
Quick Start Guide
Cisco PIX 501 Firewall Quick Start Guide
For Cisco PIX Firewall Version 6.2 and PDM Version 2.1
1 About the Cisco PIX 501 Firewall 2
2 Check Items Included 3
3 Connect the Cables 4
4 Power On the PIX 501 5
5 Check the LEDs 6
6 (Optional) Install a Cable Lock 7
7 Configuring the PIX 501 8
8 PDM Startup Wizard 8
9 Alternative Ways to Access the PIX 501 10
10 Upgrade to DES, 3DES, or a 50-User License 11
11 Restore the Default Configuration 13

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1 About the Cisco PIX 501 Firewall
The PIX 501 delivers enterprise-class security for small
offices and telecommuters in a reliable, plug-and-play
security appliance. Ideal for securing high-speed “always
on” broadband environments, the PIX 501, part of the
market-leading Cisco PIX Firewall Series, provides robust
security capabilities, small office networking features, and
powerful remote management capabilities in a compact,
all-in-one solution:
• Stateful inspection security based on state-of-the-art Adaptive Security Algorithm (ASA)
• Supports over 100 predefined applications, services, and protocols for flexible access control
• Virtual Private Networking (VPN) for secure remote network access using IKE/IPSec standards
• Intrusion protection from over 55 different network-based attacks
• URL filtering of outbound web traffic via industry-leading, third-party URL filtering products
• Integrated switch allows multiple users to share a single broadband connection
POWER
VPN TUNNEL
12
34
CISCO PIX 501
FIREWALL
• Compact, desktop chassis
• External power supply
• 133-MHz processor
• 16-MB RAM, 8-MB Flash memory
• 1 10BaseT Ethernet port (half duplex) for an
outside connection to the Internet (port 0)
• Integrated 4-port 10/100-Mbps Ethernet
switch for inside private LAN
(ports 1 through 4)
• Serial console port for administrative access
• Security lock slot for added physical security
• Front panel LEDs for appliance and link
status
• 10-Mbps cleartext firewall throughput
• 3-Mbps VPN throughput (3DES/SHA1)
• Supports PIX Firewall version 6.1 (and
higher), a secure, purpose-built embedded
operating system
• Includes plug-and-play default configuration
for simplified installation
• Includes Cisco PIX Device Manager (PDM)
for intuitive, web-based administration of
PIX Firewalls
• Supports up to 10 active hosts (an active
host is one that has passed traffic through
the PIX in the last xlate timeout seconds, or
has reserved an authentication connection);
up to 50 users with optional 50-user license
• Internal DHCP server supports up to
32 DHCP address leases; up to 128 with
optional 50-user license
• Supports up to 5 remote access, or
site-to-site, VPN peers

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3 Connect the Cables
Follow these steps to connect the cables:
Step 1 Place the chassis on a flat, stable surface. The chassis is not rack mountable.
Step 2 Connect Port 0, the outside Ethernet port, to the public network:
a. Use the yellow Ethernet cable (72-1482-01) to connect the device to a switch or hub.
b. Use the orange Ethernet cable (72-3515-01) to connect the device to a cable/DSL/ISDN
modem.
Step 3 Connect your PC or other network devices with an Ethernet cable (not provided) to one of
the four switched inside ports (numbered 1 through 4).
P
O
W
E
R
4
3
2
1
0
CO
N
SO
LE
3
.3
V
4
.5
A
Computer or other
network device
Power
adapter
DSL/Cable/ISDN
modem
Orange
Ethernet
cable
Yellow
Ethernet
cable
PIX 501
Internet
61277

5
Note Make sure that one of the PCs has TCP/IP installed and is configured to obtain an IP
address automatically through DHCP. This allows the PC to communicate with the
PIX 501 and the Internet as well as run the PDM Startup Wizard.
4 Power On the PIX 501
Follow these steps to power on the PIX Firewall:
Step 1 Connect the small, round connector of the power supply cable to the power connector on the
rear panel.
Step 2 Connect the AC power connector of the power supply input cable to an electrical outlet.
Note The PIX 501 does not have a power switch. Completing Step 2 powers on the device.
POWER
4
3
2
1
0
CONSOLE
3.3V 4.5A
71331
Power supply
Cisco PIX 501

6
5 Check the LEDs
The LINK/ACT LED indicators on the front panel of the PIX Firewall are normally solid green when
a link is established and flashing green when the ports are active. Each inside Ethernet interface
(1 through 4) has two LEDs to indicate the operating speed and that the physical link is established.
Note If all LEDs are operating as expected (see Table 1), this concludes the hardware installation. The
pages that follow include instructions on running PDM and additional optional procedures.
Table 1 PIX 501 LEDs
LED State Description
POWER Green The device is powered on.
Off The device is powered off.
LINK/ACT Flashing
green
Network activity, such as Internet access, is present.
Green The correct cable is in use, and the connected equipment has power.
Off No link is established.
Tip If the LINK/ACT LED does not light up, you might be using the
wrong type of cable. Try replacing the yellow (straight-through)
Ethernet cable with the orange (crossover) Ethernet cable.
VPN TUNNEL Green One or more IKE/IPSec VPN tunnels are active.
Off
No VPN tunnels are active. The default configuration does not include
VPN. Thus, the VPN tunnel LED will only be enabled if VPN is added to
your configuration and a VPN tunnel is then established. Also, the LED
does not light up when PPTP/L2TP tunnels are established.
100 MBPS Green The interface is autonegotiated at 100-Mbps half or full duplex.
Flashing
green
The interface is functioning at 10-Mbps half or full duplex.
POWER
VPN TUNNEL
LINK/ACT
100 MBPS
1234
CISCO PIX 501
FIREWALL
61392
0

7
6 (Optional) Install a Cable Lock
The PIX 501 includes a slot that accepts standard desktop cable locks to provide physical security for
small portable equipment, such as a laptop computer. The cable lock is not included.
Follow these steps to install a cable lock:
Step 1 Attach the cable lock (not included) to the lock slot on the back panel of the PIX 501.
Step 2 Follow the directions from the manufacturer for attaching the other end of the device for
securing the PIX Firewall.
POWER
4
3
2
1
0
CONSOLE
3.3V 4.5A
61394
Lock slot
Cable lock
(not included)
Cisco PIX 501

8
7 Configuring the PIX 501
The PIX 501 comes with a factory default configuration that meets the needs of most broadband
networking environments. The factory default configuration on the PIX 501 protects your inside
network from any unsolicited traffic. It is configured to use DHCP on the outside interface to acquire its
IP address. A default DHCP server address pool is included for hosts on the inside interface.
PDM contains a Startup Wizard that lets you easily change settings to suit your needs.
Instances in which it might be necessary to change or make additional changes to the default
configuration include the following:
• To create administrative and Telnet passwords
Note We highly recommend that you change the administrative and Telnet passwords from their
default settings to secure the administration of your PIX Firewall.
• To configure Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) or a static IP address for an outside
interface
• To configure VPN and Auto Update features
8 PDM Startup Wizard
The PIX 501 contains an integrated configuration
utility called Cisco PIX Device Manager (PDM). PDM
is a web browser-based configuration tool designed to
help you set up, configure, and monitor the
PIX Firewall. PDM is preinstalled on the PIX 501.
To access PDM, make sure JavaScript and Java are
enabled in your web browser. For best performance,
we recommend that you use Microsoft Internet
Explorer 5.5 or a higher release. Refer to the Cisco
PIX Device Manager Installation Guide for more
information on the operating system and Web
browser environments supported by PDM.

9
PDM version 2.0 and higher releases include a Startup Wizard for initial configuration. Follow these steps
to load PDM and use the Startup Wizard:
Step 1 Use an Ethernet cable to connect your PC to one of the four switched inside ports (numbered
1 through 4) on the rear panel of the PIX Firewall.
Step 2 Configure your PC to use DHCP (to receive an IP address automatically from the
PIX Firewall) or assign a static IP address to your PC by selecting an address out of the
192.168.1.0 network.
Note The inside interface of the PIX Firewall is assigned 192.168.1.1, so choose a different
IP address.
Step 3 Check the LINK LED to verify that your PC has basic connectivity to the PIX Firewall on one
of the inside ports (1 through 4). When connectivity occurs, the LINK LED on the front panel
of the PIX Firewall lights up solid green.
Step 4 To access the Startup Wizard, use a PC connected to one of the PIX Firewall switch ports and enter
the URL https://192.168.1.1/startup.html into your browser
.
Note It is very important to enter the “s” in “https://192.168.1.1,” which indicates
a secure connection. If you enter “http://192.168.1.1” without the “s” in
“https,” you cannot access the PIX Firewall.
Step 5 Accept the certificates and follow the instructions in the Startup Wizard. For online help, click
the Help button at the bottom of the Startup Wizard window.

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9 Alternative Ways to Access the PIX 501
You can use a serial terminal emulator from a PC or workstation connected to the Console port for
local administrative access.
You can also use PDM or a console to configure Telnet access to the PIX Firewall. By default, Telnet
access is not permitted. To Telnet to the PIX Firewall from the outside perimeter of the firewall,
configure an outside IP address and IPSec for a secure Telnet session. For more information, refer to
the Cisco PIX Firewall and VPN Configuration Guide.
Follow these steps to connect a console for local administrative access:
Step 1 Plug one end of the console cable adapter (29-0810-01) into a standard 9-pin PC serial port.
Step 2 Plug one end of the blue console cable (72-1259-01) into the console cable adapter.
Step 3 Plug the other end of the blue console cable into the Console port.
Step 4 Configure the PC terminal emulation software or terminal for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no
parity, and 1 stop bit.
Refer to the Cisco PIX Firewall and VPN Configuration Guide for information about how to use the
command-line interface (CLI).
61391
POWER
4
3
2
1
0
CONSOLE
3.3V 4.5A
PC terminal adapter
(74-0495-01)
Blue console cable
Cisco PIX 501

11
10 Upgrade to DES, 3DES, or a 50-User License
Note The following instructions are applicable to PIX Firewall version 6.2 and higher releases. If
you are not running PIX Firewall version 6.2, refer to the Quick Start Guide for the version
of software installed on your Cisco PIX Firewall.
To upgrade features you did not specify at the time of
purchase, you need to use an activation key. The
activation key lets you add software features to the PIX
Firewall, such as DES (free), 3DES (not free), or a
50-user license.
To request a free activation key for DES, complete the
online form at the following website:
http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/Software/FormManager/
formgenerator.pl?pid=221&fid=324
Note If you are unable to access this form because you do not have a CCO login, send an e-mail to
licensing@cisco.com. In the e-mail include the PIX Firewall serial number as it appears in the
show version command and request a free 56-bit DES key.
To purchase an activation key for 3DES (PIX-501-VPN-3DES=) or a 50-user license
(PIX-501-SW-10-50=), go to Cisco’s ordering website:
http://www.cisco.com/public/Ordering_root.shtml
Note You can verify if you have DES, 3DES or a 50-user license features using the show activation-key
command.

12
Follow these steps to use an activation key:
Step 1 Ensure that the image in Flash memory and the Running Image are the same.
Step 2 From the CLI, enter the activation-key activation-key-four-tuple command, replacing
activation-key-four-tuple with the activation key obtained from Cisco.
Note Make sure that you are in config mode to enter a new activation key.
Step 3 Reboot the PIX Firewall by powering it off and then on again.
After the key update is complete, the system is reloads again to update the running image.
For activation key examples or upgrade troubleshooting, refer to the Cisco PIX Firewall and VPN
Configuration Guide, available at the following website:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/iaabu/pix/pix_62/index.htm
Active Host Limitation
The PIX 501 supports up to 10 active hosts on the inside network, or 50 active hosts on the inside
network if the optional 50-User License has been purchased. A host is considered active when any of
the following statements are true:
• The host has passed traffic through the PIX Firewall during the time configured for the xlate
timeout interval
• The host has an established NAT/PAT translation through the PIX Firewall
• The host has an established TCP connection or UDP session through the PIX Firewall
• The host has an established user authentication through the PIX Firewall
Refer to the System Properties>Timeout online help within PDM for the default inactivity timeout
values associated with each of the preceding bulleted items.

13
11 Restore the Default Configuration
Caution Entering the config factory-default command erases the current running configuration.
If you inadvertently erase the default configuration or need to restore the default configuration, you
can restore the factory default values in one of the following ways:
• Run the Startup Wizard and click Reset PIX to Factory Default Configuration from the Starting
Configuration page.
• Use PDM and click File>Reset PIX to Factory Default Configuration.
• Use PDM or a terminal emulation program and enter the following commands:
Note The config factory-default command considers both licensing and platform in creating DHCP
pool sizes of 32 or 128.
Refer to the following website for detailed command information and configuration examples:
http://cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/iaabu/pix/pix_62/cmd_ref/index.htm
The Cisco TAC website is available to all customers who need technical assistance. To access the TAC
Website go to:
http://www.cisco.com/tac
Command Description
Step 1
configure factory-default [inside
ip address [address_mask]]
1
1. If the optional inside IP address and optional address mask are specified, the factory-default configuration
will reflect the specified IP address.
Erases the running configuration and replaces it with
the factory default configuration.
Step 2
write memory Writes the factory default configuration to Flash
memory.

14
12 Obtaining Documentation
Cisco provides several ways to obtain documentation, technical assistance, and other technical
resources. These sections explain how to obtain technical information from Cisco Systems.
Cisco.com
You can access the most current Cisco documentation on the World Wide Web at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm
You can access the Cisco website at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com
International Cisco websites can be accessed from this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml
Documentation CD-ROM
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available in a Cisco Documentation CD-ROM
package, which may have shipped with your product. The Documentation CD-ROM is updated
regularly and may be more current than printed documentation. The CD-ROM package is available
as a single unit or through an annual or quarterly subscription.
Registered Cisco.com users can order a single Documentation CD-ROM (product number
DOC-CONDOCCD=) through the Cisco Ordering tool:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/ordering_place_order_ordering_tool_launch.html
All users can order annual or quarterly subscriptions through the online Subscription Store:
http://www.cisco.com/go/subscription
Ordering Documentation
You can find instructions for ordering documentation at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/es_inpck/pdi.htm
You can order Cisco documentation in these ways:
• Registered Cisco.com users (Cisco direct customers) can order Cisco product documentation from
the Networking Products MarketPlace:

15
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/ordering/index.shtml
• Nonregistered Cisco.com users can order documentation through a local account representative
by calling Cisco Systems Corporate Headquarters (California, USA.) at 408 526-7208 or,
elsewhere in North America, by calling 800 553-NETS (6387).
Documentation Feedback
You can submit comments electronically on Cisco.com. On the Cisco Documentation home page, click
Feedback at the top of the page.
You can send your comments in e-mail to bug-doc@cisco.com.
You can submit comments by using the response card (if present) behind the front cover of your
document or by writing to the following address:
Cisco Systems
Attn: Customer Document Ordering
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-9883
We appreciate your comments.
13 Obtaining Technical Assistance
For all customers, partners, resellers, and distributors who hold valid Cisco service contracts, the
Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides 24-hour, award-winning technical support services,
online and over the phone. Cisco.com features the Cisco TAC website as an online starting point for
technical assistance.
Cisco TAC Website
The Cisco TAC website (http://www.cisco.com/tac) provides online documents and tools for
troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with Cisco products and technologies. The Cisco TAC
website is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Accessing all the tools on the Cisco TAC website requires a Cisco.com user ID and password. If you
have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, register at this URL:
http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do

16
Opening a TAC Case
The online TAC Case Open Tool (http://www.cisco.com/tac/caseopen) is the fastest way to open P3
and P4 cases. (Your network is minimally impaired or you require product information). After you
describe your situation, the TAC Case Open Tool automatically recommends resources for an
immediate solution. If your issue is not resolved using these recommendations, your case will be
assigned to a Cisco TAC engineer.
For P1 or P2 cases (your production network is down or severely degraded) or if you do not have
Internet access, contact Cisco TAC by telephone. Cisco TAC engineers are assigned immediately to P1
and P2 cases to help keep your business operations running smoothly.
To open a case by telephone, use one of the following numbers:
Asia-Pacific: +61 2 8446 7411 (Australia: 1 800 805 227)
EMEA: +32 2 704 55 55
USA: 1 800 553-2447
For a complete listing of Cisco TAC contacts, go to this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/687/Directory/DirTAC.shtml
TAC Case Priority Definitions
To ensure that all cases are reported in a standard format, Cisco has established case priority
definitions.
Priority 1 (P1)—Your network is “down” or there is a critical impact to your business operations. You
and Cisco will commit all necessary resources around the clock to resolve the situation.
Priority 2 (P2)—Operation of an existing network is severely degraded, or significant aspects of your
business operation are negatively affected by inadequate performance of Cisco products. You and
Cisco will commit full-time resources during normal business hours to resolve the situation.
Priority 3 (P3)—Operational performance of your network is impaired, but most business operations
remain functional. You and Cisco will commit resources during normal business hours to restore
service to satisfactory levels.
Priority 4 (P4)—You require information or assistance with Cisco product capabilities, installation, or
configuration. There is little or no effect on your business operations.

17
14 Obtaining Additional Publications and Information
Information about Cisco products, technologies, and network solutions is available from various
online and printed sources.
• The Cisco Product Catalog describes the networking products offered by Cisco Systems, as well
as ordering and customer support services. Access the Cisco Product Catalog at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_catalog_links_launch.html
• Cisco Press publishes a wide range of networking publications. Cisco suggests these titles for new
and experienced users: Internetworking Terms and Acronyms Dictionary, Internetworking
Technology Handbook, Internetworking Troubleshooting Guide, and the Internetworking Design
Guide. For current Cisco Press titles and other information, go to Cisco Press online at this URL:
http://www.ciscopress.com
Packet magazine is the Cisco quarterly publication that provides the latest networking trends,
technology breakthroughs, and Cisco products and solutions to help industry professionals get the
most from their networking investment. Included are networking deployment and troubleshooting
tips, configuration examples, customer case studies, tutorials and training, certification
information, and links to numerous in-depth online resources. You can access Packet magazine at
this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/go/packet
• iQ Magazine is the Cisco bimonthly publication that delivers the latest information about Internet
business strategies for executives. You can access iQ Magazine at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/go/iqmagazine
• Internet Protocol Journal is a quarterly journal published by Cisco Systems for engineering
professionals involved in designing, developing, and operating public and private internets and
intranets. You can access the Internet Protocol Journal at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/about/ac123/ac147/about_cisco_the_internet_protocol_journal.html
• Training—Cisco offers world-class networking training. Current offerings in network training are
listed at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/index.html

Corporate Headquarters
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USA
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Tel: 408 526-4000
800 553-NETS (6387)
Fax: 408 526-4100
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92782 Issy-les-Moulineaux
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Fax: 33 1 58 04 61 00
Americas Headquarters
Cisco Systems, Inc.
170 West Tasman Drive
San Jose, CA 95134-1706
USA
www.cisco.com
Tel: 408 526-7660
Fax: 408 527-0883
Asia Pacific Headquarters
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Capital Tower
168 Robinson Road
#22-01 to #29-01
Singapore 068912
www.cisco.com
Tel: +65 317 7777
Fax: +65 317 7799
Cisco Systems has more than 200 offices in the following countries. Addresses, phone numbers, and fax numbers are listed on the
Cisco Web site at www.cisco.com/go/offices
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78-14841-01
DOC-7814841=