Uses of DMZ In Network Security (Demilitarized Zone)

Have you ever noticed a feature DMZ while configuring an ISP modem or router?

DMZ is one of the network features available in every SOHO router.

In my experience, many people without a network engineering background have zero ideas about this feature.

DMZ stands for Demilitarized Zone.

If you place a device in your network in DMZ, that device won't have much access to other devices connected to the network.

A device placed in DMZ is more exposed to external threats. Logically the device in DMZ is outside of the network with limited security.

All ports of the DMZ host are open and exposed to the external elements.

So, why do we use DMZ?

DMZ host has its own merits and demerits.

What is The Use of DMZ in a Network?

If you are a hardcore online gamer, you know the hurdles of the router firewall and NAT.

In most cases, simple port forwarding allows you to continue online gaming, but rarely it does not work.

The ultimate solution for firewall issues in online gaming is to place your gaming computer in DMZ.

Placing your gaming PC in DMZ means the PC is outside the router firewall protection.

Also, your computer has a limited connection to other computers in your home network.

Technically DMZ host is outside the network. So other hosts in your network are safe even if the DMZ host is compromised.

Though a hacker compromised the DMZ computer, the attacker will not get access to other devices in the network.

So you can run a web server on your computer that can be in DMZ without risking the security of other devices in your network.

Consider a home network having three laptops and two desktop computers connected to a wireless router. One desktop computer is a gaming PC.

Now you are playing a new online game, but the router firewall blocks a few crucial network ports. Port forwarding does not work.

So, what do we do if the port forwarding does not work for your online game?

The last solution is to place the gaming PC in DMZ to bypass the router firewall restriction.

Once you place your gaming PC in the DMZ, it can access all ports without restriction.

It is an example of the practical use of DMZ in a home network.