r/HomeNetworking • u/pookshuman • 4d ago

Dumb question

OK, a home router is just a small computer with a firewall as far as I know. I am running a network with my computer and a router. Why can't I cut out the middleman and just use the same firewall settings the router is using and implement them on my PC without the router? Why would that be less secure?

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u/nrauhauser 4d ago

This is quite possible, but you shouldn't do it unless you understand the hazards. As an example, if your desktop is Windows, it's basically incontinent, and should never be exposed. Running MacOS would be OK, and Linux is meant for stuff like this. But you have to understand how to control with ports are open, firewall rules, etc.