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NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 manual About Firewall Protection and Content Filtering

Models: VPN Firewall 200 FVX538

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Chapter 4 Firewall Protection and Content Filtering

This chapter describes how to use the content filtering features of the ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 to protect your network. These features can be found by selecting Security from the main menu and selecting Block Sites from the submenu of the browser interface.

About Firewall Protection and Content Filtering

The ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 provides you with Web content filtering options, plus browsing activity reporting and instant alerts via e-mail. Parents and network administrators can establish restricted access policies based on time-of-day, Web addresses and Web address keywords. You can also block Internet access by applications and services, such as chat or games.

A firewall is a special category of router that protects one network (the “trusted” network, such as your LAN) from another (the untrusted network, such as the Internet), while allowing communication between the two. You can further segment keyword blocking to certain known groups (see “Managing Groups and Hosts (LAN Groups)” on page 3-6to set up LAN Groups).

A firewall incorporates the functions of a NAT (Network Address Translation) router, while adding features for dealing with a hacker intrusion or attack, and for controlling the types of traffic that can flow between the two networks. Unlike simple Internet sharing NAT routers, a firewall uses a process called stateful packet inspection to protect your network from attacks and intrusions. NAT performs a very limited stateful inspection in that it considers whether the incoming packet is in response to an outgoing request, but true Stateful Packet Inspection goes far beyond NAT.

Using Rules to Block or Allow Specific Kinds of Traffic

Firewall rules are used to block or allow specific traffic passing through from one side to the other. You can configure up to 600 rules on the FVX538. Inbound rules (WAN to LAN) restrict access by outsiders to private resources, selectively allowing only specific outside users to access specific resources. Outbound rules (LAN to WAN) determine what outside resources local users can have access to.

Firewall Protection and Content Filtering

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v1.0, August 2006

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NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 manual About Firewall Protection and Content Filtering
Page 66 Page 68

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.