ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 Reference Manual

MTU Size – The normal MTU (Maximum Transmit Unit) value for most Ethernet networks is 1500 Bytes, or 1492 Bytes for PPPoE connections. For some ISPs you may have to reduce the MTU. But this is rarely required, and should not be done unless you are sure it is necessary for your ISP connection.

Port Speed – In most cases, your router can automatically determine the connection speed of the Internet (WAN) port. If you cannot establish an Internet connection and the Internet LED blinks continuously, you may have to manually select the port speed. AutoSense is the default.

If you know that the Ethernet port on your broadband modem supports 100BaseT, select 100M; otherwise, select 10M. Use the half-duplex settings unless you are sure you need full duplex.

Router's MAC Address – Each computer or router on your network has a unique 32-bit local Ethernet address. This is also referred to as the computer's MAC (Media Access Control) address. The default is Use default address. However, if your ISP requires MAC authentication, then select either

Use this Computer's MAC address to have the router use the MAC address of the computer you are now using, or

Use This MAC Address to manually type in the MAC address that your ISP expects.

The format for the MAC address is XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX (numbers 0-9 and either uppercase or lowercase letters A-F). If you select Use This MAC Address and then type in a MAC address, your entry will be overwritten.

Connecting the FVX538 to the Internet

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v1.0, August 2006

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NETGEAR manual ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 Reference Manual

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.