the internet firewall provides sharing of a single public ip address through network address translation (nat). it also provides simplified ip address administration using the dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp).

    nat automatically translates multiple ip addresses on the small business lan to one public address that is sent out to the internet. it enables the internet firewall to be used with broadband modems such as the officeconnect cable modem, and with low cost internet accounts where only one ip address is provided by the isp. see “network addressing mode” on page 50 for more information.

    the dhcp server automatically assigns all pcs on the lan with the correct ip information. the dhcp client allows the internet firewall to acquire the correct ip settings from the isp. see “setting up the dhcp server” on page 60 for more information.