Chapter 4

Serial Port Configuration

This chapter describes how to configure the serial port options of your FR328S ProSafe Firewall with Dial Back-Up. The FR328S serial port lets you share the broadband connection of another FR328S, share resources between two LANs, and take advantage of the routing functions on the broadband (WAN), LAN, and serial network interfaces.

Note: If you configure the serial port of the FR328S as the primary Internet connection, you will not be able to configure the other serial port options. For instructions on configuring the serial port as the primary Internet connection, please see “Configuring a Serial Port as the Primary Internet Connection“ on page 3-13.

The FR328S provides these serial port configuration options:

Modem

Use this option to configure the serial modem settings for any of the features below.

Auto-Rollover

Use this option to provide a backup connection for your broadband service. If the broadband service you configured in the Basic Settings menu fails, the FR328S will automatically connect to the Internet through the serial port. However, you will then be accessing the Internet at a slower speed than you would through your broadband service.

Dial-in

Dial-in lets a single remote computer connect to the FR328S through the serial port to gain access to LAN resources or a remote access server.

LAN-to-LAN

LAN-to-LAN enables direct communications between two FR328S firewalls to:

Share resources on the two LANs.

Let users on one FR328S share the Internet connection of the other FR328S.

Let users on one FR328S connect to the Internet through the second FR328S in case the broadband connection of the first FR328S fails.

The procedures for these configuration options are presented below.

Serial Port Configuration

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NETGEAR FR328S manual Chapter Serial Port Configuration, Auto-Rollover

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.