Introduction
Owners of home Wi-Fi routers can sometimes face the fact that some programs or games work with restrictions. In some cases, it is advised to use forwarding in the router. There are several methods of forwarding, each of which has some advantages and disadvantages. One of these is the DMZ. In most models of network devices, this item is present in the parameters, but not everyone knows what it is and why to use it. If you also do not know, this information is for you.
Most ordinary users have not even heard of DMZ technology.
What is DMZ
It is a physical or virtual server that serves as a buffer between the local network and the Internet. It is used to provide users of the local network with e-mail services, remote servers, web applications and other programs that require access to the World Wide Web. To access internal resources from the outside, you need to go through the authorization procedure; an attempt to log in for unauthorized users will not succeed. In most cases, this is a router setup.
The name comes from the English abbreviation denoting the demilitarized zone as a barrier between the warring territories. This technology is used when you create a home server, access to which should be carried out from any computer connected to the Internet. This demilitarized zone is used in large corporate networks with a high level of internal protection. Home models of routers fully open the computer to access the Internet.
When is DMZ used?
Given the openness of the computer, the method is considered quite dangerous, so you should use it when other methods of redirection do not give the desired result.
- For applications requiring the opening of all available ports. Those are few, but they are found.
- Hosting a home server. Sometimes you need to locate a shared resource at home, so this setting will be indispensable for separating the server from the local network.
- Using game consoles. In most moments, the automatic setup of the router redirection allows you to use the console to play online without additional manipulation. But in some cases, only the DMZ will give the desired effect.
Configuring DMZ in the router
In order for the DMZ to work successfully on your network, the router must be configured correctly. It is absolutely not difficult. Log in to the installation via the web interface. Usually, the IP address, login and password of the login indicate on the router itself or in its instructions. Depending on the manufacturer, this section may be located either in the “Internet Settings” tab or “Forwarding”.
- The first step in setting up a DHCP server is to assign a static address to the device on which the server will be organized;
- After that, in the DMZ tab, activate the “Enable” item and add the assigned IP address, save and reboot the device;
- Take care that the latest security updates are installed on all devices on the network, because, despite the convenience, they are at additional risk.
Conclusion
Now you know what a DMZ is and how it is configured. Usually at home it is practically not necessary to use it.
Do you use this technology on your router? For what purpose? We invite you to leave comments.