ProSafe VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 Reference Manual

A firewall has two default rules, one for inbound traffic and one for outbound. The default rules of the FVX538 are:

•Inbound: Block all access from outside except responses to requests from the LAN side.

•Outbound: Allow all access from the LAN side to the outside.

The firewall rules for blocking/allowing traffic on the VPN firewall can be applied to LAN/WAN traffic, DMZ/WAN traffic and LAN/DMZ traffic.

Services-Based Rules

The rules to block traffic are based on the traffic’s category of service.

•Outbound Rules (service blocking) – Outbound traffic is normally allowed unless the firewall is configured to disallow it.

•Inbound Rules (port forwarding) – Inbound traffic is normally blocked by the firewall unless the traffic is in response to a request from the LAN side. The firewall can be configured to allow this otherwise blocked traffic.

•Customized Services – Additional services can be added to the list of services in the factory default list. These added services can then have rules defined for them to either allow or block that traffic (see “Adding Customized Services” on page 4-21.

•Quality of Service (QoS) priorities – Each service at its own native priority that impacts its quality of performance and tolerance for jitter or delays. You can change this QoS priority if desired to change the traffic mix through the system (see “Setting Quality of Service (QoS)

Priorities” on page 4-23).

Outbound Rules (Service Blocking)

The FVX538 allows you to block the use of certain Internet services by PCs on your network. This is called service blocking or port filtering.

Note: See “Enabling Source MAC Filtering” on page 4-27 for yet another way to block outbound traffic from selected PCs that would otherwise be allowed by the firewall.

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Firewall Protection and Content Filtering

v1.0, August 2006

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NETGEAR VPN Firewall 200 FVX538 manual Services-Based Rules, Outbound Rules Service Blocking
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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.
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