Firewall Rules & Final Walkthrough

🎯 Learning Intention

I will configure basic firewall rules in a router and test my home lab network to ensure it is secure and functional.

✅ Success Criteria

• [ ] I can create firewall rules that block or allow specific traffic
• [ ] I can explain the difference between inbound and outbound rules
• [ ] I can test my home lab setup to confirm devices are connected securely

🌍 Why this matters

Firewalls are the first line of defense in any network. Whether you’re working on home Wi-Fi or an enterprise system, knowing how to configure and test firewall rules is critical for certifications like Net+, CCST, and CCNA — and for protecting real systems.

🔓 Warm-Up (Tech Journal • 5 min)

Prompt: Imagine you’re the network admin at school. What’s one type of traffic you might want to block with a firewall, and why?

📚 Vocabulary

• Firewall Rule — instruction to block/allow traffic based on port, protocol, or IP
• Inbound Traffic — data coming into your network from the outside
• Outbound Traffic — data leaving your network to the internet
• Port — a logical endpoint for communication (e.g., 80 = HTTP, 443 = HTTPS)
• DMZ (Demilitarized Zone): a separate area for servers that face the internet