Hi all Established relates to packets of known connections and RELATED applies to packets related to packets of an active connection.... What are the implecations of having a rule that states "If state of connection is ESTABLISHED,RELATED - ALLOW" in the INPUT and FORWARD rules? Thanks Stuart --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.650 / Virus Database: 416 - Release Date: 4/4/2004