machine directly (required for some games), as your ISP assigned a COMPATIBLE adress when you connected.

He still does the same with your new box, which pretends to be your PC to the outside world.
In reality the box forwards the incoming traffic to a local network adress and this one is NOT COMPATIBLE with the adresses used outside your network.
That's why it's called NAT (Network Adress Translation)
It is this way for safety purpose.

can't help you with details regarding game setup - but afaik the router does the same as above just the other way round.
It has to be configured according to the requirements of the game

cheers, tom

Atomic Marshmallow · Post by **Atomic Marshmallow** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 7:31 pm

Sorry I wasn't clear enough in what I was saying.

What I meant to say was, that playing the very same game (Generals by the way, an RTS strategy just in case you didn't know), I could connect sometimes, but most of the time I couldn't. So just playing generals and not any other games, I could coneect sometimes, or someone could connect to me if I was hosting, but usually it didn't work.