10/100 16-Port VPN Router

Firewall Tab - General

Using the screens of the Firewall tab, you can configure the Router to block or allow Internet access for specific internal users. You can also configure the Router to block or allow access to internal servers for specific Internet users. On the Access Rules screen, you can set up different packet filters for various users located on the internal network (LAN) or external network (WAN or Internet) based on their IP addresses or their network port numbers.

Firewall. The firewall is enabled by default. If you disable the firewall, then the SPI, DoS, and Block WAN Request features as well as the Access Rules and Content Filters will also be disabled, and the Remote Management feature will be enabled.

SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection). The SPI feature is enabled by default. The Router's firewall uses Stateful Packet Inspection to review the information that passes through the firewall. It will inspect all packets based on the established connection, prior to passing the packets for processing through a higher protocol layer.

DoS (Denial of Service). The DoS feature is enabled by default. It protects internal networks from Internet attacks, such as SYN Flooding, Smurf, LAND, Ping of Death, IP Spoofing, and reassembly attacks.

Block WAN Request. This feature is enabled by default and is designed to prevent attacks through the Internet. When it is enabled, the Router will drop both unaccepted TCP request and ICMP packets from the WAN side. Hackers will not find the Router by pinging the WAN IP address. If the Router’s DMZ feature is enabled, then the Block WAN Request feature will be disabled.

Remote Management. The Router supports remote management. This feature is disabled by default. If you want to manage this Router through a WAN connection, click Enable. Then select the port number you want to use (port 80 or port 8080 is usually used for remote management).

Multicast Pass Through. IP Multicasting occurs when a single data transmission is sent to multiple recipients at the same time. This feature is disabled by default. If it is enabled, then the Router allows IP multicast packets to be forwarded to the appropriate computers.

MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit). This feature specifies the largest packet size permitted for network transmission. It is recommended that you use the Auto option; however, you may manually set the MTU value. The default MTU size is 1500 bytes.

Click the Save Settings button to save your changes, or click the Cancel Changes button to undo your changes.

Chapter 6: Setting up and Configuring the Router

Figure 6-43: General Firewall

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Firewall Tab - General

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Linksys RV016 manual Firewall Tab General, General Firewall

RV016 specifications

The Linksys RV016 is a robust VPN router designed for small to medium-sized businesses, providing secure and reliable network connectivity. This device offers versatile features, catering to the demands of advanced users while maintaining ease of use for those less experienced with networking technologies.

One of the standout characteristics of the Linksys RV016 is its ability to handle multiple WAN connections. It features dual WAN ports, which enable load balancing and failover support. This ensures that in the event one internet connection fails, the other takes over seamlessly, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity. The RV016 is equipped with eight Ethernet ports, providing sufficient connectivity for various devices within an office environment.

Security is a paramount consideration in the design of the RV016. The device supports a robust VPN (Virtual Private Network) capability, allowing secure remote access for employees working from home or traveling. The router supports both IPSec and PPTP VPN protocols, ensuring versatile and secure communication channels. Additionally, it offers advanced firewall features, including stateful packet inspection (SPI) and denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention, which safeguard the network from unauthorized access and external threats.

Linksys has also incorporated Quality of Service (QoS) features into the RV016, allowing users to prioritize their network traffic. This is particularly useful for businesses that rely on voice over IP (VoIP) services or have high bandwidth applications, ensuring that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth for optimal performance.

The RV016 supports a variety of network management protocols, including DHCP, DNS, and static routing, making it easy to integrate into existing network infrastructures. Its web-based interface simplifies configuration and management, enabling IT staff to efficiently set up network parameters without the need for extensive training.

In summary, the Linksys RV016 stands out as a feature-rich VPN router that combines security, reliability, and ease of use. Its multiple WAN support, advanced security features, and network management capabilities make it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a dependable networking solution. Whether handling remote access or managing network performance, the RV016 provides the necessary tools to keep business operations running smoothly.