Chapter 4

Firewall Protection and

Content Filtering

This chapter describes how to use the content filtering features of the FVS318v3 ProSafe VPN Firewall to protect your network. These features can be found by clicking on the Security heading in the main menu of the browser interface.

Firewall Protection and Content Filtering Overview

The FVS318v3 ProSafe VPN Firewall provides you with Web content filtering options, plus browsing activity reporting and instant alerts via e-mail. Parents and network administrators can establish restricted access policies based on time-of-day, Web addresses and Web address keywords. You can also block Internet access by applications and services, such as chat or games.

A firewall is a special category of router that protects one network (the trusted network, such as your LAN) from another (the untrusted network, such as the Internet), while allowing communication between the two. A firewall incorporates the functions of a NAT (Network Address Translation) router, while adding features for dealing with a hacker intrusion or attack, and for controlling the types of traffic that can flow between the two networks. Unlike simple Internet sharing NAT routers, a firewall uses a process called stateful packet inspection to protect your network from attacks and intrusions. NAT performs a very limited stateful inspection in that it considers whether the incoming packet is in response to an outgoing request, but true stateful packet inspection goes far beyond NAT.

To configure these features of your firewall, click on the subheadings under the Security heading in the main menu of the browser interface. The subheadings are described below:

Firewall Protection and Content Filtering

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NETGEAR FVS318v3 manual Chapter Firewall Protection Content Filtering, Firewall Protection and Content Filtering Overview

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.