ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 Reference Manual

You can assign PCs to Groups and apply restrictions to each Group using the Firewall Rules screen (see “Using Rules to Block or Allow Specific Kinds of Traffic” on page 4-1).

You can also select the Groups to be covered by the Block Sites feature (see “Setting Block Sites (Content Filtering)” on page 4-25).

If necessary, you can also create Firewall Rules to apply to a single PC (see “Enabling Source MAC Filtering” on page 4-27). Because the MAC address is used to identify each PC, users cannot avoid these restrictions by changing their IP address.

A computer is identified by its MAC address—not its IP address. Hence, changing a computer’s IP address does not affect any restrictions applied to that PC.

This Known PCs and Devices table lists entries in the Network Database. For each computer or device, the following fields are displayed:

Name: The name of the PC or device. For computers that do not support the NetBIOS protocol, this will be listed as “Unknown” (you can edit the entry manually to add a meaningful name). If the computer was assigned an IP address by the DHCP server, then the Name will be appended by an asterisk.

IP Address: The current IP address of the computer. For DHCP clients of the router, this IP address will not change. If a computer is assigned a static IP addresses, you will need to update this entry manually if the IP address on the computer has been changed.

MAC Address: The MAC address of the PC’s network interface.

Group: Each PC or device can be assigned to a single group. By default, a computer is assigned to Group 1, unless a different group is selected from the Group pull-down menu.

Action: Allows modification of the selected entry by clicking Edit.

To add computers to the network database manually:

1.Select Network Configuration from the main menu and LAN Groups from the submenu. The Groups and Hosts screen will display.

2.In the Add Known PCs and Devices table, enter the name of the PC or device.

3.From the IP Address Type pull-down menu, select Reserved (DHCP Client) to direct the router to reserve the IP address for allocation by the DHCP server, or select Fixed (Set on PC) if the IP address is statically assigned on the computer.

Note: When assigning a Reserved IP address to a client, the IP address selected must be outside the range of addresses allocated to the DHCP Server pool.

LAN Configuration

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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.