ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 Reference Manual

There are a variety of WAN options you can choose when the factory default settings are not applicable to your installation. These include enabling a WAN port to respond to a ping and setting MTU size, port speed, and upload bandwidth. You will make these choices in “Configuring the Advanced WAN Options (If Needed)” on page 2-18.

4.Prepare to physically connect the firewall to cable or DSL modems and a computer. Instruction for connecting your VPN firewall are in Installation Guide, FVX538 ProSafe VPN Firewall 200.

Cabling and Computer Hardware Requirements

To use the VPN firewall on your network, each computer must have an installed Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) and an Ethernet cable. If the computer will connect to your network at 100 Mbps, you must use a Category 5 (CAT5) cable such as the one provided with your firewall.

Computer Network Configuration Requirements

The FVX538 includes a built-in Web Configuration Manager. To access the configuration menus on the FVX538, your must use a Java-enabled Web browser program that supports HTTP uploads such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. NETGEAR recommends using Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or above. Free browser programs are readily available for Windows, Macintosh, or UNIX/Linux.

For the initial connection to the Internet and configuration of your firewall, you will need to connect a computer to the firewall that is set to automatically get its TCP/IP configuration from the firewall via DHCP.

Note: For help with DHCP configuration, please refer to the link in Appendix B, “Related Documents.”

The cable or DSL modem broadband access device must provide a standard 10 Mbps (10BASE-T) Ethernet interface.

Internet Configuration Requirements

Depending on how your ISPs set up your Internet accounts, you will need one or more of these configuration parameters to connect your firewall to the Internet:

Host and Domain Names

ISP Login Name and Password

ISP Domain Name Server (DNS) Addresses

Network Planning for Dual WAN Ports

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NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 Cabling and Computer Hardware Requirements, Computer Network Configuration Requirements

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.