Chapter 3 Connecting the Firewall to the Internet

This chapter describes how to set up the firewall on your Local Area Network (LAN), connect to the Internet, perform basic configuration of your FR328S ProSafe Firewall with Dial Back-Up using the Setup Wizard, or how to manually configure your Internet connection.

What You Will Need Before You Begin

You need to prepare these three things before you can connect your firewall to the Internet:

1.A computer properly connected to the firewall as explained below.

2.Active Internet service such as that provided by a DSL or Cable modem account.

3.The Internet Service Provider (ISP) configuration information for your DSL or Cable modem account.

Hardware Requirements

The FR328S Firewall connects to your LAN via twisted-pair Ethernet cables. To use the FR328S Firewall on your network, each computer must have an installed Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) and an Ethernet cable. If the computer will connect to your network at 100 Mbps, you must use a Category 5 (CAT5) cable such as the one provided with your firewall. For more on CAT5 cabling, please see “Ethernet Cabling“ on page B-11.

The broadband modem must provide a standard 10 Mbps 10BASE-T or 100 Mbps 100BASE-T Ethernet interface.

The serial modem must have the standard serial modem interface and cable with a DB-9 connector as illustrated in “FR328S Rear Panel“ on page 2-6.

Connecting the Firewall to the Internet

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NETGEAR FR328S manual Connecting the Firewall to the Internet, What You Will Need Before You Begin, Hardware Requirements

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.