Broadband internet connections

This book explains basic broadband configuration, demonstrating in detail how to configure your system to get the most out of it. You will also find extensive information on running a broadband server and sharing a broadband connection among several networked computers. Because broadband systems are constantly connected to the Internet, security issues are even more pressing than they are with a regular dial-up modem. Broadband Internet Connections provides a pragmatic guide to Internet security by addressing such important topics as assessing risk and methods, and tools for reducing risk.

Specific topics covered include:

• Comparing advantages and drawbacks of DSL and cable
• Drivers, IP addresses, DHCP, and PPPoE for broadband
• The specifics of Windows, MacOS, and Linux configuration
• Using broadband connections for Internet telephony, games, videoconferencing, and more
• Performance tuning and troubleshooting broadband connections
• Obtaining a domain name
• Broadband management of e-mail, Web servers, and game servers
• Remote access with broadband: SSH, FTP, SMB/CIFS, NFS, Telnet, X servers, and VNC
• NAT and conventional routers for networked computers
• Establishing and maintaining Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
• Firewalls, accounts, passwords, and other security tools and methods

In addition to comprehensive and practical explanations, Broadband Internet Connections provides numerous tips, warnings, and notes to enhance your knowledge and skill and enable you to set up and utilize a successful broadband connection.

Table of Contents

I: Broadband Technologies

1: What Can Broadband Do?

Broadband Defined

The Need for Speed

The Appeal of a Dedicated Always-Up Connection

Modest Servers

A Roadmap to the Internet

2: Broadband Over Telephone Lines

DSL Technology Fundamentals

DSL Technology Variants

The DSL Provider Food Chain

Advantages and Drawbacks of DSL

3: Cable-Broadband Over Coax

Cable Technology Fundamentals

Cable Technology Variants

The Cable Provider Food Chain

Advantages and Drawbacks of Cable

4: Unusual and Upcoming Technologies

Broadband by Satellite

Wireless Local Broadband

Fiber-Optic Broadband

A Comparison of Alternative Broadband Technologies

II: Basic Broadband Configuration

5: Methods of Connection and Authentication

Modem Interfaces

IP Address Assignment and Authentication

Adding a Hardware Router to the Mix

6: Configuring a Computer for Broadband

Preparing for Installation

Installing Necessary Drivers

Configuring Static IP Addresses

Configuring DHCP

Configuring PPPoE

Complications on Multi-NIC Systems

7: Using Your Connection

Similarities to Telephone Dial-Up Access

Programs That Use High-Speed Access

Performance Tuning

8: Troubleshooting

Testing Your Configuration

Resolving Local Configuration Problems

Physical Interference Problems

Trouble Outside of Your Control

III: Running Broadband Servers

9: Obtaining a Domain Name

Understanding Internet Domain Names

When to Obtain a Domain Name

Using Conventional Domain Name Registration Services

Using Dynamic DNS Services

10: Running Mail Servers

Why Run a Mail Server? Hostname Considerations

Avoiding Spam

Common Mail Server Pitfalls

Providing Access to Mail

Mail Servers for Assorted OSs

11: Running Web Servers

Why Run a Web Server? Web Server Structure and Function

Web Servers for Assorted OSs

12: Running Game Servers

Why Run a Game Server? Special Needs of Game Servers

Popular Game Servers

13: Accessing Your System Remotely

Why Run a Remote Access Server? Accessing Files Remotely

Tools for Remote Text-Based Access

Running GUI Programs Remotely

IV: Sharing Network Configurations

14: Requirements for Sharing Broadband

Methods of Broadband Sharing

Local Network Requirements

Implementing Network Sharing

15: Configuring a Simple Router

Understanding Routing

Configuring a Windows Router

Configuring a MacOS Router

Configuring a Linux Router

Setting Up a Hardware Router

16: Using NAT and IP Masquerading

Understanding NAT and IP Masquerading? NAT Tools in Windows

NAT Tools in MacOS

NAT Tools in Linux

Configuring a Hardware Router for NAT

17: Configuring a VPN

What Is a VPN? Approaches to VPN

Configuring a PPTP VPN

V: Broadband Security Issues

18: An Assessment of Broadband Risks

How Do Crackers Find Victims?

Common Security Conceptions and Misconceptions

Risks Posed by Servers

Risks Posed by Trojans

The Danger of Viruses and Worms

Denial-of-Service Attacks

Risks to a Network

19: Basic Security Provisions

Reducing Connect Time

Removing Unnecessary Servers

Attending to Accounts and Passwords

Clearing Cracker Tools from Your System

Intrusion Detection

20: Firewall Options

What Is a Firewall? Software Firewall Products

Hardware Firewall Products

Monitoring Firewall Logs

VI: Appendixes

Appendix A: Configuring Windows for Broadband

Driver Information

Using a Wizard

Static IP Address Configuration DHCP Configuration

PPPoE Configuration

Appendix B: Configuring MacOS for Broadband

Driver Information

Static IP Address Configuration

DHCP Configuration

PPPoE Configuration

Appendix C: Configuring Linux for Broadband

Driver Information

Static IP Address Configuration

DHCP Configuration

PPPoE Configuration

Appendix D: DSL Providers

DSL Hardware Manufacturers

DSL Providers

Appendix E: Cable Providers

Cable Hardware Manufacturers

Cable Companies

Cable ISPs

Glossary

Index