Protectli Vault FW2B Firewall Micro Appliance User Manual

1. Introducció

The Protectli Vault FW2B is a compact, fanless, and silent firewall micro appliance designed for network security. This device serves as a versatile platform for various open-source software solutions, including firewalls, routers, and other network applications. It features an Intel Dual Core Celeron processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 32GB mSATA SSD, providing a robust foundation for securing and managing your network.

Imatge 1.1: Anglesa view of the Protectli Vault FW2B, showcasing its compact design and fanless chassis.

2. Instruccions de configuració

2.1 Contingut del paquet

Verifiqueu que tots els components siguin presents al vostre paquet:

• Protectli Vault FW2B Micro Appliance
• Adaptador d'alimentació
• Cable d'alimentació
• Serial Console Cable (RJ-45 to DB9)
• VESA Mounting Plate and Screws

Image 2.1: Included accessories for the Protectli Vault FW2B, including the power adapter, serial cable, and VESA mount.

2.2 Connexió del dispositiu

The FW2B features various ports for connectivity. Refer to the images below for port identification.

Image 2.2: Front panel of the Protectli Vault FW2B, showing two USB ports, LAN, WAN, and DC 12V power input.

Image 2.3: Rear panel of the Protectli Vault FW2B, showing the power button, audio jack, two USB 3.0 ports, COM port, and two HDMI ports.

1. Connexió d'alimentació: Connect the power adapter to the DC 12V port on the front panel and plug it into a power outlet.
2. Connexions de xarxa:
   • Connect your internet source (e.g., modem) to the WAN port.
   • Connect your internal network (e.g., switch, computer) to the LAN port.
3. Initial Console Access (Optional): For initial setup or troubleshooting, you may need to connect a monitor via HDMI and a wired USB keyboard. Note that some wireless keyboard/mouse combos or high-resolution monitors may not be compatible during the initial boot sequence. A wired keyboard and a standard resolution monitor (e.g., 1280x1024) are recommended for initial setup. Alternatively, use the RJ-45 COM port with the provided serial console cable for headless configuration.
4. Encès: Press the power button located on the rear panel to turn on the device.

2.3 Instal·lació del sistema operatiu

The Protectli Vault FW2B does not come with a pre-installed operating system. It is designed to be compatible with various open-source software solutions such as pfSense, OPNsense, and Untangle. Refer to the documentation of your chosen operating system for detailed installation instructions.

Imatge 2.4: acabatview of the Protectli Vault FW2B highlighting its Intel Celeron J3060 processor, 32GB mSATA SSD, 4GB DDR3L RAM, and 2 Intel 1GbE ports.

coreboot BIOS: The device supports coreboot BIOS, which can be optionally installed by the user for enhanced security and transparency. Installation of coreboot requires specific technical knowledge and should be performed with caution.

3. Instruccions de funcionament

Once your chosen operating system is installed and configured, the Protectli Vault FW2B functions as a dedicated network appliance. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, making it suitable for various environments.

3.1 Aplicacions típiques

The versatility of the Vault FW2B allows it to be used for numerous network functions:

• Tallafoc: Protect your network from unauthorized access and malicious traffic.
• VPN Router: Establish secure connections for remote access or privacy.
• Hypervisor: Run virtual machines for testing or specialized services.
• Backup WAN: Provide internet redundancy.
• Industrial IoT: Secure and manage IoT devices in industrial settings.
• Domòtica: Centralize control and security for smart home devices.
• Remote Office: Create secure and reliable network access for remote workers.
• Managed IT Providers: Deploy as a client-side network management solution.

Image 3.1: Diagram illustrating various applications for the Protectli Vault, including VPN router, firewall, and hypervisor.

3.2 Software Flexibility

The Vault FW2B is designed for open-source software. This allows users to install and configure a wide range of operating systems and applications to meet specific network requirements. The hardware has been tested with popular open-source solutions, ensuring broad compatibility.

4. Manteniment

4.1 Atenció general

The fanless design of the FW2B minimizes moving parts and reduces dust accumulation. To ensure optimal performance and longevity:

• Keep the device in a well-ventilated area to allow for passive cooling.
• Avoid blocking the heat sink fins on the top of the device.
• Periodically clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
• Eviteu exposar el dispositiu a temperatures o humitat extremes.

4.2 Component Upgrades (Advanced Users)

The FW2B's RAM and mSATA SSD are upgradeable. However, opening the device requires careful handling. Be aware that the internal brass standoffs for the bottom cover screws can be delicate. If upgrading components, exercise caution to avoid damaging the standoffs or cross-threading screws during reassembly.

5. Solució De Problemes

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Protectli Vault FW2B.

• Sense problemes de pantalla/arrencada:
  • Ensure the power adapter is securely connected and the power button is pressed.
  • If using a monitor, try a different display cable or a monitor with a lower resolution (e.g., 1280x1024) during initial boot, as some high-resolution displays may not show output until the operating system loads.
  • If using a USB keyboard, ensure it is a wired model. Some wireless keyboard/mouse combinations may not function during the initial boot process.
  • Utilize the serial console (COM port) for headless troubleshooting if display output is problematic.
• Rendiment de la xarxa:
  • Verify that your installed operating system and its drivers are correctly configured for the Intel Gigabit Ethernet NICs.
  • Check network cable integrity and connections.
  • Ensure your software configuration (e.g., firewall rules, IDS/IPS settings) is not inadvertently limiting throughput.
• El dispositiu no s'encén:
  • Confirm the power adapter is functional and connected to a live power outlet.
  • Check the power button on the rear panel.

6. Especificacions

Key technical specifications for the Protectli Vault FW2B:

Image 6.1: Dimensions of the Protectli Vault FW2B, showing its compact size.

7. Garantia i Suport

7.1 Garantia del producte

The Protectli Vault FW2B comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the official Protectli weblloc o contacteu amb el servei d'atenció al client.

7.2 Atenció al client

Protectli provides US-based customer support to assist with any inquiries or technical issues. Their dedicated team is available to provide responsive and helpful assistance.

• Assistència tècnica: Contact Protectli's US-based technicians for support.
• Documentació: An extensive and updated Knowledge Base is available on the Protectli website, offering detailed articles from installation to configuration.

Image 7.1: Information on Protectli's customer support, documentation, and trusted network appliance status.