Reference Manual for the ProSafe VPN Firewall FVS318v3

MAC Addresses and Address Resolution Protocol

An IP address alone cannot be used to deliver data from one LAN device to another. To send data between LAN devices, you must convert the IP address of the destination device to its media access control (MAC) address. Each device on an Ethernet network has a unique MAC address, which is a 48-bit number assigned to each device by the manufacturer. The technique that associates the IP address with a MAC address is known as address resolution. Internet Protocol uses the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) to resolve MAC addresses.

If a device sends data to another station on the network and the destination MAC address is not yet recorded, ARP is used. An ARP request is broadcast onto the network. All stations on the network receive and read the request. The destination IP address for the chosen station is included as part of the message so that only the station with this IP address responds to the ARP request. All other stations discard the request.

Related Documents

The station with the correct IP address responds with its own MAC address directly to the sending device. The receiving station provides the transmitting station with the required destination MAC address. The IP address data and MAC address data for each station are held in an ARP table. The next time data is sent, the address can be obtained from the address information in the table.

For more information about address assignment, refer to the IETF documents RFC 1597, Address Allocation for Private Internets, and RFC 1466, Guidelines for Management of IP Address Space.

For more information about IP address translation, refer to RFC 1631, The IP Network Address Translator (NAT).

Domain Name Server

Many of the resources on the Internet can be addressed by simple descriptive names such as www.NETGEAR.com. This addressing is very helpful at the application level, but the descriptive name must be translated to an IP address in order for a user to actually contact the resource. Just as a telephone directory maps names to phone numbers, or as an ARP table maps IP addresses to MAC addresses, a domain name system (DNS) server maps descriptive names of network resources to IP addresses.

Network, Routing, and Firewall Basics

B-9

January 2005

Page 153
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NETGEAR FVS318v3 manual MAC Addresses and Address Resolution Protocol, Related Documents, Domain Name Server

FVS318v3 specifications

The NETGEAR FVS318v3 is a powerful dual WAN gigabit VPN firewall designed to provide robust security and reliable connectivity for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers an array of features and technologies that make it an outstanding choice for organizations requiring secure network access and improved bandwidth management.

One of the standout features of the FVS318v3 is its dual WAN capability. This allows users to connect two separate internet connections, which enhances redundancy and ensures continuous network availability. In the event that one WAN connection fails, the device automatically switches to the backup connection, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity.

The firewall offers advanced security features, including a stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall and NAT (Network Address Translation), which helps protect the network from unauthorized access and external threats. Additionally, the FVS318v3 supports IPsec and SSL VPN protocols, providing secure remote access for employees working from home or on the go. With support for up to 15 SSL VPN clients and 20 IPsec VPN tunnels, it is suitable for businesses that require flexible and secure remote connectivity.

In terms of performance, the FVS318v3 boasts a high-speed gigabit throughput, ensuring fast data transmission and minimal latency. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on cloud-based applications, video conferencing, and other bandwidth-intensive activities. Furthermore, the device is equipped with advanced QoS (Quality of Service) features that allow administrators to prioritize traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need during peak usage times.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the NETGEAR FVS318v3 is its user-friendly interface, which simplifies network management and configuration. Administrators can easily set up policies, monitor traffic, and manage connected devices through an intuitive web-based interface. It also offers support for 802.1Q VLAN tagging, allowing for network segmentation and improved security management.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR FVS318v3 is a versatile and feature-rich solution that delivers exceptional security and reliability for businesses. Its dual WAN functionality, advanced VPN capabilities, high-speed performance, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for organizations looking to safeguard their networks while ensuring seamless connectivity for employees.