the fvm318 supports the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (tcp/ip) and routing information protocol (rip). appendix b-1, “network, routing, firewall, and wireless basics” provides further information on tcp/ip.

    1 ip address sharing by nat

    the fvm318 allows several networked pcs to share an internet account using only a single ip address, which may be statically or dynamically assigned by your internet service provider (isp). this technique, known as network address translation (nat), allows the use of an inexpensive single-user isp account.

    2 automatic configuration of attached pcs by dhcp

    the fvm318 dynamically assigns network configuration information, including ip, gateway, and domain name server (dns) addresses, to attached pcs on the lan using the dynamic host configuration protocol (dhcp). this feature greatly simplifies configuration of pcs on your local network. see appendix c-1, “preparing your computers for tcp/ip networking” for instructions on configuring your computers for dhcp.

    3 dns proxy

    when dhcp is enabled and no dns addresses are specified, the firewall provides its own address as a dns server to the attached pcs. the firewall obtains actual dns addresses from the isp during connection setup and forwards dns requests from the lan.

    4 point-to-point protocol over ethernet (pppoe)

    pppoe connects computers to the internet over a dsl connection by simulating a dial-up connection. this feature eliminates the need to run a login program such as enternet?or winpoet?on your pc.

    5 pptp login support for european isps, and bigpond login for telstra cable in australia.

    6 dynamic dns.

    dynamic dns services allow remote users to find your network using a domain name when your ip address is not permanently assigned. the firewall contains a client that can connect to a dynamic dns service to register your dynamic ip address.