(noob) to router or not to router

[jostytosty]

I have read all the documentation about the checkpoint firewal. and i have studied all the pics.(gettingstratedFW1.pdf) and all the pics show the use of a router. but i haven't found any reason why. is the use of a router required or not. and what would you do.

thanx in advance

 

[Piloria]

The router refered to is usualy the connection to the internet as provided by your ISP
routers are needed (or gateway or some routing method) for one network to communicate to another network. if you are using an alternate method of "Routing" traffic between networks then you will not need a router.

if your network is already configured then you will need to find a place to slot your firewall where it becomes the gateway between networks.

to get an answer that makes sence (i am rambaling a little) give me an idea of what network configuration you have and where you want the firewall. (dont use real IP numbers but something that gives me an idea of the structure)

 

[jostytosty]

so you are basicly saying that the router is a symbol for a internet connection??

There is no network configuration yet. The plan is to make 1 SBS2000 server connected to a localnet and probebly in the near future a dmz (ftp)we have ordered a xs4all conneciton. but what i want to know is: do i need a router to establich a internet connection?

so is it

Internet - firewall - server - localnet

Or

internet - router - firewall - server - localnet

Does my question make sense or is it really really stupid??? because i just started to study checkpoint software and i have no experiance in other firewalls. I am doing this because i am a trainee so i really need to do this properly!!!

thanx!!

 

[Piloria]

depending on your ISP and what they are suppling. but i would assume they will provide some kind of router (Double check this)
usualy the isp will provide a network connection from a router and you will then plug in a hub/switch or a crossover cable direct into your firewall depending on if you need any external machines to your firewall (Not recomended)

(Internet - router) - firewall - localnet - servers
|
DMZnet - server
provided by ISP - provided by you.

the firewall acts as a gateway between the ISP (internet) and your internal DMZ and local net. (the firewall having sperate network cards for the dmz and local net)

as long as you isp is giving you an rj45 connection then you can assume they are providing the router.