How to explain what a DMZ is

I'm not getting the point across

[chris_f]

Hi All,

Does anyone have an easy to explain definition for a DMZ network topography? I have been trying to explain it for about 2 hours and just getting dumbfounded looks (even when I asked them to look it up and learn it by themselves).

I have this:

INTERNET
¦
¦
¦
Firewall ----- Webserver
¦
¦
¦
Intranet Server
¦
¦
¦
File Server
¦
Networked Computers

Where the filewall seperated the port 21 and 80 traffic to the webserver.

atob.c

[bcolflesh]

Short and sweet definition here:

[free-definition.com...]

[chris_f]

Thanks bcolflesh,

Brilliant definition. It's just a shame they didn't have an image.

atob.c

[ThomasB]

[images.google.com...] some of them are ok imho

[caine]

If the images don't work then draw a mental anology to them that relates to them.

I.E. the DMZ demilitarised zone and the firewall are like your home. The DMZ allows friends to come around your home and visit the accesible part of your home that your happy for them to be in, but the other side of the firewall stops them from seeing the stains on the bedroom sheets, etc - ok a point to far, but anologies for explaining complex situations (remember what you know is not what they know), so digging for real life (their life) anologies to explain seemingly complex realities to novices is a good teaching device and usually you will see the stars in their eyes, become fires of understanding and visualisation of what your actually explaining.

Images can help, but strong life caparable analogies work in abundance.

One thing though is lend a strong rationale behind the analogy and complexity - plan it out basically.

[chris_f]

Thanks guys,

Your a great help. Caine, I like the analogy and I think I can find one to suit them.

atob.c