Protectli Vault FW4B Firewall Micro Appliance User Manual

1. Introducció

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Protectli Vault FW4B firewall micro appliance. The FW4B is a compact, fanless device designed for network security applications, featuring an Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 processor with AES-NI hardware support and four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports. It is a barebone unit, allowing for maximum customization with user-supplied RAM and mSATA storage.

The Protectli Vault FW4B is compatible with various open-source software solutions, including pfSense, untangle, and OPNsense, making it a versatile choice for securing and managing your network.

Figure 1: Protectli Vault applications, including firewall, VPN router, and hypervisor.

2. Què hi ha a la caixa

Upon unpacking your Protectli Vault FW4B, please verify that all the following components are present:

• Protectli Vault FW4B Unit
• Adaptador d'alimentació (DC 12V)
• Cable d'alimentació
• Serial Console Cable (RJ-45 to DB9)
• VESA Mounting Plate and Screws

Figure 2: Included accessories for the Protectli Vault FW4B. Note: The power supply design may vary.

3. Producte acabatview

The Protectli Vault FW4B features a robust, fanless design for silent operation and enhanced reliability. Familiarize yourself with the ports and indicators:

3.1 Tauler frontal

Figure 3: Front panel of the FW4B with Ethernet ports and power input.

• Port WAN: Connects to your internet service provider (ISP) modem.
• Port LAN: Connects to your internal network switch or access point.
• OPT1, OPT2 Ports: Optional ports for additional network segments, VLANs, or other configurations.
• Entrada d'alimentació DC 12V: Connecteu l'adaptador d'alimentació inclòs aquí.
• Indicadors LED: Status lights for power and network activity.

3.2 Panell posterior

Figure 4: Rear panel of the FW4B with various I/O ports.

• Botó d'encesa: Press to power on or off the device.
• Jack d'àudio: For audio output (if supported by OS).
• Ports USB 3.0 (x2): For connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, or USB installation media.
• COM Port (RJ-45): Serial console port for direct command-line interface access.
• Ports HDMI (x2): Per connectar pantalles.

Figure 5: Dimensions of the Protectli Vault FW4B.

4. Configuració

The Protectli Vault FW4B is a barebone unit, requiring the installation of RAM and an mSATA SSD before use. Please follow these steps carefully.

4.1 Hardware Installation (RAM & mSATA SSD)

1. Apagar: Ensure the device is unplugged from the power source.
2. Xassís obert: Carefully remove the screws securing the bottom panel of the FW4B.
3. Instal·lació de la memòria RAM: Insert the DDR3L SO-DIMM RAM module(s) into the designated slot(s) until they click into place.
4. Install mSATA SSD: Insert the mSATA SSD into its slot and secure it with the provided screw.
5. Xassís tancat: Replace the bottom panel and secure it with the screws.

Nota: Refer to the Protectli website or contact support for compatible RAM and mSATA SSD models if you encounter issues.

4.2 Connexió inicial

1. Connecta la pantalla (opcional): Connect a monitor to one of the HDMI ports.
2. Connect Keyboard (Optional): Connect a USB keyboard to a USB 3.0 port.
3. Connectar la xarxa:
   • Connect your ISP modem to the WAN port.
   • Connecteu l'ordinador o un commutador de xarxa a la LAN port.
4. Encès: Connect the power adapter to the DC 12V input and then plug it into a power outlet. Press the power button on the rear panel.

4.3 Instal·lació del sistema operatiu

The Protectli Vault FW4B does not come with a pre-installed operating system. It is designed to run open-source firewall distributions. Common choices include:

• pfSense
• Untangle NG Firewall
• OPNsense

To install an operating system:

1. Download the desired OS image (e.g., ISO file) from the official weblloc.
2. Create a bootable USB drive using a utility like Rufus or Etcher.
3. Insert the bootable USB drive into a USB 3.0 port on the FW4B.
4. Power on the FW4B and access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing DEL or F2 during boot) to set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions of the chosen operating system to complete the installation.

Consell: Many open-source firewall distributions offer detailed installation guides on their respective websites. Protectli also provides resources on their knowledge base.

5. Instruccions de funcionament

Once the operating system is installed and configured, the Protectli Vault FW4B will function as your network appliance. Specific operating procedures will depend on the installed software.

5.1 Encès/Apagat

• Encès: Press the power button on the rear panel. The power LED will illuminate.
• Apagar: It is recommended to shut down the operating system gracefully through its interface before pressing the power button. A short press of the power button typically initiates a graceful shutdown, while a long press (5-10 seconds) performs a hard power off.

5.2 Configuració de la xarxa

After OS installation, access the web interface of your chosen firewall software from a computer connected to the LAN port. The default IP address for the LAN interface is typically provided during OS installation or in the OS documentation. From the web interface, you can configure:

• WAN (Internet) settings
• LAN (Internal Network) settings
• Normes del tallafoc
• Serveis VPN
• Additional network services

Important: Always refer to the documentation of your installed operating system for detailed network configuration steps.

6. Manteniment

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your Protectli Vault FW4B.

6.1 Neteja

• Mantingueu el dispositiu en un entorn net i sense pols.
• Periodically wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
• Eviteu utilitzar netejadors líquids directament sobre el dispositiu.

6.2 Firmware Updates (BIOS/UEFI)

Protectli may release BIOS/UEFI updates to improve stability, compatibility, or add features like coreboot support. Check the official Protectli website for the latest firmware and detailed update instructions. Always follow the provided instructions carefully to avoid damaging the device.

6.3 Gestió de la calor

The FW4B is a fanless device, relying on its aluminum chassis for heat dissipation. Ensure adequate airflow around the unit. Avoid placing it in enclosed spaces or stacking other devices directly on top of it. While designed to run warm, excessive heat can impact performance and lifespan.

7. Solució De Problemes

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Protectli Vault FW4B.

If you encounter issues not covered here, please refer to the Protectli Knowledge Base or contact customer support.

8. Especificacions

9. Garantia i Suport

Protectli offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and US-based customer support for the Vault FW4B.

• Atenció al client: For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please visit the official Protectli weblloc per obtenir informació de contacte.
• Base de coneixements: An extensive online knowledge base is available with detailed articles and guides for installation and configuration.
• Garantia: Specific warranty terms and conditions are available on the Protectli weblloc.

Figure 6: Protectli's commitment to open source, security, and support.