Chapter 2 Connecting the FVX538 to the Internet

Typically, six steps are required to complete the basic connection of your firewall. Setting up VPN tunnels are covered in Chapter 5, “Virtual Private Networking.”

1.Connect the firewall physically to your network. Connect the cables, turn on your router and wait for the Test LED to go out. Make sure your Ethernet and LAN LEDs are lit. (See the Installation Guide, FVX538 ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 for complete steps. A PDF of the Installation Guide is on the NETGEAR website at: http://kbserver.netgear.com.)

2.Log in to the firewall. After logging in, you are ready to set up and configure your firewall. You can also change your password and enable remote management at this time.

3.Configure the Internet connections to your ISP(s). During this phase, you will connect to your ISPs. You can also program the WAN traffic meters at this time if desired.

4.Configure the WAN mode (required for dual WAN operation). Select either auto-rollover mode or load balancing mode (on a mutually exclusive basis). For load balancing, you can also select the protocol bindings.

5.Configure dynamic DNS on the WAN ports (if needed). Configure your fully qualified domain names during this phase (if required).

6.Configure the WAN options (if needed). Optionally, you can enable each WAN port to respond to a ping. You can also change the factory default MTU size, port speed, and uplink bandwidth. However, these are advanced features and changing them is not usually required.

Logging into the VPN Firewall

To connect to the firewall, your computer needs to be configured to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP. If you need instructions on how to configure you computer for DHCP, refer to the link in Appendix B, “Related Documents.

To log in to the VPN firewall:

1.Connect to the firewall by typing http://192.168.1.1 in the address field of Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Netscape® Navigator.

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NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 manual Connecting the FVX538 to the Internet, Logging into the VPN Firewall

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.