Reference Manual for the ProSafe VPN Firewall FVS114
Introduction 2-3
202-10098-01, April 2005
Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
With its internal eight-port 10/100 switch, the FVS114 can connect to either a 10 Mbps standard
Ethernet network or a 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet network. Both the LAN and WAN interfaces are
autosensing and capable of full-duplex or half-duplex operation.
The firewall incorporates Auto UplinkTM 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 FVS114 VPN Firewall supports the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
and Routing Information Protocol (RIP). For further information about TCP/IP, refer to
Appendix B, “Network, Routing, and Firewall Basics.”
• IP Address Sharing by NAT
The FVS114 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 FVS114 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.