UPnP query

[philip41]

Hi my router is an Netgear RP614, on the config page of the setup i have noticed that UPnP is set to enabled, the question is should i set it to disabled as this is advised in the operating system, xp pro.

[Ethos]

Well does your router work fine? If so I wouldn't worry about it. If not try without it Simple!!!

[directhex]

the first question is whether you know what UPnP is, what it implies, what it allows, and whether it's a good idea to have it switched on for what you're doing

[youngteam]

UPnP is an unauthenticated protocol that can open holes in your firewall as it sees fit.

Whether you want it on or off depends on how secure you want to be and whether you want to use msn messenger or netmeeting's voice/video etc

[Ethos]

Yea, what he said.

[philip41]

I don't use voice or video and i like secure i hate holes so i reckon i will turn it off then.

thanks guys.

[td5]

Originally posted by youngteam
UPnP is an unauthenticated protocol that can open holes in your firewall as it sees fit.

Whether you want it on or off depends on how secure you want to be and whether you want to use msn messenger or netmeeting's voice/video etc

It doesnt just "open holes", it opens ports on request. Also M$ XML is real poor and can crash some UPNP devices, so may be worth turning off.

[youngteam]

And by opening ports on request could create a nice hole in your protection.

What's to stop a trojan opening a required port for it's self?

[Enverex]

If you like opening ports for everything whenever you want to use something, which, if you play games and use IM programs, could be very often then keep it turned off, but if you aren't stupid enough to go installing trojans then uPnP shouldn't be a problem.

NS

[youngteam]

I guess it's a personal choice. Me I'd prefer security and only open the ports I want opened.

The again as NightShade737 says if you want simplicity and don't have idiots using your network (which I do) then it's an option

[td5]

Originally posted by youngteam
And by opening ports on request could create a nice hole in your protection.

What's to stop a trojan opening a required port for it's self?

Surely if your virus checker is working, and you have a software firewall such as zonealarm that RESTRICTS outgoing traffic, that wont be a problem

[Barry]

Originally posted by td5
Surely if your virus checker is working, and you have a software firewall such as zonealarm that RESTRICTS outgoing traffic, that wont be a problem

zonealarm cound not protect itself let alone block the ports

[td5]

Originally posted by True
zonealarm cound not protect itself let alone block the ports

Then why do millions of people use it?

[directhex]

Originally posted by td5
Then why do millions of people use it?

that's the argument people who use AOL have.

or the PC world shoppers.

ZoneAlarm has caused more problems than I can count, and there are far better products for the same money.

[td5]

Originally posted by directhex
that's the argument people who use AOL have.

or the PC world shoppers.

ZoneAlarm has caused more problems than I can count, and there are far better products for the same money.

PCWorld and AOL both have clear proof why there a load of bull. Ive used Zonealarm on my parents PC for years, its not been hacked, and helps control outgoing. And I dont find it a problem either, I mean how hard is it to control????????

[unrealrocks]

UP&P I found that when I 'unpluged and delayed' my PC would have some serious internet problems, thats why I have it enabled!

OK - ZoneAlarm, FREE ... name a better one and I'll deff give it a go as ZA is good but does have some problems!