ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 Reference Manual

Overview of the Planning Process

The areas that require planning when using a firewall that has dual WAN ports include:

Inbound traffic (e.g., port forwarding, port triggering, DMZ port)

Virtual private networks (VPNs)

The two WAN ports can be configured on a mutually-exclusive basis to either:

Rollover for increased reliability, or

Balance the load for outgoing traffic.

These two categories of considerations interact to make the planning process more challenging.

Inbound Traffic

Unrequested incoming traffic can be directed to a PC on your LAN rather than being discarded. The mechanism for making the IP address public depends on whether the dual WAN ports are configured to either roll over or balance the loads. See “Inbound Traffic” on page C-8for further discussion.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A virtual private network (VPN) tunnel provides a secure communication channel between either two gateway VPN firewalls or between a remote PC client and gateway VPN firewall. As a result, the IP address of at least one of the tunnel end points must be known in advance in order for the other tunnel end point to establish (or re-establish) the VPN tunnel. See “Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)” on page C-10for further discussion.

Note: Once the gateway firewall WAN port rolls over, the VPN tunnel collapses and must be re-established using the new WAN IP address.

C-6

Network Planning for Dual WAN Ports

v1.0, August 2006

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NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 manual Overview of the Planning Process, Inbound Traffic, Virtual Private Networks VPNs

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.