3G without a router... safe?

[duk3]

I was recently informed by someone that it's not a good idea to go online with just a 3G modem, and that I should have a 3G router to be safe.

I've read that default 3G APNs block incoming traffic, and someone at Cell C confirmed some time ago that they do this, only allowing certain traffic through, or some such. And grc.com states that my IP address has no reverse DNS. I just have a software firewall, so would this be enough, or is it true that I'm in real danger by not using a router, like I have been doing for years?

 

[Anthro]

You should be fine on incoming traffic, as you are behind a NAT firewall your "real IP" is never really known to the outside world.

The only case where I would recommend a router / firewall is where (as in your first statement) you request to be put on the "unrestricted apn" - this causes your connection to become swiss cheese - full of holes !

The unfortunate side of the coin, is then that you are unable to do remote desktop to your 3G connection (which some people like to have)when on the NAT side of the MTN / Vodacom etc. firewalls

 

[Joker]

Whats your current computers IP address?

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/A-leve...ternet/Structure_of_the_Internet/IP_addresses

If it's in the private range then as Anthro said you're behind a NAT so you're fine.

 

[duk3]

Okay. Thanks, Anthro.

Joker, it's currently a 10.x IP, which I think according to that page you linked to is in the private range. But there are 41.x (less common for me nowadays) and 197.x, so I don't think any of those are private ranges.