On Sun, 19 Dec 2004, Suresh Ramasubramanian wrote:
On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 22:07:58 -0500 (EST), Sean Donelan <sean@donelan.com> wrote:
On Sun, 19 Dec 2004, Suresh Ramasubramanian wrote:
Just asking .. any idea how many cable / dsl operators around the world - not just in the USA - provide hardware firewalls along with their CPE equipment - or perhaps provide CPE equipment that's capable of firewalling?
How many dialup operators around the world provide hardware firewalls? Or is the modem built into your computer or bought as an add-on card?
Not a valid comparison.
At least some manufacturers make hardware firewalls that are also PPPoE / PPPoA dsl modems. Linksys for example. Several other manufacturers don't do this.
Why isn't a valid comparison? Since Carterphone, you are not required to buy CPE from a telecommunications company in the USA. That includes modems. Cable has different laws, but also has an "open cable equipment" requirement. A consumer can buy a compatible Dialup/DSL/Cable modem from any consumer electronic store. The buzzword you need to look for is "modem" versus "gateway." Gateways generally have both modems and routers, and now firewalls. Modems are just modems. As you point out, you can buy gateways with built-in DSL or Cable modems as well as routing and firewall capabilities such as Motorola, Linksys, D-Link, 2wire, Cisco, etc. Some manufactures, such as Apple AirPort Extreme, also make dialup gateways with dialup modem PPP and firewall capabilities. Its a myth that dialup is "safer" than broadband. Essentially all the major DSL and Cable broadband providers in the USA sell/lease broadband gateways with built-in DSL or Cable modems and firewalls. Looking at the ordering web-sites for several major broadband providers, it appears the most common preferred equipment package is a WiFi home gateway with built-in dsl or cable modem and firewall. Its as simple as calling your favorite broadband provider, placing an order and giving them your credit card number to pay for the equipment. Most broadband providers also offer less expensive modem-only CPE. And, because of Carterphone, people can buy their CPE from other sources. Even if providers only sold CPE with firewalls, consumers could choose to save $50 and buy a modem-only CPE without a firewall from a consumer electronics store. Or are you suggesting we should overturn Carterphone in the USA, and require consumers use only telecommunication carrier provided CPE? Maybe Ma Bell was right after all.