Topic: SME Installation

[Guest]

Hello All,

Can any one pls confirm my proposed network topology for SME deployment on my home network. I plan to use SME in Server mode to provide file sharing etc, my DSL router/firewall will provide DCHP functionality. Should I configure SME to run via the DMZ so all port forwarding is performed by the server. However by placing SME here will this not deactivate my Firewall? Bellow is the planned layout:

Internet -- <DSL rtr> -- SME Server
            -- Wireless AP   
                                -- Wireless Client 1
            -- Wireless Client 2

Also how can I configure SME Server for PPTP to my Wireless Clients?

Any help will be much appreciated

Cheers
SSG

[Boris]

Putting SME in the server-only mode in the DSL/routers DMZ efectively puts it right on the internet with no protection. Do not do it. If you need public services from SME (web, e-mail etc..) forward those ports only to LAN located SME server.
Another way is to disable router's firewall or put router in the brige mode, using it as a DSL modem basically. Then configure SME as server-gateway and connect rest of the comps and AP to the LAN interface of SME.

[guest]

Cheers for the info Boris, I think I will keep the SME in Sever mode and as you said just port-forward from the router.

Any ideas how I can use SME to further secure my Wireless Network, yeah I’m using WEP and MAC filtering however as you prob know it’s a very basic form of security.

SSG

[Boris]

SME in the server-only mode has firewall disabled and does nothing to your security. MAC filtering on the router is efficient protection from neighbors and should be good enough for home network. For the “serious” intruders (not serious answer) AK or AKM is much better.
Before your scratch your head thinking what AK is, that is famous  Automatic Rifle “Kalashnikov”