Chapter 2
Introduction
This chapter describes the features of the NETGEAR DG834 ADSL Modem Router. The DG834
ADSL Modem Router is a combination of a built-in ADSL modem, modem router, 4-port switch,
and firewall which enables your entire network to safely share an Internet connection that
otherwise would be used by a single computer.
Note: If you are unfamiliar with networking and routing, refer to “Internet Networking
and TCP/IP Addressing:” in Appendix C to become more familiar with the terms
and procedures used in this manual.
About the Modem Router
The DG834 ADSL Modem Router provides continuous, high-speed 10/100 Ethernet access
between your Ethernet devices. With minimum setup, you can install and use the modem router
within minutes.
The DG834 ADSL Modem Router provides multiple Web content filtering options, plus e-mail
alerts and logging. Parents and network administrators can establish restricted access policies
based on time of day, Web site addresses, and address keywords. They can also share high-speed
ADSL Internet access for up to 253 personal computers. The included firewall and Network
Address Translation (NAT) features protect you from hackers.
The DG834 also supports Trend Micro Home Network Security, a bundle of services that includes
router-based Parental Controls and network-wide protection from viruses, Trojans, spyware, spam,
and other Internet threats.
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Key Features
The DG834 ADSL Modem Router provides the following features:
• A built-in ADSL modem
• A powerful, true firewall
• Easy, Web-based setup for installation and management
• Extensive Internet protocol support
• Trustworthy VPN Communications over the Internet
• VPN Wizard for easy VPN configuration
• Auto Sensing and Auto Uplink™ LAN Ethernet connections
• Content filtering
• Support for Trend Micro Home Network Security
These features are discussed below.
A Powerful, True Firewall
Unlike simple Internet sharing NAT routers, the DG834 is a true firewall, using stateful packet
inspection to defend against hacker attacks. Its firewall features include:
• Denial of Service (DoS) protection
Automatically detects and thwarts Denial of Service (DoS) attacks such as Ping of Death,
SYN Flood, LAND Attack and IP Spoofing.
• Blocks unwanted traffic from the Internet to your LAN.
• Blocks access from your LAN to Internet locations or services that you specify as off-limits.
• Logs security incidents
The DG834 will log security events such as blocked incoming traffic, port scans, attacks, and
administrator logins. You can configure the modem router to email the log to you at specified
intervals. You can also configure the modem router to send immediate alert messages to your
email address or email pager whenever a significant event occurs.
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Easy Installation and Management
You can install, configure, and operate the DG834 within minutes after connecting it to the
network. The following features simplify installation and management tasks:
• Browser-based management
Browser-based configuration allows you to easily configure your modem router from almost
any type of personal computer, such as Windows, Macintosh, or Linux. A user-friendly Setup
Wizard is provided and online help documentation is built into the browser-based Web
Management Interface.
• Smart Wizard
A wizard built into the modem router automatically senses the type of Internet connection,
asking you only for the information required for your type of ISP account.
• Remote management
The modem router allows you to log in to the Web management interface from a remote
location via the Internet. For security, you can limit remote management access to a specified
remote IP address or range of addresses, or you can choose a nonstandard port number.
• Diagnostic functions
The modem router incorporates built-in diagnostic functions such as Ping, DNS lookup, and
remote reboot. These functions allow you to test Internet connectivity and reboot the modem
router. You can use these diagnostic functions directly from the DG834 when you are
connected on the LAN or when you are connected over the Internet via the remote
management function.
• Visual monitoring
The modem router’s front panel LEDs provide an easy way to monitor its status and activity.
• Flash erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) for firmware upgrades.
Protocol Support
The DG834 supports Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Routing
Information Protocol (RIP). “Internet Networking and TCP/IP Addressing:” in Appendix C
provides further information on TCP/IP.
• The Ability to Enable or Disable IP Address Sharing by NAT
The DG834 allows several networked PCs to share an Internet account using only a single IP
address, which may be statically or dynamically assigned by your Internet service provider
(ISP). This technique, known as Network Address Translation (NAT), allows the use of an
inexpensive single-user ISP account. This feature can also be turned off comp let ely while
using the DG834 if you want to manage the IP address scheme yourself.
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