Protectli Vault FW4B Firewall Micro Appliance User Manual

1. Introduction

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. What's in the Box

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

• Protectli Vault FW4B Unit
• Power Adapter (DC 12V)
• Power Cord
• 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. Product Overview

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

3.1 Front Panel

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

• WAN Port: Connects to your internet service provider (ISP) modem.
• LAN Port: Connects to your internal network switch or access point.
• OPT1, OPT2 Ports: Optional ports for additional network segments, VLANs, or other configurations.
• DC 12V Power Input: Connect the included power adapter here.
• LED Indicators: Status lights for power and network activity.

3.2 Rear Panel

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

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

Figure 5: Dimensions of the Protectli Vault FW4B.

4. Setup

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. Power Off: Ensure the device is unplugged from the power source.
2. Open Chassis: Carefully remove the screws securing the bottom panel of the FW4B.
3. Install 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. Close Chassis: Replace the bottom panel and secure it with the screws.

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

4.2 Initial Connection

1. Connect Display (Optional): Connect a monitor to one of the HDMI ports.
2. Connect Keyboard (Optional): Connect a USB keyboard to a USB 3.0 port.
3. Connect Network:
   • Connect your ISP modem to the WAN port.
   • Connect your computer or a network switch to the LAN port.
4. Power On: 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 Operating System Installation

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 website.
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.

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

5. Operating Instructions

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 Power On/Off

• Power On: Press the power button on the rear panel. The power LED will illuminate.
• Power Off: 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 Network Configuration

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
• Firewall rules
• VPN services
• Additional network services

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

6. Maintenance

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

6.1 Cleaning

• Keep the device in a clean, dust-free environment.
• Periodically wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
• Avoid using liquid cleaners directly on the device.

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 Heat Management

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. Troubleshooting

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. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

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

• Customer Support: For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please visit the official Protectli website for contact information.
• Knowledge Base: An extensive online knowledge base is available with detailed articles and guides for installation and configuration.
• Warranty: Specific warranty terms and conditions are available on the Protectli website.

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