DMZ, Demilitarized Zone

As it relates to computer networks, a DMZ is a host or small network that acts as a neutral zone in between a private network and a public network. The purpose is to prevent outside parties from gaining direct access to company data found on a server. In basic DMZ configuration used for small business, a separate host or computer will receive requests from users in a private network in order to access locations on a public network. From there, the DMZ host begins sessions for those requests on a public network. On the other hand, the host does not have the ability to initiate the session back into the private network, as it can only forward packets that have been previously requested. Those using a public network outside of the business will only have access to the DMZ host. A DMZ often contains a company’s web pages so that they may be served to the public but does provide access to other sensitive data. In case an outside party is able to penetrate the host’s security, the web pages may be viewed or corrupted by no vital information would be exposed.