Apple AirPort Networks - Manual (Page 9)

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AirPort Security
This chapter provides an overview of the security features
available in AirPort.
Apple has designed its wireless devices to provide several levels of security, so
you can enjoy peace of mind when you access the Internet, manage online financial
transactions, or send and receive email. The AirPort Extreme Base Station and
Time Capsule also include a slot for inserting a lock to deter theft.
For information and instructions for setting up these security features, see “Setting Up
the AirPort Extreme Network” on page 17.
Security for AirPort Networks at Home
Apple gives you ways to protect your wireless AirPort network as well as the data that
travels over it.
NAT Firewall
You can isolate your wireless network with firewall protection. Apple wireless devices
have a built-in Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall that creates a barrier
between your network and the Internet, protecting data from Internet-based IP attacks.
The firewall is automatically turned on when you set up the device to share a single
Internet connection. For computers with a cable or DSL modem, AirPort can actually be
safer than a wired connection.
Closed Network
Creating a closed network keeps the network name and the very existence of your
network private. Prospective users of your network must know the network name
and password to access it. Use AirPort Utility, located in the Utilities folder in the
Applications folder on a Macintosh computer using Mac OS X, or in Start > All
Programs > AirPort on a computer using Windows, to create a closed network.