Windows 7: Questions on internet/router/modem-settings.

Hello,

I'm new here and I'm sorry to immediately drop such a question on you,
but I'm in a bit of a rush to get my internet-connection setup properly if it isn't.
Here are a couple of questions I have:

(Note: It's not like I don't know anything about network-configurations,
but it's safe to say it's limited, at least hard or confusing for me.
Plus: Keep in mind I'm speaking of a wired connection by the way.)

First of all, is there a way to setup a connection in a secure manner?
So specific IP-settings and such things, or would any settings that connect do the job
and security depends on the router or the software on the computers connected?

Then, I've been on sites like PortForward, which is probably the best-known one for this.
It states that you should/can setup Static IP and forward ports for each application.

I understand the difference between a Static IP and a Dynamic IP.
But I do not understand why you "have to" forward ports.
I mean, I've already used different online applications on my PC,
while having a Dynamic IP at first and a Static IP later without forwarding any ports.
And it all worked.
So what does it change? Does it make for more stable connections or what does it do?
It's not like it doesn't work without forwarding the ports, so what does it matter?




My network consists out of a router of course,
a main PC with a cable attached from the router to the motherboard,
then also a Laptop/Notebook connected with a Powerline Network Adapter
to a power-outlet and another adapter on a power-outlet near the router connected to the router.
Then also a PlayStation 3 connected in the same way.


So, finally, what is the best way to set everything in the router and addresses etc.?
To of course make it stable and secure.


Greetings!

Hi DamageIncM, Welcome to 7F,

To secure your network, choose WPA2-AES from your router, then all wireless computers will be prompt to key in the network key to be connected to your secured network. If you need a detail guide on how to do this, please provide the exact Make and Model of your Router.
As for the Port forwarding concerns, you will also configure this in your router, if there are Apps/Programs that doesn't work properly then you'll have to port forward Port Nos. for these to function. I use Portforwarding.com for this.

Your router must have DHCP enabled, so that Dynamic IP (or Auto IP-An IP address that changes every time) will be distributed in all the computers in your network. Static IP or Manual IP is a fixed IP and stays. The recommended settings in your router and computer is DHCP.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for your reply.

But, first of all, as noted, I don't use any wireless connections.

On top of that, I still don't know why I'd have to forward ports.
I did notice a NAT3-connection (or something) for my PS3.
So I guess I'd have to forward ports for that?
(While I did do it for 1 game to try out and it didn't help.
Would it help to forward the PSN-ports or is that just for the PS Store?)

And also, according to PortForward, you have to have a Static IP when you want to forward ports.

Another thing about forwarding ports:
In my router, when I have to assign games or applications to a device,
I have to pick the port-settings from a list (no problem)
and then also pick the designated device form a list.
But I can not find any different devices in that list, just 1 with a strange name.
While also 2 computers and the PS3 might be on, there aren't multiple devices shown.
The description does however note that "if I can't find the device I can enter the IP".
But how do I know which IP belongs to which computer or the PS3?

Thanks for verification. Also, just to let you know, if Wireless is enabled in your router and although you're not using wireless connection in you home, make sure that your network is secured. Otherwise if Wireless is disabled and not even Broadcasting then there's nothing to worried about.
From the computers in your network, click on Start => in search box type cmd press enter. From the black screen, type the word ipconfig /all and press enter. In here you'll be able to see the IP Address of your computer, then make a note of it and follow the guide again from portforward.com.