ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 Reference Manual

•Keyword Filtering. With its URL keyword filtering feature, the FVX538 prevents objectionable content from reaching your PCs. The firewall allows you to control access to Internet content by screening for keywords within Web addresses. You can configure the firewall to log and report attempts to access objectionable Internet sites.

Security Features

The VPN firewall is equipped with several features designed to maintain security, as described in this section.

•PCs Hidden by NAT. NAT opens a temporary path to the Internet for requests originating from the local network. Requests originating from outside the LAN are discarded, preventing users outside the LAN from finding and directly accessing the PCs on the LAN.

•Port Forwarding with NAT. Although NAT prevents Internet locations from directly accessing the PCs on the LAN, the firewall allows you to direct incoming traffic to specific PCs based on the service port number of the incoming request. You can specify forwarding of single ports or ranges of ports.

•DMZ port. Incoming traffic from the Internet is normally discarded by the firewall unless the traffic is a response to one of your local computers or a service for which you have configured an inbound rule. Instead of discarding this traffic, you can have it forwarded to one computer on your network.

Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink

With its internal 8-port 10/100 switch, the FVX538 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 will automatically sense 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 will then configure 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 VPN firewall supports the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Routing Information Protocol (RIP). For further information about TCP/IP, refer

to “Internet Configuration Requirements” in Appendix C.”

Introduction

1-3

v1.0, August 2006

Page 18 Page 20
Page 19
Image 19
NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 manual Security Features, Autosensing Ethernet Connections with Auto Uplink
Page 18 Page 20

VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 specifications

The NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 is a robust solution designed to meet the networking needs of small to medium-sized businesses. Engineered for resource management and security, this firewall combines the essential features of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and firewall functionality into a single device, enabling secure, high-speed connectivity for various devices in any organizational environment.

One of the standout features of the FVX538 is its integrated VPN support, capable of handling up to 5 simultaneous VPN connections. This is particularly beneficial for remote workers and branch offices that require secure access to the company network. The device supports IPsec and L2TP VPN protocols, which helps ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data transmitted over the internet.

Another key characteristic of the FVX538 is its advanced firewall capabilities. This unit employs Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) that scrutinizes incoming and outgoing packets, ensuring that only legitimate traffic is permitted. With customizable access control policies, network administrators can define specific permissions for various users. This feature is crucial for maintaining a secure environment and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The device also supports multiple WAN (Wide Area Network) connections, allowing for load balancing and failover capabilities. By utilizing two WAN ports, the FVX538 can switch between internet connections seamlessly, ensuring optimal uptime and performance even during network disruptions. Such functionality is essential for businesses that rely on constant connectivity.

Additionally, the FVX538 includes various security features such as Denial of Service (DoS) protection, NAT (Network Address Translation) support, and DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server functionalities. These features work together to create a secure networking environment while simplifying the management of IP addresses within the network.

The user-friendly web management interface of the FVX538 makes it accessible for network administrators of all skill levels. With comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities, organizations can keep an eye on network activities, enabling them to react swiftly to any potential threats.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 stands out as a versatile, secure, and efficient solution for businesses looking to enhance their network security and performance. With its combination of VPN capabilities, robust firewall features, and user-friendly management tools, it is a reliable choice for ensuring secure and efficient networking operations.
Top Page Image Contents