ProSafe VPN Firewall FVS318v3 Reference Manual
Introduction
1-3
v5.0, January 2012
The firewall incorporates Auto Uplink
TM
technology. Each Ethernet port automatically senses
whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should have a normal connection such as to a PC
or an uplink connection such as to a switch or hub. That port then configures itself to the correct
configuration. This feature also eliminates the need to worry about crossover cables, as Auto
Uplink will accommodate either type of cable to make the right connection.
Extensive Protocol Support
The VPN firewall supports the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and
Routing Information Protocol (RIP). For further information about TCP/IP, refer to “
I
nternet
Networking and TCP/IP Addressing” in
Appendix B, “Related Documents
•
IP Address Sharing by NAT
. The VPN firewall allows several networked PCs to share an
Internet account using only a single IP address, which may be statically or dynamically
assigned by your Internet service provider (ISP). This technique, known as NAT, allows the
use of an inexpensive single-user ISP account.
•
Automatic Configuration of Attached PCs by DHCP
. The VPN firewall dynamically
assigns network configuration information, including IP, gateway, and Domain Name Server
(DNS) addresses, to attached PCs on the LAN using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP). This feature greatly simplifies configuration of PCs on your local network.
•
DNS Proxy
. When DHCP is enabled and no DNS addresses are specified, the firewall
provides its own address as a DNS server to the attached PCs. The firewall obtains actual DNS
addresses from the ISP during connection setup and forwards DNS requests from the LAN.
•
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE)
. PPPoE is a protocol for connecting remote
hosts to the Internet over a DSL connection by simulating a dial-up connection. This feature
eliminates the need to run a login program such as Entersys or WinPOET on your PC.
Easy Installation and Management
You can install, configure, and operate the ProSafe VPN Firewall within minutes after connecting
it to the network. The following features simplify installation and management tasks:
•
Browser-based management
. Browser-based configuration allows you to easily configure
your firewall from almost any type of personal computer, such as Windows, Macintosh, or
Linux. A user-friendly Setup Wizard is provided and online help documentation is built into
the browser-based Web Management Interface.
•
Smart Wizard.
The VPN firewall automatically senses the type of Internet connection, asking
you only for the information required for your type of ISP account.
