FR328S ProSafe Firewall with Dial Back-Up Reference Manual v2

What is a Firewall?

A firewall is a device that protects one network from another, while allowing communication between the two. A firewall incorporates the functions of the NAT router, while adding features for dealing with a hacker intrusion or attack. Several known types of intrusion or attack can be recognized when they occur. When an incident is detected, the firewall can log details of the attempt, and can optionally send email to an administrator notifying them of the incident. Using information from the log, the administrator can take action with the ISP of the hacker. In some types of intrusions, the firewall can fend off the hacker by discarding all further packets from the hacker’s IP address for a period of time.

Stateful Packet Inspection

Unlike simple Internet sharing routers, a firewall uses a process called stateful packet inspection to ensure secure firewall filtering to protect your network from attacks and intrusions. Since user-level applications such as FTP and Web browsers can create complex patterns of network traffic, it is necessary for the firewall to analyze groups of network connection states. Using Stateful Packet Inspection, an incoming packet is intercepted at the network layer and then analyzed for state-related information associated with all network connections. A central cache within the firewall keeps track of the state information associated with all network connections. All traffic passing through the firewall is analyzed against the state of these connections in order to determine whether or not it will be allowed to pass through or rejected.

Denial of Service Attack

A hacker may be able to prevent your network from operating or communicating by launching a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. The method used for such an attack can be as simple as merely flooding your site with more requests than it can handle. A more sophisticated attack may attempt to exploit some weakness in the operating system used by your router or gateway. Some operating systems can be disrupted by simply sending a packet with incorrect length information.

Ethernet Cabling

Although Ethernet networks originally used thick or thin coaxial cable, most installations currently use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling. The UTP cable contains eight conductors, arranged in four twisted pairs, and terminated with an RJ45 type connector. A normal straight-through UTP Ethernet cable follows the EIA568B standard wiring as described below in Table B-1

Networks, Routing, and Firewall Basics

B-11

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NETGEAR FR328S manual Ethernet Cabling, What is a Firewall?, Stateful Packet Inspection, Denial of Service Attack
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FR328S specifications

The NETGEAR FR328S is a versatile, high-performance router designed to meet the demands of small to medium-sized networks. This device is particularly well-suited for business environments that require reliable connectivity and robust security features. One of the standout characteristics of the FR328S is its ability to deliver advanced networking capabilities while maintaining ease of use.

At the heart of the FR328S is its high-speed performance, which supports both wired and wireless connections. Equipped with multiple Ethernet ports, the router allows users to connect various devices, ensuring seamless data transfer and reliable connections. This model supports up to 28 simultaneous devices, making it ideal for collaborative environments and ensuring that multiple users can access the network without interruption.

The FR328S features robust security protocols that protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. It supports VPN pass-through, which allows remote users to securely connect to the network. Additionally, the router includes advanced firewall capabilities and supports various security standards such as WPA2, ensuring that users can communicate in a secure online environment.

Another significant feature of the FR328S is its ability to provide Quality of Service (QoS). This technology prioritizes bandwidth for critical applications, such as video conferencing and VoIP, ensuring optimal performance even under high network traffic. The intuitive user interface makes it easy to set up and manage QoS settings, allowing administrators to optimize the network according to their specific needs.

The NETGEAR FR328S also supports dynamic routing protocols, such as RIP v1, v2, and static routing, providing flexibility in network configuration and scalability. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with various network devices ensures that it can adapt to changing network environments.

In summary, the NETGEAR FR328S is a powerful networking solution that combines high-speed performance, robust security features, and advanced QoS capabilities. Its user-friendly design makes it a practical choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for reliability and efficiency in their networking infrastructure. With its comprehensive feature set, the FR328S is well-equipped to handle the challenges of modern networking needs.
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