NetComm NB5580, NB5580W User Manual

www.netcomm.com.au Rev.1 - YML686
Page 2 NP5580/W User Guide

Contents

Quick Start Section ........................................................................................................................4

Product naming conventions ..................................................................................................4

Package Contents ...................................................................................................................5

Default Settings & Facts for the NB5580 & NB5580W ..........................................................6

Resetting .................................................................................................................................6

Power ....................................................................................................................................6

One page setup for most ADSL services ..............................................................................7

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................8

About this Guide .....................................................................................................................9

Chapter 1: Getting to know your NetComm NB5580/W..............................................................10

1-1 About NetComm NB5580/W .....................................................................................10

1-2 Features of the NetComm NB5580/W...................................................................... 11

1-3 Do I need a Micro filter? ...........................................................................................12

Chapter 2: Hardware Installation & Setup .................................................................................. 13

2-1 Connecting your NB5580 to your LAN ....................................................................13

2-2 Connecting your NB5580W to your LAN.................................................................14

2-3 Front Panel LEDs for the NB5580 ............................................................................16

2-4 Front Panel LEDs for the NB5580W ........................................................................17

Chapter 3: Internet Access .........................................................................................................18

3-1 Prepare your network information ..........................................................................18

3-2 Web-based User Interface ......................................................................................19

3-3 Initial Configuration – Setup .....................................................................................20

Chapter 4: Advanced Applications .............................................................................................27

4-1 Firewall.....................................................................................................................27

4-2 DHCP Configuration..................................................................................................29

4-3 URL Filter ..................................................................................................................30

4-4 Time Control..............................................................................................................31

4-5 Access Control ........................................................................................................32

4-6 Port Forwarding / UPnP Settings .............................................................................34

4-7 Special Application (Port Triggering)........................................................................36

4-8 Dynamic Routing ......................................................................................................37

4-9 Static Routing............................................................................................................37

4-10 Wireless (only applicable for the NB5580W) ..........................................................39

4-11 Administration Settings NB5580/W..........................................................................41

4-12 Status Monitor...........................................................................................................43

4-13 DMZ Host..................................................................................................................44

4-14 Log............................................................................................................................45

4-15 VPN Passthrough.....................................................................................................46

4-16 Dynamic DNS (DDNS) ..............................................................................................47

4-17 Universal Plug and Play............................................................................................49

4-18 Back Up and Restore ...............................................................................................53

4-19 Upgrade Firmware ...................................................................................................55

4-20 Diagnostics (Ping & Tracert)....................................................................................56

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Chapter 5: Configuring IPSec/VPN Tunnels ...............................................................................58

5-1 VPN/IPSec Introduction ............................................................................................58

5-2 VPN Application Types.............................................................................................60

5-3 VPN / IPSec Setup....................................................................................................61

5-4 Example1: Tunnel between Two VPN Routers .......................................................65

5-5 Example2: Tunnel between VPN Router-and-VPN Client with Fix IP......................65

5-6 Example3: Tunnel between VPN Router-and-VPN Client

with dynamic IP .....................................................................................................................66

Chapter 6: Configuring IPSec on Windows 2000/XP..................................................................67

6-1 Environment..............................................................................................................67

6-2 Steps in Windows 2000/XP .....................................................................................68

6-3 Steps in ADSL Integrated Gateway.........................................................................80

Chapter 7: Security .....................................................................................................................82

Chapter 8: Trouble Shooting .......................................................................................................88

Hardware..............................................................................................................................88

Client Side (Computers) ........................................................................................................89

Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions..................................................................................90

Wireless Questions ...............................................................................................................91

Appendix B: Setting up TCP/IP Protocol .....................................................................................95

Installing the TCP/IP Protocol for Windows ..........................................................................95

Fixed IP Addresses Configuration ........................................................................................98

Appendix C: Macintosh Setup...................................................................................................100

Appendix D: Technical Specifications.......................................................................................102

Specifications for Wireless Model only (NB5580W) ..........................................................102

General Specifications for both NB5580 & NB5580W .......................................................102

Appendix E: Cable Connections...............................................................................................104

RJ-45 Network ports ...........................................................................................................104

Twisted pair cables.............................................................................................................104

Straight and crossover cable configuration.......................................................................105

RJ11 connector and cable ..................................................................................................105

605 to RJ-11 adapter...........................................................................................................106

USB cable............................................................................................................................106

Appendix F: EM1100 ADSL Microfilter .....................................................................................107

Appendix G: EM1 180 ADSL POTS Splitter Inst allation Guide ....................................................108

Features ..............................................................................................................................108

Location for Installation.......................................................................................................108

Wiring Instructions ..............................................................................................................109

Wall Mounting Instructions ..................................................................................................110

Appendix H: Glossary ............................................................................................................... 111

Appendix I: Registering your NetComm Product....................................................................... 115

Contact Information .............................................................................................................115

Product Warranty ................................................................................................................119

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Quick Start Section

The following Quick Start pages are intended to be used by an advanced user to quickly
configure the NetComm NB5580/W. It assumes that you are familiar with Networking
and that you already have an ADSL enabled phone line. If you need further explanation,
please refer to the more detailed sections of this document. This guide presumes that
your NetComm NB5580/W is set to factory defaults (See Resetting if required).

The NB5580 is available in either standard or wireless versions. If you have purchased
the NB5580W, refer to 4.10 Wireless or Chapter 7 - Security for information on setting
up the wireless component of your Router.

Product naming conventions

This manual covers both the NB5580 and NB5580W ADSL integrated Gateways.
Where feature and functions are common to both models the product will be refered to as

the NB5580/W.
Features and functions dedicated to the NB5580W - Wireless model are shown

separately.

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NB5580/W User Guide Page 5

OR

■ NB5580W ADSL Integrated Gateway

with Wireless with Removable Omni
directional 2dBi Antenna

■ Cat-5 RJ45 Straight-through Ethernet

Cable

■ NB5580 ADSL Integrated

Gateway

■ RJ11 ADSL Line Cord and RJ11 to 605

ADSL Line adaptor

■ Plug Pack 12VDC, 1.0A

■ Microfilter

■ Rubber Feet

Package Contents

After carefully unpacking the shipping carton, check the contents listed below:

■ Package Contents Note and this User Guide

Check the contents of your package and, if any parts are missing or damaged, please
contact your Dealer.

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Default Settings & Facts for the NB5580 & NB5580W

The following lists the default settings of your NetComm NB5580/W.

Note: It is highly recommended that you enable security settings such as WEP,

and change default administration passwords and SNMP strings before
connecting your NB5580 to your network or the Internet.

Router

LAN IP: 192.168.1.1
Username: <none>
Password: admin
WAN port MDI: Auto MDI (No cross over cable required)

Resetting

While using or installing your NetComm NB5580/W you may need to utilise the reset
feature. There are two types of reset:

Soft A soft reset will restart the unit and reconnect to the internet using the

settings stored previously, none of your settings are deleted. To perform a
soft reset briefly press the reset button on the back of the unit.

Hard A hard reset will return your unit to its factory default setting, meaning that

you will loose all configurations and logs set/stored previously. To perform a
hard reset, press and hold in the reset button on the back of the unit for 10
seconds.

Note: Both types of reset require the NB5580/W to be powered up before the

reset button is pressed.

Power

Ensure that you only use the Power Adaptor supplied (12VDC, 1.0Amps, Center pole
positive) with your NetComm NB5580/W.

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NB5580/W User Guide Page 7

One page setup for most ADSL services

1. Connect your computer to one of the four LAN ports on the NetComm NB5580/W
and ensure you have a link. Connect your ADSL enabled line to the ADSL port of
the NetComm NB5580/W using the RJ11 cable supplied.

2. Set the Network Card of your computer to use DHCP or assign it an IP address in
the range of 192.168.1.2 ~ 254.

3. Open a web browser (ensuring that it is set to access the Internet via the LAN, not
by a dial-up networking account). Browse to the NetComm NB5580/W's default IP
(192.168.1.1). The main menu of the router should open displaying the “One Page
Setup”.

Note: You may be prompted for a log-in, there is no User Name and the default

Password is "admin".

4. Change your “WAN Connection Type” to “PPPoE (ADSL)”.

5. Set your “User Name” and “Password” as provided by your ISP.

6. If you wish to make services available to external Internet users, even when you are
not using Internet services from inside your network, you can choose “Keep Alive”.
Alternatively for extra security you can choose “Connect on Demand”.

7. Click “Apply”. Your NetComm NB5580/W will attempt to use your settings to
connect to your ISP. You can check the results on the “Status Monitor” page.

8. If you have a DHCP server already active on your network it is recommended that
you disable either the NetComm NB5580/W's built in DHCP server or the existing
DHCP server. Please note that Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing is a DHCP
server .

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Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the NetComm NB5580/W.
A vailable in either standard (NB5580) or wireless (NB5580W) models, the NetComm

NB5580/W is designed to provide advanced networking security and network resource
sharing, with a 4-port 10/100 Mbps switch. And best of all, with a powerful firewall
engine, this device is able to prevent DoS attack and uses SPI to provide superior
protection for your private network from Internet hackers.

The above diagram shows the NB5580W (Wireless Model).
The wireless model (NB5580W) also provides an integrated 802.11g wireless AP

thereby expanding your network to include your Wireless LAN (WLAN).
The built-in NAT provides a natural Internet firewall, protecting your network from

unauthorised access by outside users. The router will share your internet connection
with up to 253 users. Configured as a DHCP server, the NetComm NB5580/W assigns
an IP Address to every computer connected on the LAN automatically. Also, a DHCP
client helps the WAN port to acquire an IP address dynamically from your ISP.

Unlike other typical routers, which only share 10Mbps over all of their connections, the
NetComm NB5580/W is equipped with a 4-port 10M/100Mbps auto-sensing switch,
dedicating a possible100Mbps to each and every ethernet connected computer.

With a web-based UI (User Interface), this NetComm NB5580/W is easy to setup and
maintain via web browsers such as Netscape Communicator and Internet Explorer.

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About this Guide

This guide contains information about installing and configuring your NetComm
NB5580/W. It is designed to guide users through the correct setup procedures for both
hardware installation and basic configuration. Later, it shows how to complete advanced
configuration to get the best operating performance from the NetComm NB5580/W.

Chapter 1: Get to know your NetComm NB5580/W

This chapter describes the package contents and provides a list of features of the
NetComm NB5580/W.

Chapter 2: Hardware Installation & Setup

This chapter describes the steps for hardware installation of the NetComm NB5580/
W. Please note that there are separate instructions for both the NB5580 and the
NB5580W.

Chapter 3: Internet Access

This chapter describes the steps for basic configuration and start up of the
NetComm NB5580/W.

Chapter 4: Advanced Applications

This chapter describes how to configure advanced functions in order to get the most
from your NetComm NB5580/W.

Chapter 5: Configuring IPSec VPN

This chapter describes IPSec VPNs and explains how to configure your Router.

Chapter 6: Configuring IPSec on Windows 2000/XP

This chapter describes how to configure IPSec on Windows 2000/XP

Chapter 7: Security

This chapter is provides guidelines to secure your network.

Chapter 8: Trouble Shooting

This chapter describes potential problems you may run into and the suggested
remedies.

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Chapter 1: Getting to know your NetComm NB5580/W

This chapter describes the package contents and provides a list of features of the
NetComm NB5580/W.

1-1 About NetComm NB5580/W

The NetComm NB5580/W combines an ADSL Modem with a Router, including an
Active Firewall and VPN security. There are two versions of this product;

■ NB5580 (ADSL modem / Router / Firewall / VPN)

■ NB5580W (ADSL modem / Router / Firewall / VPN / Wireless Access Point)

All computers (whether connected wirelessly or via Ethernet) can seamlessly share one
ADSL internet account as well as share data (Files, Printers and other network services)
between themselves locally or to a remote office / user (via a VPN tunnel).

Ethernet / Fast Ethernet

Ethernet is the most widely-used network access method, especially in LANs. It is
defined by the IEEE as 802.3 standard. Normally , Ethernet is a shared media LAN. All
stations on the segment share the total bandwidth, which could be 10Mbps (Ethernet),
100Mbps (Fast Ethernet), or 1000Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet). With switched Ethernet,
each sender and receiver has the full bandwidth.

Fast Ethernet is defined as IEEE 802.3u standard, a high-speed version of Ethernet with
100Mbps transmission rate.

Wireless LAN (only applicable for the wireless model - NB5580W)

Wireless Local Area Network systems (WLANs) transmit and receive data through the
air by using radio frequency (RF). This offers advantages, such as mobility, ease of
installation, and scalability, over traditional wired systems.

■ Mobility: WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility. This provides

users with access to the network anywhere in their organization. For example, users
can roam from a conference room to their office without being disconnected from the
LAN. This would be impossible with a wired network.

■ Ease of Installation: Eliminating the need to deploy network cable in walls and

ceiling, installing WLANs is easy for both novice and expert users alike.

■ Scalability: WLAN topologies are easy to change in various ways from peer-to-

peer networks for a small group of users to full infrastructure networks for hundreds
of users roaming over a broad area.

Wireless LANs can be set as "Ad-hoc" network and "Infrastructure" network. Unlike the
"Ad-hoc network", where users on the LAN send data directly to each other, the
"Infrastructure" network includes an access point and users on the "Infrastructure"
network send data to that dedicated access point. NetComm NB5580W uses
"Infrastructure" network, where each wireless LAN PC within the range of the access
point can communicate with other wireless LAN PCs within the range.

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NB5580/W User Guide Page 11

1-2 Features of the NetComm NB5580/W

Standard Features of the NB5580 & NB5580W

■ Integrated ADSL Modem supports - Auto, G.DMT, G.LITE, ANSI T1.413

■ Supports PPPoE, PPPoA, Static & Dynamic IP, Classical IP & Bridge using LLC

Encapsulation.

■ Active Firewall featuring Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and prevention of DoS

attack

■ Network Address Translation (NAT max 1000 simultaneous connections)

■ 5 Integrated VPN Tunnel End points.

■ Multi-session VPN Pass-through or NATTraversal (PPTP & IPSec)

■ Universal Plug and Play - allows Internet Apps to auto configure ports

■ Ping Diagnostics (LAN & WAN)

■ Trace Route Diagnostics

■ Back up & Restore Configuration

■ Intruder detection, Traffic & Event Logging - viewable Online.

■ Logging / Alarms can be sent to Syslog or Email server.

■ Access Control - filter by IP / MAC / URL keyword

■ Access Control - filter Proxy / Java / ActiveX / Cookie.

■ Access Control - Time of Day filter with exception IP address.

■ Dynamic DNS for hosting server on Dynamic Public IP address.

■ DHCP Server for LAN

■ DNS Relay / Forwarding

■ Port Range Forwarding (V irtual Server)

■ Port Triggering (Special Applications like P2P programs)

■ Demilitarised Zone Host (DMZ) & Multi DMZ for hosting Web/Mail servers

■ W eb Based configuration and Administration

■ Remote Internet Administration (changeable HTTP Port Number)

■ SNMP support (4 communities, Enable / Disable)

■ Dynamic Routing (RIP 1 & 2, independently control Tx/Rx)

■ Static Routing (editable DEST, MASK, GW, HOP, IF)

■ Flash Firmware Upgradeable

■ 4 Port Ethernet Switch on LAN side.

■ WAN MAC spoofing (change WAN MAC)

■ WAN MTU value setting.

■ 3 YEAR WARRANTY

Extra Features of the NB5580W (Wireless version)

■ Integrated 54Mbps Wireless Access Point (802.11g/b compatible)

■ Wireless Encryption - WEP 64bit & 128bit, upgradeable to WPA.

■ SSID Wireless Beacon - Enable / Disable.

■ Wireless Access Control - up to 64 allowed MACs

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1-3 Do I need a Micro filter?

Micro filters are used to prevent common telephone equipment, such as phones,
answering machines and fax machines, from interfering with your ADSL service. If your
ADSL enabled phone line is being used with any other equipment other than your ADSL
Modem then you will need to use one Micro filter for each phone device.

Splitters may be installed when your ADSL line is installed or when your current phone
line is upgraded to ADSL. If your telephone line is already split you will not need to use
a Microfilter - check with your ADSL service provider if you are unsure.

Each micro filter is connected in-line with your telephone or fax machine so that all
signals pass through it. Telephones and/or facsimiles in other rooms that are using the
same extension will also require Microfilters. The following diagram gives an example of
connecting your ADSL Modem/Router using a Microfilter.

A suitable Microfilter can be purchased from NetComm or your Service Provider, if
required. If installing a POTS Splitter, refer to Appendix F: EM1180 ADSL POTS
Splitter Installation Guide for more information.

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NB5580/W User Guide Page 13

Chapter 2: Hardware Installation & Setup

This chapter provides information about your NetComm NB5580/W’s physical features
and gives step-by-step installation instructions.

2-1 Connecting your NB5580 to your LAN

Note: It is recommended that you connect your NB5580 to only one computer to

configure it BEFORE connecting it to the rest of your network. This will
allow you to enable/disable the DHCP server and change other settings
that may conflict with exisiting Network devices.

If using the NB5580 as a desktop unit, fix the Rubber Feet provided.
Plug the Power pack into a power point and into the power socket of the NB5580.
Connect your ADSL line (Telephone line) into the ADSL socket of the NB5580.

Note: If your telephone line has an ADSL splitter installed you must connect the

NB5580 to the line/wall socket designated for ADSL use. If your Telephone
line does not have an ADSL splitter you must connect Microfilters in-line
with each telephone device you intend to use on the Telephone line. See the
Section on ADSL Filters / Splitters in the Appendix of this manual.

Connect your computers (with Network Interfaces) to any of the four Ethernet LAN
sockets on the back of the NB5580. If you wish to connect more than four computers
you should connect one of the LAN sockets to your Network Hub or Switch. Check
that the Ethernet sockets used have their respective LAN link lights on.

Note: Auto MDI is available on all four ports. A special cross over cable or

"uplink" port to join the router to another hub or switch is not required as
the NB5580 ports are self adjusting.

You should now be able to access and configure the NB5580/W via a web browser. See
the Configuration section of this manual for more information.

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2-2 Connecting your NB5580W to your LAN

Note: It is recommended that you connect your NB5580W to only one computer

to configure it BEFORE connecting it to the rest of your network. This will
allow you to enable/disable the DHCP server and change other settings
that may conflict with exisiting Network devices. It is also recommended
that you disable the Wireless function (NB5580W only)

Connecting the Antenna

Pull back the Antenna nut cover to reveal the screw retaining nut. Place the screw
retaining nut over the antenna connection on the rear of the NB5580W and turn it
clockwise.

Note: Do not over-tighten the attaching nut - but do make sure

that you have screwed it all the way to its end. Once
completed slide the black screw nut cover completly
over the retaining nut before trying to bend the antenna
to 90 degrees.

Return the cover and bend the antenna to a 90

o

angle.

Note: Please note that you may have to rotate the complete

antenna assembly to do this and have the antenna
pointing vertically.

If using the NB5580W as a desktop unit, fix the Rubber Feet
provided.

Antenna connection

on rear of NB5580W

Antenna screw

retaining nut

Antenna nut

cover

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NB5580/W User Guide Page 15

Plug the Power pack into a power point and into the power socket of the NB5580W.
Connect your ADSL line (Telephone line) into the ADSL socket of the NB5580W.

Note: If your telephone line has an ADSL splitter installed you must connect the

NB5580W to the line/wall socket designated for ADSL use. If your
Telephone line does not have an ADSL splitter you must connect
Microfilters in-line with each telephone device you intend to use on the
Telephone line. See the Section on ADSL Filters / Splitters in the Appendix
of this manual.

Connect your computers (with Network Interfaces) to any of the four Ethernet LAN
sockets on the back of the NB5580W. If you wish to connect more than four computers
you should connect one of the LAN sockets to your Network Hub or Switch. Check
that the Ethernet sockets used have their respective LAN link lights on.

Note: Auto MDI is available on all four ports. A special cross over cable or

"uplink" port to join the router to another hub or switch is not required as
the NB5580W ports are self adjusting.

You should now be able to access and configure the NB5580W via a web browser. See
the Configuration section of this manual for more information.

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2-3 Front Panel LEDs for the NB5580

The following figure shows the front view of the NetComm NB5580.

The LEDs on the front panel indicate the status of the unit.

Power: Green On when power is on.
Diag: Red Lights up during system check when the power is

initially connected. If the Router is working properly,
the light should switch off after the diagnostic has been
completed.

For WAN port & LAN ports (x4)
Link/Act

& 10/100: Green On when a successful 100Mbps connection is made

through the corresponding port.
Blinking when data is flowing through this port.

Yellow On when a successful 10Mbps connection is made

through the corresponding port.
Blinking when data is flowing through this port.

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2-4 Front Panel LEDs for the NB5580W

The following figure shows the front view of the NetComm NB5580W.

The LEDs on the front panel indicate the status of the unit.

Power: Green On when power is on.
Diag: Red Lights up during system check when the power is

initially connected. If the Router is working properly,
the light should switch off after the diagnostic has been
completed.

For WLAN Enable /Activity:

Green The Links LED illuminates when the wireless option is

enabled. When the wireless option is disabled (through
the web-based utility), the LED is off.
Blinking when there is wireless connection activity .

For WAN port & LAN ports (x4)
Link/Act

& 10/100: Green On when a successful 100Mbps connection is made

through the corresponding port.
Blinking when data is flowing through this port.

Yellow On when a successful 10Mbps connection is made

through the corresponding port.

Yellow On when a successful 10Mbps connection is made

through the corresponding port.
Blinking when data is flowing through this port.

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Chapter 3: Internet Access

This chapter describes the procedures necessary to configure the basic functions and to
start up your NetComm NB5580/W. On successful completion of these procedures, you

will be able to access the Internet via your NetComm NB5580/W.

3-1 Prepare your network information

In order to allow a quick reference point when setting up your NetComm NB5580/W, it
is suggested you complete the table below with the necessary information, which should

be supplied by your ISP:

(

✓ tick indicates common minimal requirements)

Host Name: ____________________________________
Domain Name: ____________________________________

✓ Public IP address allocation:

❒ DHCP (Obtain IP Address automatically), or

❒ Static IP

IP Address (if static): ________.________.________.________
Subnet Mask (if static): ________.________.________.________
Default Gateway (if static): ________.________.________.________
DNS Server Primary: ________.________.________.________
DNS Server Secondary (optional): ________.________.________.________
DNS Server Third (optional): ________.________.________.________

✓W AN type:

❒ PPPoE

❒ PPPoA

❒ Classical IP

❒ LLC Encapsulation - Static IP

❒ LLC Encapsulation - Dynamic IP

❒ Modem / Bridge using LLC Encapsulation

✓ISP Account Username (if PPPoE/A): _____________________________________

✓ISP Account Password (if PPPoE/A): _____________________________________

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3-2 Web-based User Interface

The NetComm NB5580/W uses a Web based User Interface for configuration, when you
have made your changes to a particular page of the configuration you must click
"APPLY" at the bottom of that page to save your changes before you go to configuration
another page.

T o S tart configuring your NB5580/W:
Type http://192.168.1.1 into your Web browser (Internet Explorer or Netscape) address

field then press enter.
The “Username and Password Required” prompt box will appear. Leave the “User

Name” empty and type “admin” (default password) for the “Password”. Click
“OK”. The setup screen will load.

Note: This password should be changed via the Administration page

immediately. The password can be reset by restoring the factory defaults
with the Reset button.

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3-3 Initial Configuration – Setup

The “OnePage Setup” screen is the first screen you will see when you access the
router’s configuration. If the router has already been successfully installed and set up,
this screen’s values will already be properly configured.

The One-page setup screen is used to configure the most common settings to get your
NB5580/W connected to the internet and sharing that connection with your LAN /
WLAN. Below is quick list of only the settings which are critical and where you should
find the information to correctly configure theses settings:

Note: When making changes to the settings, click on the “Apply” button before

moving to another page. The router will reboot and refresh the screen in 5
seconds. Continue the session by selecting more menu items.

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NB5580/W User Guide Page 21

Quick Settings to get you started

Private IP address / Device IP address - This is the IP address that will be used to
configure the NB5580/W and it is also the IP address that your Computers will use as
there Gateway IP address to access the Internet through the NB5580/W. Your Network
Administrator can advise if this IP address should be changed (i.e. if the default

192.168.1.1 is already used)

Subnet Mask - This is the subnet mask that accompanies the Device IP address. Your
Network Administrator can advise if this IP address should be changed but the default of

255.255.255.0 is recommended.

Wireless Enable / Disable (NB5580W only) - For security you should Disable the
Wireless function before connecting the NB5580W to your network, you can enable the
wireless function when you are happy with your wireless security settings.

SSID (NB5580W only) - You should change your SSID to be something unique but
non-descript, it can be any name upto 32 characters. This SSID must be choosen for the
configuration of any Wireless Clients you wish to connect to the NB5580W.

VC Settings / VPI / VCI - Most typical ADSL services in Australia use VPI = 8 and
VCI = 35. Check with your ISP to confirm what values you need to set for your specific
ADSL service.

ADSL Connection Type - Most Typical ADSL services in Australia use “Gateway
using PPPoE” or “Gateway Using PPPoA”. Check with your ISP to confirm which
connection type best suits your ADSL service.

Note: When you have specified the above settings don't forget to click the

“Apply” button at the bottom of the page.

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Other Less Commonly Used Settings

■ Host Name This entry is required by certain ISPs.

■ Domain Name This entry is required by certain ISPs.

■ Time Zone: Select the time zone your location belong to from the pop-down list.

This will be used to date stamp you log files.

Wireless (only applicable for the NB5580W)

Check "Disable", "Mixed" or "G-only" to make the wireless LAN function active or
select to support 11b/11g mixed mode or 11g only.

■ SSID - As the acronym for Service Set Identifier, SSID is the unique name shared

among all clients and Wireless Broadband Router in a same wireless network. The
SSID must be identical for all points and must not exceed 32 characters.Because the
NB5580W is the central point in your Infrastructure mode Wireless Network it is
where you decide what will be the network name (SSID) that your Wireless Client
adapters must look for or 'lock onto'. When your Wireless Client devices are in
Infrastructure mode and come into range of your NB5580W they will look for a
matching SSID and change their channel to match the NB5580W if WEP encryption
is turned on they will also use their WEP keys to transfer data to and from the
NB5580W.

Note: For security it is advised that your SSID be unique but non-descript of your

Company or location. i.e. Do not use your Company name or Address as
your SSID. Your SSID should be changed from defaults to provide
additional security and to prevent conflicts with neighboring WLANs

■ SSID Broadcast (Beacon) - The NB5580W's built-in Access point broadcasts it's

presence to Wireless Client Adapters automatically, this feature can be disabled to
assist in hiding your WLAN from the casual browser, however disabling your SSID
broadcast does not make your WLAN more secure. NetComm recommend leaving
this feature enabled for ease of use.

■ Channel - Different countries have different numbers of available channels, Your

NB5580W is factory set to the Australian (European) domain. Wireless Client
adapters that have a matching SSID will automatically match the Channel that you
set in your NB5580W. To decide which channel to use in your NB5580 it is
recommended that you choose a channel that is not the same or numerically close to
any existing or neighboring WLAN channel.

■ WEP - As the acronym for Wired Equivalent Privacy, WEP is an encryption

mechanism used to protect your wireless data communications. WEP uses a
combination of 64-bit/128-bit keys to encrypt data that is transmitted between all
points in a wireless network to insure data security. To code/decode the data
transmission, all points must use the identical key. To make the WEP encryption
active or inactive, select "Mandatory" or "Disable".

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■ WEP Key Setting - As the WEP is active, click the button of "WEP Key Setting" to

go to the setting page. Select "64Bit" or "128Bit" encryption algorithm from the
drop-down list. There are two ways to generate WEP key:

1. Passphrase Enter a alphanumeric text string in this column then click "Generate"

button, and four 64-bit or 128-bit encryption key will be created automatically.

2. You can enter the WEP key manually. You may need to enter the WEP key

manually in case to join the existing wireless network. However, if not, the Pass
phrase method is recommended. If you are not sure which way to use, check
with your network administrator.

■ Default TX Key - Select one of the four keys to be the encryption key you are

going to use in the wireless network. To be sure that all the points in a same wireless
network have to have the same encryption key.

Click "Apply" after making any changes.

WAN Connection T ype

The ADSL Connection type sets the way your NB5580/W works with the ADSL
Service supplied by your ISP. The Most common choice for this setting is either
Gateway using PPPoE or Gateway using PPPoA these will work for most ISP's ADSL
services and will safely share your Internet access with your LAN:

■ Gateway using PPPoE

■ Gateway using PPPoA

■ Gateway using Classical IP

■ Gateway using LLC Encaps. (Dynamic IP)

■ Gateway using LLC Encaps. (Static IP)

■ Router using Classical IP

■ Modem using LLC Encaps.

Gateway, Router and Modem are different working modes that the NetComm NB5580/W
can use. It is highly recommended that you use the Gateway mode, which is NAT
enabled. It not only allows LAN users to share a single IP Address, but also protects
your LAN network from outside intruders. If the NetComm NB5580/W is set to the
Router mode or the Modem mode, all the computers in the LAN will have to be assigned
fixed public IP Addresses. The Router mode allows users to specify which routing path
data packets should take. If using the Modem mode, most functions of the NB5580/W
are not used and you will need to use a second router or computer to authenticate your
ISP account.

LLC Encaps, Classical IP, PPPoE, and PPPoA are connection modes that use different
protocols to create the initial session between your NetComm NB5580/W and ISP’s
equipment. Your ISP may indicate the connection mode you should set. If you don’t
know which one to choose, connect your ISP to get this information.

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Gateway using PPPOE

Choose this setting if:

1. You want to employ NAT to share Internet access for all of your computers, as well
as protect them from outside intruders.

2. Your ISP uses PPPoE as connection mode. You can find more information in the
RFC 2516 standard.

■ User Name Enter the user name your ISP provide to you.

■ Password Enter the password your ISP provide to you.

■ Connect-on-demand Is a utility to trigger the PPPoE session to connect if in a

disconnected state when Internet access is being attempted. Select this function and
enter the number of minutes you wish to wait after network idle time in the “Max
Idle Time” location. This function is for PPPoE only.

■ Keep Alive This function keeps your PPPoE connection always on even during a

period of no WAN activity. In some situations the PPPoE session cannot be restored
immediately after disconnection because the ISP’s system may need time to restore.
Check with your ISP to ascertain how much time is required before the router starts
to re-build the PPPoE session and enter this into the “Redial Period” field.

Gateway using PPPOA

Choose this setting if:

1. You want to employ NAT to share Internet access for all of your computers, as well
as protect them from outside intruders.

2. Your ISP uses PPPoA as its connection mode. You can find more information in the
RFC 2684 standard.

■ User Name Enter the user name your ISP provide to you.

■ Password Enter the password your ISP provide to you.

■ Connect-on-demand Is a utility to trigger the PPPoA session to connect if in a

disconnected state when Internet access is being attempted. Select this function and
enter the number of minutes you wish to wait after network idle time in the “Max
Idle Time” location.

■ Keep Alive This function keeps your PPPoA connection always on even it sites

idle. However, in some situation, PPPoA session cannot be built immediately after
disconnection because the system on ISP site may need a little time to restore. You
may need to check your ISP to get the information that how much time it need to
wait before the router start to re-build the PPPoE session and fill it in the “Redial
Period”.

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Gateway using Classical IP

Choose this setting to meet the following conditions:

1. You want to employ NAT to share Internet access for all of your computers, as well

as protect them from outside intruders.

2. Your ISP uses Classical IP connection type (use LLC encapsulation and routing

protocol) and provides you with one or more IP addresses when you apply for the
service. You can find more information in the RFC 2684 standard.

■ Specify WAN IP Address Enter the IP address provided by your ISP.

■ Subnet Mask Enter the subnet mask values provided by your ISP.

■ Default Gateway IP Address Your ISP will provide you with the Default Gateway

IP Address.

■ Domain Name Server (DNS) Your ISP will provide you with at least one DNS IP

Address. Multiple DNS IP settings are common. The first available DNS entry is
used in most cases.

Gateway using LLC Encaps. (Dynamic IP)

This connection type is the default setting of the NetComm NB5580/W. Choose this
setting if:

1. You want to employ NAT to share Internet access for all of your computers, as well

as protect them for outside intruders.

2. Your ISP uses LLC Encapsulation and DHCP to assign IP addresses when you

connect. (LLC encapsulation allows multiplexing of multiple protocols over a single
ATM virtual connection (VC). You can find more information in the RFC 2684
standard.)

Gateway using LLC Encaps. (Static IP)

Choose this setting according if :

1. You want to employ NAT to share Internet access for all of your computers, as well

as protect them for outside intruders.

2. Your ISP uses LLC Encapsulation and provides you with one or more IP addresses

when you apply for the service. You can find more information in the RFC 2684
standard.

■ Specify WAN IP Address Enter one IP address provided by your ISP.

■ Subnet Mask Enter the subnet mask values provided by your ISP.

■ Default Gateway IP Address Your ISP will provide you with the Default Gateway

IP Address.

■ Domain Name Server (DNS) Your ISP will provide you with at least one DNS IP

Address. Multiple DNS IP settings are common. The first available DNS entry is
used in most cases.

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Router using Classical IP

Choose this setting if:

1. You want this device acting as a router without NAT function.

2. Your ISP uses Classical IP connection type (use LLC encapsulation and routing
protocol) and provides you one or more IP addresses when you apply for the
service. You can find more information in the RFC 2684 standard.

■ Specify WAN IP Address Enter the IP address provided by your ISP.

■ Subnet Mask Enter the subnet mask values provided by your ISP.

■ Default Gateway IP Address Your ISP will provide you with the Default Gateway

IP Address.

■ Domain Name Server (DNS) Your ISP will provide you with at least one DNS IP

Address. Multiple DNS IP settings are common. The first available DNS entry is
used in most cases.

Note: You have to set public IP address for each of your LAN computers if you

select this connection type.

Modem using LLC Encaps.

Choose this setting if:

1. Y ou want this device acting as an ADSL modem. (i.e. when being plugged into
another broadband router or a computer running your ISP’s software)

2. Your ISP uses LLC encapsulation.

Your ISP may use DHCP to provide an IP address or provide you one or more IP
addresses, as well as advising you to use PPPoA or PPPoE connection modes.

When you have properly configured the Setup page, click “Apply”. Your Router will
then attempt to connect to the Internet. If you experience problems, please refer to the
trouble shooting section before contacting NetComm Technical Support.

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Chapter 4: Advanced Applications

This chapter provides information on how to set up and use the advanced features of
your NetComm NB5580/W.

4-1 Firewall

The Firewall setting page allows you to configure advanced Firewall functions to provide
superior security for your network environment. You must click “Apply” to make any
changes active.

■ Firewall Option Enable this function to prevent DoS (Denial of Service) attacks

and to use SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection). SPI function will check the contents of
incoming data packets for malicious attacks. When the firewall is enabled it will
block against the following attacks:

■ DoS

■ DDoS

■ Ping of Death

■ LAND

■ IP Spoofing

■ SYN Slug

■ IP Smurfing

Temporarily disable this option if you have a particularly sensitive Internet
application that does not function through the router.

■ Web Filter This feature provides the ability to filter potential risks contained in web

pages accessed by LAN users.

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Web proxy is a server your device will connect to when you access any web site.
Setting a web proxy can save accessing time but may create a security issue by
bypassing any URL filters or IP blocking you have configured. For example, if
you configure the NB5580/W to block the access of 216.115.102.76 that is the
IP address of www.yahoo.com, it will fail to block successfully if your browser
is using a proxy because the router only sees the connection to the proxy and
then the proxy connects to yahoo. If you block the use of proxies then all
connections must be made directly through the router.

Java & Active X are programming languages for web pages. However, some
Trojan programs are also written in these programming languages. If you deny
either of these, you may not be able to access some parts of web sites.

A cookie is data stored on your computer, which a web server can retrieve to
identify your machine. It is a piece of text with an ID number. Cookies can be
blocked by the router if the “Deny” option is selected.

Click Apply after making any changes.

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4-2 DHCP Configuration

A DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) Server can automatically assign IP
Addresses and other information to each computer in your network. Unless you already
have a DHCP Service on your LAN, it is highly recommended that you set your router
to act as a DHCP server.

Note: The DHCP Server can support a maximum pool of 253 IP Addresses.

■ Dynamic IP Address Select “Enable” to set your Router to act as a DHCP server.

If you already have a DHCP server on your network, set the router’s DHCP option
to “Disable”.

■ Starting IP Address Enter a numerical value, from 2 to 254, for the DHCP server to

start at when assigning IP Addresses.

■ Number of Users Enter the maximum number of computers that you want the

DHCP server to assign IP Addresses to, with the absolute maximum being 253.

■ Client Lease Time Enter the number of time that DHCP clients (The PCs on LAN

side) can use the IP Addresses assigned by Router's DHCP server. Before the time is
up, DHCP clients have to request to renew the DHCP information.

■ DNS The IP Address of the Domain Name Server, which is currently used. Multiple

DNS IP settings are common. The first DNS entry will be used in most cases.

■ DHCP Clients Table Click the DHCP Clients Table button to show current DHCP

client information. Such as what IP addresses are already being used, etc.

Click the "Apply" button after making any changes, or click the "Cancel" button to exit
the screen without saving any changes.

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4-3 URL Filter

This feature allows you to restrict LAN users access to specific web sites. To block a
site, you can enter either a complete URL (Internet address) or keywords included in the
URL.

■ Control Web Access Check "Enable" or "Disable" to make this function active or

inactive.

■ Control Type Check "Allow" to allow users on the network to access only specific

websites listed. In contrast, to restrict users on the network to access the websites
listed, check "Deny" in this item.

■ Web site or Key Words Enter either a complete URL (Internet address) or

keywords included in the URL.

■ Exception IP Address Enter the IP Address of LAN PC that will not be restricted

by the URL Filter.

Click the "Apply" button after making any changes, or click the "Cancel" button to exit
the screen without saving any changes.

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4-4 Time Control

This feature allows you to limit connection availability according to a nominated time
schedule.

■ Control Type Select the control type from the drop down list and make this

function active. Select "Block Outbound" to restrict the connection to the Internet
from your LAN. Select "Block Inbound" to restrict any external connections from
Internet to your LAN servers that were set as Port Forwards (virtual servers) or as
DMZ host. Select "Block Both" to restrict both incoming and outgoing connections.
Select "Disable" to turn off this function.

■ Define Schedule Set a period of time with beginning and ending from the drop

down list.

Click the "Apply" button after making any changes, or click the "Cancel" button to exit
the screen without saving any changes.

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4-5 Access Control

The Access Control feature allows administrators to block certain users from accessing
the Internet or specific applications. Network administrators can restrict access of up to
five groups of specified network users/computers. You can identify users/computers
either by IP Address or by MAC Address. To effectively block by IP Address the
computers you wish to block must only be able to operate on a fixed IP address and you
must know the IP Address of each computer.

Alternatively you can identify the computers you wish to block by MAC Address.
This is more effective because a MAC Address is physically locked to a computer and
not easily changed, however, blocking by MAC address is more laboursome as each filter
must be individually set and filtering by MAC address ranges can not be done because
MAC addresses are rarely consecutive.

■ Choose Setting Select the number of policy rules you want to configure. There are

up to 10 rules you can set. Note that these rules are sequenced. Rule 1 has higher
priority than Rule 2 and so forth.

■ Control Type Select "Enable" to limit users/computers access to specific

applications you set on this rule. Select "Disable" to restrict the users/computers
access to specific applications you set on this rule.

■ Name this Setting For each rule, you can enter up to 15 characters to identify it.

■ Direction Choose the initial network data traffic direction you wish to block. Select

"LAN" if you want to block LAN side users/PCs set in the following "MAC" and
"Source IP" fields to access certain applications on the Internet. Select "WAN" if
you want to block WAN side users/PCs set in the following "MAC" and "Source IP"
fields to access certain PCs on your LAN side.

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■ MAC This item allows network administrators to use the MAC addresses of PCs to

restrict users/computers from accessing the specific application you set in this rule.
A MAC address is short for Media Access Control Address and is a hardware
address that uniquely identifies each node on network. Enter the MAC addresses of
the computers you wish to allow/block in each field.

■ IP Address This item allows network administrators to use IP Address of PCs to

restrict users/computers from accessing the certain applications you set in this rule.
Enter the range of IP addresses if you want them to be included in a controlled group
with the same access limitation.

Note: If you set both "MAC" and "Source IP" in one rule, the PCs which have the

MAC addresses matching in "MAC" field and their IP addresses matching
in the "Source IP" field will be allowed/blocked for certain applications.

■ Protocol Select the protocol type as "TCP" or "UDP" from the drop down list. If

you are not sure which one to choose, select "Both".

■ Port Number Enter the range of port numbers that are used by the applications you

wish to be blocked. For example, port 80 usually is used as destination port number
when you access a web page. Note that if you don't enter any value in the "MAC"
and "Source IP" column but enter the port number, for example "80", in "Destination
Port", it means all the users/PCs will be allowed/denied access to certain applications
related to this port, for example "web browsing".

■ Summary Click this button to display a summary page showing all the current rules

you have set.

Click the "Apply" button after making any changes, or click the "Cancel" button to exit
the screen without saving any changes.

Note: To allow or deny access by URL, refer to the section on URL Filter.

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4-6 Port Forwarding / UPnP Settings

The Port Forwarding Setting application allows you to set up to ten public ports, such
as a HTTP (web), SMTP (email), FTP, etc. that can be accessed by external users of the
Internet. Each service is forwarded to a dedicated network computer (server) configured
with a fixed LAN IP Address. Although the internal service addresses are not directly
accessible to the external user, the NetComm NB5580/W is able to redirect requests to
the appropriate internal IP Address/server. To use this application, it is recommended
you use a fixed Public IP Address from your ISP and that your internal servers do not
use a DHCP client.

Note: Please refer to section 4-17 Universal Plug’n’Play for alternatives to Port

Forwarding

Note: Your NetComm NB5580/W supports only one forward to one IP Address for

each port (service).

■ Set up a network computer to act as a server and configure each with a fixed LAN IP

Address in the same subnet as the LAN subnet of the router.

■ In the “One Page Setup” screen, ensure the “Private IP Address” is set to the

NetComm NB5580/W’s default setting of 192.168.1.1. If a fixed Public IP Address is
to be used, select “Specify an IP address” and enter the IP Address and other
necessary information provided by your ISP.

■ Incoming Ports - Enter the desired service port numbers in the “Ports” fields. You

can specify the protocol type as “TCP” or “UDP” from the drop-down list. If you
are not sure which one to select, choose “Both”. A selection of commonly used port
numbers is provided on the right of this screen.

■ Redirect IP Address - Enter the appropriate IP Addresses of the service computers

in the “Redirect IP Address” locations.

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Example: If the service port number 80~80 (representing an HTTP web address) is
entered in “Ports” and 192.168.1.100 is entered in “Redirect IP Address”, then all
HTTP requests from external Internet users will be directed to port 80 of the computer/
server with the 192.168.1.100 fixed IP Address.

Note: You can only forward an external port once, therefore UPnP port settings

and Portforwarding settings must not overlap or conflict:

■■

■■

■

Use UPnP settings for any preprogrammed ports and where internal
port is different from external port (i.e. Port Translation)

■■

■■

■

Use Port forwarding for ports that are not common and do not need
translation.

The following table lists the protocols and port ranges that are used by some common
applications:

Note: Port 8080 on the Public IP address is typically used for Remote

Management and must be change in the Admin Page if you wish to use this
port for another service

Application Protocol Port Range

E-Donkey TCP 4661, 4662, 4663

UDP 4665
FTP Server T CP 21
Half Life UDP 6003, 7002, 27010, 27015, 27025
MSN Messenger TC P 6891-6900 (File-send)

TCP 1863

UDP 1863

UDP 5190

UDP 6901 (Voice)

TCP 6901 (Voice)
PC Anywhere host TCP 5631

UDP 5632
Quake 2 UDP 27910
Quake III U D P 27660 (first player)

”C:\Program Files\Quake III
Arena\quake3.exe” +set net_port 27660
27661 (second player)

Telnet Server TCP 23
Web Server TCP 80

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4-7 Special Application (Port Triggering)

Some applications use multiple TCP/UDP ports to transmit data. Due to the use of
NAT in the router, these applications may not work. Port Triggering allows these
applications to work properly.

Note: Only one computer can use each Port Triggering setting at any time.

■ Application Name Enter the name of the application you wish to configure in the

Application Name column to identify this setting. This is just a label and does not
govern the function of the settings.

■ Outgoing Port Range Enter the port number or range of numbers this application

uses when it sends packets outbound. The Outgoing Control port numbers act as the
trigger. When the NetComm NB5580/W detects the outgoing packets with these port
numbers, it will allow the inbound packets with the Incoming Port Numbers that
you set in the next column to pass through the NetComm NB5580/W.

■ Incoming Control Enter the port number or range of numbers the inbound packets

carry.

Click “Apply” after making any changes.
The following table lists the port numbers of some popular applications:

Application Outgoing Control Incoming Data

Battle.net 6112 6112
DialPad 7175 51200, 51201,51210
ICQ 4000 4000
I CU II 2019 2000-2038, 2050-2051, 2069,

2085,3010-3030
IRC 6667 531, 6666, 6667
MSN Gaming Zone 47624 2300-2400, 28800-29000
PC to Phone [phone],12122, 24150-24220
Quick Time4 554 6970-6999

wowcall 8000 4000-4020

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4-8 Dynamic Routing

The Dynamic Routing feature allows your NetComm NB5580/W to exchange routing
information with other routers in the network. Enabling this feature is likely to enhance
performance of your NetComm NB5580/W when used in a multi routed network.

■ TX From the drop-down list, select one of the routing information types, “RIP-1”,

“RIP-1 Compatible”, or “RIP-2”, to enable the “TX” (transmit) function. “RIP-1”
is the protocol used by older routers and newer routers should use “RIP-2”. “RIP-1
Compatible” serves to broadcast RIP-1 and multicast RIP-2.

■ RX From the drop-down list, select one of the routing information types, “RIP-1”

or “RIP-2”, to enable the “RX” (receive) function.

Click “Apply” after making any changes.

4-9 Static Routing

The Static Routing feature allows computers that are connected to the NetComm
NB5580/W directly or through a hub/switch (on the immediate LAN) to communicate
with other computers in the respective LAN segment which are connected to the
NetComm NB5580/W through another router (destination LAN). Up to 20 route entries
may be entered into the NetComm NB5580/W. The diagram below gives an example of
the physical connections required to use Static Routing.

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In the above diagram, PC2 in LAN#2 is connected to the NetComm NB5580/W via
another router while PC1 in LAN#1 is connected to the NetComm NB5580/W directly.
Without configuring the Static Routing function, the two computers would not be able to
communicate with each other.

■ Select Route entry Select the route entry number from 1 to 20 that you wish to

configure.

■ Destination LAN IP and Subnet Mask Enter the IP Address and Subnet Mask of

the destination LAN that the immediate LAN is to communicate with. Taking the
above diagram as an example, enter 192.168.2.0 in the “Destination LAN IP” field
and 255.255.255.0 in the “Subnet Mask” field.

■ Default Gateway Enter the IP Address of the router that forwards data packets to

the destination LAN. For the above example, enter 192.168.1.2 in the “Default
Gateway” field.

■ Hop Count Enter the number of hops required between the LANs to be connected.

The Hop Count represents the “cost” of the routing transmission. The default value
is 1.

■ Interface Choose “LAN” if the Destination LAN is on your Router’s LAN side and

choose “WAN” if the Destination LAN is on the Router’s WAN side.

Referring back to the above diagram, with proper setting, PC1 would be able to access
LAN 1, LAN 2 and the Internet while PC2 can only access LAN 2 and LAN 1.

Click “Apply” after making any changes.

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4-10 Wireless (only applicable for the NB5580W)

This setting page allows you to configure advanced wireless functions of your
NB5580W. T o set those items needs more technology background. Unless you really
understand those technical terms, it would be better to leave them as default setting.

■ Wireless Station Status The "Active MAC Table" shows the MAC addresses of

wireless clients, which have the same ESSID and WEP key with Broadband Wireless
Router. When the "MAC Filter" function is disabled, the background color is gray.

Click the "Active MAC Table" button will display all MAC addresses of wireless
nodes on your WLAN.

If the MAC Filter function is enabled and the MAC addresses showing in this table
have been entered into the "Edit MAC Filter" table, the background color of those
MAC addresses will be green. Otherwise, it should be red. If the MAC addresses
have been blocked (check the Filter field beside the MAC address in Edit MAC
Filter table), the background color will be yellow .

■ Wireless Station MAC Filter This function allows you to restrict wireless users to

access Internet.
Click "Edit MAC Filter Setting" button to open the edit table.
Wireless MAC Entry There are 32 sets divided into four groups in this function.

You can choose each group by selecting from the pop-down list. Enter the MAC
addresses of the computers you wish to block in the columns and click the Filter
field beside the MAC address, and then that user will be blocked to link to WLAN
and Internet. If the "Filter" field isn't checked, that MAC address won't be blocked.
The MAC address entered here should be 12 continue alphanumeric digits without "­" in between. Click "Apply" to save these changes.

■ Beacon Interval It's the signal sent periodically by wireless access point to provide

synchronization among the stations in wireless LAN.

■ RTS Threshold RTS packet is use to account for potential hidden stations. This

feature allows you to set the size of RTS packet.

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■ Fragmentation Threshold If the length of data frame needing transmission exceeds

the fragmentation threshold you set in the column, the data frame will be fragmented.
If there is significant interference or high utilization in your wireless network, the
smaller fragmentation value can increase the reliability transmission. However, it is
more efficient to set the large fragment size.

■ DTIM Interval DTIM is the acronym of delivery traffic indication message. It

determines how often the MAC Layer forward multicast traffic.

■ Basic rate Leave "Mixed" as default setting to compatible with different wireless

standard or select other rates you wish to use to connect with specific wireless
standard devices. .

■ Transmission Rates Leave "Default" setting or select other speed you wish to use.

■ Preamble Type Leave "Dynamic" as default setting or select other type to

compatible with special setting your client devices use.

■ Authentication Type Select either Open System or Share Key as authentication

type. If you are not sure, select both.

Click “Apply” after making any changes.

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4-1 1 Administration Settings NB5580/W

This feature allows the administrator to manage the NetComm NB5580/W by setting
certain parameters. For security reasons, it is strongly recommended that you set a
Password and SNMP communities so that only authorized persons are able to manage
your NetComm NB5580/W. If the “Password” is left blank, all users on your LAN/
WLAN can access the router simply by entering the unit’s IP Address into their web
browser’s location window .

■ Firmware V ersion This field shows the installed version of the firmware.

■ Administrator Password Enter the password you want to use into the “Password

Change” field and re-enter it into the “Password Confirm” field for confirmation.
Be sure that the password is less than 64 characters long and without any spaces.

■ SNMP Function The NetComm router is equipped with SNMP funcitonality to

allow it to be monitored and managed with a central SNMP management suite.
SNMP is disabled by default, if enabled the community strings should be changed
for security.

■ W AN MAC Change The WAN MAC address can be changed from the original

values if necessary. Some ISPs require users to change the WAN MAC address to a
registered one when users change their access equipment.

■ External Admin Check “Enable” to allow you to configure the NetComm

NB5580/W from WAN side. To access the setting page from external side, enter
“http://<WAN IP Address>:8080” into the web browser address column and press
the “Enter” key.

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■ MTU Check “Enable” if you want to limit the incoming and outgoing packet size

for the router. Enter the maximum packet size you wish to set in the “Size” column.
This can assist with the transmission of emails with attachments, etc.

■ Block WAN ping response This option is enabled by default for security. This

means the router will not respond to pings sent to it by other computers on the
internet. You can alter this to help with diagnostics.

■ IPSec Pass Through This option needs to be enabled if a computer on the LAN

wishes to use a IPSec VPN client to tunnel ‘through’ the router and out to the
Internet.

■ PPPoE Pass Through This option needs to be enabled if a computer on the LAN

wishes to use a PPPoE client to tunnel ‘through’ the router and out to the Internet.

■ PPTP Pass Through This option needs to be enabled if a computer on the LAN

wishes to use a PPTP client to tunnel ‘through’ the router and out to the Internet.

■ Reset Device Select “Yes” if you want to clear connections, reboot, and re-initialize

the unit without affecting any of your configuration settings.

■ Factor y Defaults Select “Yes” if you want to return all the router’s current settings

to their factory default settings.

Note: Do not restore to the factory defaults unless it is absolutely necessary.

Click “Apply” to make any changes.

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4-12 Status Monitor

This screen shows the router’s current status. All of the information provided is read­only.

■ Login This column shows the login information of your WAN connection. You can

manually initiate a connection or a disconnection by clicking the buttons. However,
if you initiate a disconnection here, the “Connect-on-Demand” will not function
until the connection button is clicked. Note that the Login won’t show any
information if you select “Obtain IP automatically” or “Static IP” in the
“OnePage Setup” page.

■ WAN (Internet) This section shows the IP settings status of the router as seen by

external users of the Internet. If you select “Get IP Address Automatically”,

“PPPoE”, or “PPTP” in OnePage Setup, the “ IP Address”, “Subnet Mask”,
“Default Gateway”, and “Domain Name Server” (DNS) will show the

information received from the DHCP server or ISP currently being used. If you
select “ Static IP” in the “One Page Setup: Public IP Address”, the information
will be the same as your input.

DHCP Release: Click this button to release the IP address obtained from the ISP’s
DHCP server.

DHCP Renew: Click this button to re-acquire an IP address from the ISP’s DHCP
server .

Note: The “DHCP Release” and “DHCP Renew” button only show up when

you select “Get IP Address Automatically” in the OnePage Setup.

■ LAN (Local) This section displays the current “Private IP Address” and “Subnet

Mask” of the router, as seen by users of your internal network.

■ DHCP Clients Table If the router is setup to act as a DHCP server, the LAN side

IP Address distribution table will appear when this button is selected.

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4-13 DMZ Host

The DMZ Host application allows unrestricted 2-way communication between a single
LAN PC and other Internet users or servers. This application is useful for supporting
special-purpose services such as video-conferencing and gaming, that require proprietary
client software and/or 2-way user communication.

To use this application, you must first obtain a fixed Public IP Address from your ISP.
Note that in order to provide unrestricted access, the Firewall provided by the
Broadband Security Router to protect this port is disabled, thus creating a potentially
serious security risk.

It is recommended that this application is disabled when it is not in use by entering "0"
in the "DMZ Host"field.

The Multi DMZ allows you to map the public IP addresses to your LAN PCs, should
you get more than one public IP address from your ISP. This function is useful to set up
your servers, such as an FTP server, web server, and so on, with public IP addresses,
but still keep them within your LAN group.

With the public IP addresses, Internet users will access your servers more easily and
those servers can still communicate with other PCs in you LAN by using Network
Neighborhood.

DMZ Host

1. Before setting up a LAN PC to act as a DMZ Host, you should configure it using a
fixed IP Address.

2. In the "One Page Setup" screen, ensure the Private IP Address is set to the
Broadband Security Router's default setting of 192.168.1.1. In the Public IP Address
area, select "Specify an IP Address", and then enter the IP Address and other
necessary information provided by your ISP.

3. Click the "DMZ Host" option in the Advanced Menu and enter the fixed IP Address
of the Exposed Host PC in the "DMZ Host" IP Address location. Remember,
entering "0" will disable this application.

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Multi DMZ

1. Enter the valid public IP address in "WAN IP" column. Next, enter the private IP

address of the PC that you wish to map to in "LAN IP" field. Up to five public IP
addresses can be entered.

2. Click the "Apply" button after making any changes, or click the "Cancel" button to

exit the screen without saving any changes.

Warning: The Computers with the IP addresses specified will be directly exposed

and are NOT protected by the Firewall, you should take extra care to
secure these computers against internet attack.

4-14 Log

The Log application allows the administrator to trace Internet access. You can send the
record to specific LAN computers for remote monitoring, but can also watch the
incoming (WAN to LAN) and outgoing (LAN to WAN) traffic in the “Log Settings”
page.

■ Access Log Set to Enable if you want to activate this function.

■ Send Log To Enter the IP address of the computer that you want to send the Log

information to. This computer must run a suitable “syslog” application (a copy of
such an application can be downloaded from the NetComm website).

■ Incoming Access log Click this button to go to the incoming (WAN to LAN) traffic

log table. This Table records information on the last fifty incoming packets, including
source IP address, destination IP address, and port number.

■ Outgoing Access log Click this button to go to the outgoing (LAN to WAN) traffic

log table. This Table records information on the last fifty outgoing packets, including
source IP addresses, destination IP addresses, and port numbers.

■ Denial of Service Thresholds The threshold is used to determine the attempt of

establishing connection is DoS attack or not.

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■ SMTP Mail Server The domain name of IP Address of your ISP's outgoing e-mail

server. You may find this information when you apply for e-mail service from your
ISP.

■ E-mail Alert to Enter the e-mail address you wish to send to.

■ Return Address Enter the e-mail address you wish to send to if the alert e-mail

cannot be sent to the address above.

■ Log Schedule Select from the drop down list that when you wish the alert e-mail

will be send:
When Log is Full The alert e-mail will be sent when log space is full. They are about

30 entries.

Hourly The alert e-mail will be sent by each hour.
Daily The alert e-mail will be sent by each day at midnight.
Weekly The alert e-mail will be sent by each week. When this item is select.

■ Day of Sending Alert When "Weekly" is selected as Log Schedule, you can select

which day in a week to send the alert e-mail.

Click the "Apply" button after making any changes, or click the "Cancel" button to exit
the screen without saving any changes.

Note: You must enable the log and click apply before you can use the “View

Logs” button.

4-15 VPN Passthrough

Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is a system which allows remote networks to
privately exchange data over an existing public network (usually the WAN/Internet).

The NetComm NB5580/W supports up to fifty PPTP or IPSec VPN Passthrough
sessions depending throughput available and tunnel load.

Note: VPN Passthrough can be enabled or disabled in the administration page.

Depending on your VPN service you may need to disable Active Firewall to
allow VPN Pass through.

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4-16 Dynamic DNS (DDNS)

"DDNS" is an acronym for Dynamic Domain Name Service. Whenever you set up the
web servers, mail servers, or sometimes ftp servers, you need "Domain Name" to help
Internet users reach your servers easily.

Internet actually runs on IP Addresses which are numerical order, for example
"66.37.215.53". These IP Address identify the location of each device connected to
Internet. However, the human brain does not easily remember this numbering system, so
a system that allocate domain name such as "www.dyndns.org" provides an easier
method. If you type "66.37.215.53" or "www.dyndns.org" in the web browser's address
bar, the browser will show the same web page. This is because both methods relate to
the same web server. The "Domain Name Servers" used to manage the Internet will
translate "www.dyndns.org" into the IP Address "66.37.215.53" in order to allow your
browser to find the web server and display the correct web page in your browser.

If your "WAN Connection Type", as shown in One Page Setup section, is "Obtain IP
Address Automatically", "PPPoE", or "PPTP" with dynamic IP address assigned by ISP,
it will cause an error when you set up the public computer servers in your LAN side
PCs. Internet users may not be able to reach your servers because your WAN side IP
address may change each time you initiate the connection to your ISP. The DDNS
function will help to map your IP address to your domain name when your ISP assigns a
new dynamic IP Address.

Note that this DDNS function acts as the client appliance of DDNS service and is only
able to be use in conjunction with the service provided by DynDNS.org. Before you
begin using this function, you will need to apply to DynDNS.org to be able to use the
service. Please visit www.dyndns.org for further information.

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Dynamic Domain Name Service is a feature that allows you to map a domain name to a
public IP address automatically. The advantage of this function is that even if your ISP
assigns your router a different IP address every day - people and computers can
reference your internal network (if VPN, Port forward or DMZ settings are made) via
your domain name without the need to know your Public IP address. The router is
designed to use the Web site www.dyndns.org which offers up to 5 free Dynamic
domain names per user.

■ DDNS Service Check the "Enable" option if you wish to activate this function.

■ Username After you have applied for the DDNS service from DynDNS.org, you

will be issued with a Username. Enter this username in the "Username" field.

■ Password DynDNS.org, will also issue you with a password. Enter the detail in the

"Password" field.

■ Host Name DynDNS.org, will provide you with a Host Name. Enter this name in

the "Host Name" field.

■ Your IP Address This will display the IP Address currently assigned by your ISP.

■ Status This display the current status of the DDNS function.

Click the "Apply" button after making any changes, or click the "Cancel" button to exit
the screen without saving any changes.

This function is a handy compliment to the following features of the router;

■ VPN - you can direct another VPN device to reference your Router by specifying

the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) that is specified in the DDNS setup.

■ Port forwarding - if you wish to host a web server on your LAN the public can

access it via a domain name URL (E.g. http://router.mine.nu/default.htm) rather than
typing in the real public IP address in the URL (E.g. http://203.147.250.73/
default.htm)

■ DMZ - Similarly to above if you are using the DMZ host function to allow external

access to a game server, web server, etc, you can provide a domain name (E.g.
UT2003.mine.nu) for your friends to enter into the game.

To setup DDNS follow these steps;

1. Go to www .dyndns.org and register an account and a Dynamic domain name.

2. Log into your router and select DDNS from the menu.

3. Enter your DDNS Username, Password and Domain name as chosen during your
registration. Click Apply.

4. You will need to click Update to make your first update.

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4-17 Universal Plug and Play

Universal Plug and Play is a system designed to make computers, computer equipment
and home appliances work together seamlessly . Currently the biggest advantage of
having UPnP integrated into your router is that this will assist your router in allowing
complex Internet applications such as MSN Messenger© work over Network Address
Translation (NAT) without the need to setup Port forwards or DMZ. The biggest
advantage of this is that the port mapping is dynamic so you do not need to specify the
IP address of the computer running MSN Messenger and it should be possible to run the
application on two separate machines on the same LAN that share a UPnP gateway.

To enable UPnP simply follow these steps;

1. Open the UPnP window from the left hand menu.

2. Select Enable at the top of the window and then click Apply at the bottom.
The preprogrammed ports on the UPnP page offer the option to perform Port

forwarding with Translation, this means that it will 'Translate' an external public port to
a different internal port and IP address.

Note: You can only forward an external port once, therefore UPnP port settings

and Portforwarding settings must not overlap or conflict. The use of UPnP
does reduce the security of your network by automatically allowing
applications (and potentially trojans) to open ports in your router. You
should assess this risk before enabling UPnP.

■ Use UPnP settings for any preprogrammed ports and where internal port is different

from external port (i.e. Port Translation)

■ Use Port forwarding for ports that are not common and do not need translation.

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Adding UPnP to Windows XP

Currently the only version of Windows to feature UPnP is Windows XP, and it is not
installed by default. As UPnP becomes more common you should be able to control
more and more devices via the UPnP software in Windows. To add UPnP capability to
your Windows XP computer follow the steps below;

Note: For more information please consult Microsoft's website.

Hint: Look for the red circles denoting where to click.

1. Open Control Panel and select Add or Remove Programs

2. Choose the Add/Remove Windows Components icon on the left hand side.

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3. When the Windows Components wizard open scroll down to find and select

Networking services. Then click Details.

4. Ensure that Universal Plug and Play is ticked and then click OK.

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5. Wait for Windows to copy files and make changes.

6. Click Finish to close the Wizard.

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4-18 Back Up and Restore

The NB5580/W has the ability to store the current configuration to a file. This
information can then be restored to the router at a later date.

Note: Your router's configuration should be kept secret and in a secure location

to prevent unwanted access to password or network topology information.
Currently you should only use Internet Explorer version 5.0 or above to
back up your router.

To Back up your router;

1. Click the Backup button. When the File download window opens select Save this

file to disk. Click OK

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2. Choose the location where you would like to store the file and enter the file name
(leave the .cfg extension). Click Save.

3. If required when the download is complete click the Close button.

To Restore your Router's configuration;

1. Log into the router and click the Backup and Restore menu item from the left hand
menu.

2. Click the Browse button to open a Choose file window, search and select your
previously backed up file. Click Open.

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3. When you return to the Backup & Restore screen you should see the file path in the

white field. Click the Restore button to start the configuration upload.

4. Once the upload is complete the router should reboot and implement the new

configuration. The IP address and subnet of the could now be different, perform a
"IPconfig Release and renew" to check if the browser menu stops responding.

Note: You may not be able to restore a configuration that was backed up from a

different version of firmware. It is strongly advised that you try to match
the firmware version in your router to the version from which the backup
file was made.

4-19 Upgrade Firmware

This setting page allows you to upgrade the latest version firmware to keep your router
up-to-date. Before you upgrade the firmware, you have to get the latest firmware and
save it on the PC you use to configure the router.

■ Select a file to upgrade Enter path of the latest firmware you saved on the PC.

You can choose "Browsing" to view the folders and select the firmware.

■ Upgrade After you enter or select the path, click "Upgrade" to proceed firmware

upgrade process. Please note that don't power off the router during the firmware
upgrading.

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4-20 Diagnostics (Ping & Tracert)

The Ping / Trace Route Diagnostics can be independently selected by clicking on either
"Ping" or "Tracert" on the left hand menu. These features are handy tools for diagnosing
network faults and ISP service faults.

Ping - Operates in a similar way to most Ping utilities, It will send a ping via the ICMP
protocol and receive a response from the target if it is configured to respond. You can
choose if the ping originates from the LAN (Private) side of the router or from the WAN
(Public) side of the router.

Note: Just because a computer does not respond to a ping doesn't mean it is not

functional or on the same IP address. Computers and routers can be
configured to NOT respond to pings and yet they can still transfer TCP / IP
data. Most Windows default installations will respond to a Ping.

Hint: For testing WAN (internet) connectivity it is handy to perform a DOS ping to a

website from a computer that has confirmed internet access via another router
or modem to obtain a IP number for your router test see the screen shot
below;

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Ping example 1 - Testing Router connectivity to a local computer.

1. Leave the source IP to be the LAN IP address of the router.

2. Enter the last number set of the IP address of your local target computer (eg

192.168.1.100).

3. Set your number of test packets to send (either 1, 2, 3 or 4).

4. Leave packet size as default 60 bytes.

5. Leave time between packets as default 1 second (1000 milliseconds).

6. Leave time out as default 5 seconds (5000 milliseconds).

7. Click Start.

8. Check that packets Received equal at least 1 for confirmation of a successful ping.

Packet loss can be determined by comparing packets sent to packets received.

Ping example 2 - Testing Internet connectivity (your router's
connection to the Internet)

1. Change the source IP to be the WAN IP address of the router.

2. Enter the whole IP address of your target computer (E.g. use the number you

discovered in the hint above such as 203.147.197.75).

3. Set your number of test packets to send (either 1, 2, 3 or 4)

4. Leave packet size as default 60 bytes.

5. Leave time between packets as default 1 second (1000 milliseconds).

6. Leave time out as default 5 seconds (5000 milliseconds).

7. Click Start.

8. Check that packets received equals at least 1 to confirm a good ping response. Total

packet loss can be determined by comparing packets sent to packets received.

Trace Route - Operates in a way to most Trace Route programs and is used to Trace all
the routing points from the Source (the Router) to the Destination (The IP address
entered).

Note: Not all routers in an IP path will allow self identification hence you may see

some hops along the way left as blanks. Also it is possible that the final
destination may not respond to the Trace Route Query even though it
exists and can exchange data via TCP / IP.

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Chapter 5: Configuring IPSec/VPN Tunnels

5-1 VPN/IPSec Introduction

The VPN Router creates secure communications between sites without the expense of
leased site-to-site lines. A VPN tunnel is a combination of authentication, encryption,
tunneling and access control technologies used to transport traffic over the Internet or
any insecure network. IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) is an industry-standard
protocol suite that provides confidentiality, data integrity and authentication at the IP
Layer to offer secure communications across a public network like the Internet.

IPSec Components

IPSec contains the following protocols:

■ Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP):

Provides confidentiality, authentication, and integrity.

■ Authentication Header (AH):

Provides authentication and integrity.

■ Internet Key Exchange (IKE):

Provides key management and Security Association (SA)

Security Association (SA)

An SA provides data protection for unidirectional traffic as defined in the IPSec
protocols. An IPSec tunnel typically consists of two unidirectional SAs, which together
provide a protected, full-duplex data channel.

IPSec can be used in tunnel mode or transport mode. Typically, the tunnel mode is used
for gateway-to-gateway IPSec tunnel protection, while transport mode is used for host­host IPSec tunnel protection. A gateway is a device that monitors and manages incoming
and outgoing network traffic and routes the traffic accordingly. A host is a device that
sends and receives network traffic.

T ransport Mode

The transport mode IPSec implementation encapsulates only the packet’s payload. The
IP header is not changed. After the packet is processed with IPSec, the new IP packet
contains the old IP header (with the source and destination IP addresses unchanged) and

the processed packet payload.

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Tunnel Mode

The tunnel mode IPSec implementation encapsulates the entire IP packet.
The entire packet becomes the payload of the packet that is processed with IPSec. A

new IP header is created that contains the two IPSec gateway addresses. The gateways
perform the encapsulation/decapsulation on behalf of the hosts. Tunnel mode ESP
prevents an attacker from analyzing the data and deciphering it, as well as knowing who
the packet is from and where it is going.

Key Management

IPSec uses the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol to facilitate and automate the SA
setup and the exchange of keys between parties transferring data. IPSec requires that
keys be re-created, or refreshed, frequently so that the parties can communicate securely
with each other. IKE manages the process of refreshing keys; however, a user can control
the key strength and the refresh frequency . Refreshing keys on a regular basis ensures
data confidentiality between sender and receiver.

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5-2 VPN Application T ypes

VPNs address the following applications:

■ Provide telecommuting workers with access to central office resources.

■ Interconnect branch offices to enable corporate intranets.

■ Connect business partners over the Internet with significant cost savings.

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5-3 VPN / IPSec Setup

1. Select the tunnel you wish to create in the Select Tunnel Entry drop-down box. It

is possible to create up to 70 simultaneous tunnels.
Then select Enable to enable the tunnel.
Once the tunnel is enabled, enter the name of the tunnel in the Tunnel Name field.

This is to allow you to identify multiple tunnels and does not have to match the
name used at the other end of the tunnel.

2. Under Local Secure Group and Remote Secure Group, you may choose one of

five options:

■ Subnet - If you select Subnet (which is the default), this will allow all

computers on the local subnet to access the tunnel. In the example shown below,
all Local Secure Group computers with IP Addresses 192.168.1.xxx will be able
to access the tunnel. All Remote Secure Group computers with IP Addresses

192.168.2.xxx will be able to access the tunnel.

When using the Subnet setting, the default value of 0 should remain in the last octet
of the IP and Mask fields.

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■ IP Address - If you select IP Address, only the computer with the specific

IP Address that you enter will be able to access the tunnel. In the example shown
below, only the computer with IP Address 192.168.1.101 can access the tunnel
from this end. Only the computer with IP Address 192.168.2.51 can access the
tunnel from the remote end.

■ IP Range - If you select IP Range, it will be a sort of combination of Subnet and

IP Address. You can specify a range of IP Addresses on the Subnet which will
have access to the tunnel. In the example shown below, all computers on this end
of the tunnel with IP Addresses between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.200 can
access the tunnel from the local end. Only computers assigned an IP Address
between 192.168.2.2 and 192.168.2.100 can access the tunnel from the remote
end.

■ Host – If you select Host, the value should be set the same as the Remote

Security Gateway setting

■ Any – When this option is selected, this Gateway accepts requests from any IP

address such as remote users, mobile users or telecommutors using dynamic IP.

3. Under Remote Security Gateway, enter the Public IP Address of the VPN device at
the other end of the tunnel. The remote VPN device can be another VPN Router, a
VPN Server, or a host with VPN software. In the example shown above, the IP
Address of the Remote Security Gateway is 140.111.1.2. This IP Address may
either be static or dynamic, depending on the settings of the remote VPN device.
When connecting between two routers the remote security gateway will be the
public (WAN) IP address of the remote router as given on the status page or by the
remote ISP.

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4. Using Encryption also helps make your connection more secure. There are two

different types of encryption: DES or 3DES. You may choose either of these, but it
must be the same type of encryption that is being used by the VPN device at the
other end of the tunnel. Or, you may choose not to encrypt by selecting Disable. In
our example shown below, DES (which is the default) has been selected.

5. Authentication acts as another level of security. There are two types of

authentication: MD5 and SHA. As with encryption, either of these may be selected,
provided that the VPN device at the other end of the tunnel is using the same type of
authentication. Or, both ends of the tunnel may choose to Disable authentication. In
the screen below, MD5 (the default) has been selected.

6. In order for any encryption to occur, the two ends of the tunnel must agree on the

type of encryption and the way the data will be decrypted. This is done by sharing a
“key” to the encryption code. Under Key Management, you may choose Auto
(IKE) and enter a series of numbers or letters in the Pre-shared Key field. In the
example shown below, the word Test is used. Based on this word (which MUST be
entered at both ends of the tunnel) a code is generated to scramble (encrypt) the data
being transmitted over the tunnel, where it is unscrambled (decrypted). You may use
any combination of up to 23 numbers or letters in this field. No special characters or
spaces are allowed. In the Key Lifetime field, you may optionally select to have the
key expire at the end of a time period of your choosing. Enter the number of seconds
you’d like the key to be used, or leave it blank for the key to last indefinitely.

Similarly , you may choose Manual Keying, which allows you to generate the code
yourself. Enter your code into the Encryption KEY field. Then enter an
Authentication KEY into that field. These fields must both match the information
that is being entered in the fields at the other end of the tunnel. The example shown
below displays some sample entries for both the Encryption and Authentication
Key fields. Again, up to 23 alphanumeric characters are allowed to create this key.

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The Inbound SPI and Outbound SPI fields are different, however. The Inbound SPI
value set here must match the Outbound SPI value at the other end of the tunnel.
The Outbound SPI here must match the Inbound SPI value at the other end of the
tunnel. In the example (see above), the Inbound SPI and Outbound SPI values shown
would be opposite on the other end of the tunnel. Only numeric characters can be
used in these fields.

Once you are satisfied with all your settings, click the Apply button. If you make
any mistakes, clicking the Cancel button will exit the screen without saving any
changes, provided that you have not already clicked the Apply button.

After the VPN device is set up at the other end of the tunnel, you may click the
Connect button to use the tunnel. This assumes that both ends of the tunnel have a
physical connection to each other (e.g., over the Internet, physical wiring, etc.). After
clicking the Connect button, click the Summary button. If the connection is made,
the screen shown below will appear:

Under Status, the word Connected should appear if the connection is successful. The
other fields reflect the information that you entered on the VPN screen to make the
connection. If Disconnected appears under Status, some problem exists that
prevents the creation of the tunnel.

■ Double-check all the values you entered on the VPN screen to make sure they

are correct.

■ Check the status page of both the local router and the remote device and ensure

the public IP addresses are the same as entered for the remote security gateway.

If, for any reason, you experience a temporary disconnection, the connection will be
re-established as long as the settings on both ends of the tunnel stay the same.

T o get more details concerning your tunnel connection, click the View Log button.
The VPN Log screen displays successful connections, transmissions and receptions,

and the types of encryptions used. Once you no longer have need of the tunnel,
simply click the Disconnect button on the bottom of the VPN page.

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5-4 Example1: Tunnel between Two VPN Routers

5-5 Example2: Tunnel between VPN Router-and-VPN Client with
Fix IP

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5-6 Example3: Tunnel between VPN Router-and-VPN Client
with dynamic IP

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Chapter 6: Configuring IPSec on Windows 2000/XP

This chapter illustrates the steps of Microsoft Windows 2000/XP computer to establish
a secure IPsec tunnel with the NB5580/W. You can find detailed information on
configuring the Microsoft Windows 2000 server at the Microsoft website:

Microsoft KB Q252735 - How to Configure IPSec Tunneling in Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q252/7/35.asp

Microsoft KB Q257225 - Basic IPSec Troubleshooting in Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q257/2/25.asp

6-1 Environment

Windows XP or Windows 2000Server

IP Address: 140.111.1.2 (Note: ISP provided IP Address; this is only an

example.)

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

ADSL Integrated Gateway

WAN

IP Address: 140.111.1.1 (Note: ISP provided IP Address, this is only an

example.)

Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

LAN

IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

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6-2 Steps in Windows 2000/XP

6-2.1 Create IPSec Policy

1. Click Start button, select Run, and type secpol.msc in the open field.

2. Right-click IP Security Policies on Local Computer, and then click Create IP
Security Policy.

3. Click Next, and then type a name for your policy (for example, “to_VPNRouter”).

4. Deselect the Activate the default response rule check box, and then click Next
button.

5. Click the Finish button, making sure the Edit check box is checked.

6-2.2 Build 2 Filter Lists: “WinXPVPN Router” and
“VPN RouterWinXP”.

[Filter List 1] WinXP VPN Router

1. In the to_VPNRouter Properties, deselect the Use Add Wizard check box, and then
click Add button to create a new rule.

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2. From the IP Filter List tab, click the Add button.

3. Type an appropriate name “XPBroadband VPN Router” for the filter list,

deselect the Use Add Wizard check box, and then click Add button.

4. In the Source address area, click My IP Address .

5. In the Destination address field, select A specific IP Subnet, and fill in the IP

Address “192.168.1.0” and Subnet mask “255.255.255.0”.

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6. If you want to type a description for your filter, click the Description tab.

7. Click OK button. Then click OK(for WinXP) or Close (for Win2000) button on the

IP Filter List window.

[Filter List 2] Broadband VPN Router

WinXP

8. On the IP Filter List tab, click the Add button.

9. Type an appropriate name “Broadband VPN RouterXP” for the filter list, click
to clear the Use Add Wizard check box, and then click Add.

10. In the Source address area, click A specific IP Subnet, and fill in the IP Address
“192.168.1.0” and Subnet mask “255.255.255.0”.

11. In the Destination address area, click My IP Address.

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12. If you want to type a description for your filter, click the Description tab.

13. Click OK, and then click OK.

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6-2.3 Configure Individual Rule of 2 T unnels

[Tunnel 1] WinXPBroadband VPN Router

1. From the IP Filter List tab, click the filter list “XP

Broadband VPN Router”.

2. From the Filter Action tab, click the filter action “Require Security”, and click the
Edit button.

3. Check that the Negotiate security option is enabled, and deselect the Accept
unsecured communication, but always respond using IPsec check box.

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4. Select the Session key Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) and remember to check the

PFS option on the ADSL Integrated Gateway, and then click the OK button.

5. From the Authentication Methods tab, click the Edit button.

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6. Change the authentication method to “Use this string (preshared key)”, enter the
string “Test”, and then click the OK button.

This new Preshared key will be displayed in Authentication method preference
order. Click the OK button to continue.

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7. From the Tunnel Setting tab, click The tunnel endpoint is specified by this IP

Address box, and then type the WAN IP Address “140.11 1.1.1” (Note: Use your

ISP provided IP Address; this is only an example.) of ADSL Integrated Gateway.

8. From the Connection Type tab, select All network connections, and then click the

OK or Close button to finish this rule.

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[Tunnel 2] VPN Router WinXP

9. In the to_VPNRouter Properties, deselect the Use Add Wizard check box, and then
click the Add button to create the second IP Filter.

10. On the IP Filter List tab, click the filter list “Broadband VPN Router

XP”.

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11. From the Filter Action tab, click the filter action “Require Security”.

12. From the Authentication Methods tab, click the Edit button.

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13. Change the authentication method to “Use this string (preshared key)”, enter the
string “Test”, and then click the OK button.

This new Preshared key will be displayed in Authentication method preference
order. Click the OK button to continue.

14. From the Tunnel Setting tab, click The tunnel endpoint is specified by this IP
Address box, and then type the W indows 2000/XP IP Address “140.1 1 1.1.2”.

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15. From the Connection Type tab, select All network connections, and then click the

OK(for WinXP) or Close(for Win2000) button to finish.

16. From the Rules tab, click the OK button to back to the secpol screen.

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6-2.4 Assign New IPsec Policy

1. In the IP Security Policies on Local Computer MMC snap-in, right-click policy
named “to_VPNRouter”, and then click Assign. A green arrow appears in the folder
icon.

6-3 Steps in ADSL Integrated Gateway

6-3.1 OnePage Setup Screen

1. Open your web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 in the Address field and press the
Enter key.

2. When the User Name and Password field appears, skip the user name and enter the
default password admin and press the Enter key.

3. Click the OnePage Setup tab to set the configuration as shown below.

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6-3.2 VPN Screen

The following Figure is a sample configuration for the Router’s VPN tab.

Once all these have been entered, click the Connect button to establish a VPN
connection. The Status should indicate that the Router is Connected.

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Chapter 7: Security

This chapter provides guidance to ensure that security is maintained during installation
and operation of your NetComm NB5580/W.

Your NB5580/W comes with default settings that reach a balance between immediate
operability and security. However we recommend that you review the following features
to ensure that your NB5580/W is as secure as your network and interoperability settings
will allow .

Below is a list of the areas that need your attention to secure your NB5580/W from
unauthorised access - these areas or features are;

■ Physical Security

■ Wireless Security (NB5580W only)

■ Administration Password

■ SNMP Community Strings

■ Remote Configuration via HTTP

■ Block WAN Ping Response

■ DMZ Host

■ Port Forwarding

■ Dynamic Routing (RIP Configuration)

■ Special Application

■ VPN Settings

■ Remote Security Gateway

■ Encryption & Authentication

■ Access Control

■ Universal Plug 'n Play

■ Logging

Physical Security

Physical security should be considered because if a malicious person has physical access
to the unit they can damage it, steal it, reset it to factory defaults or just sabotage it to
allow them remote access later on.

Note: Your Admin password can be deleted with physical access.

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Wireless Security (NB5580W only)

The NB5580W has a Wireless Access Point built-in and enabled by default. If you do
not wish to use this feature at this time you should disable it. Connecting your
NB5580W to your Network in default mode will allow any wireless client in range to
freely access your LAN devices as well as your Internet service. If you intend on using
Wireless access you should consider enabling WEP, enabling MAC Filtering and
disabling the SSID broadcast feature to enhance your network security.

Administration Password

Your Admin Password gives you complete control over the NB5580/W it should
NEVER be left as default because it can allow access from a Web browser on both your
LAN and possibly the Internet. You should change your Administration Password to
something complex and involving many UPPER and lower case Characters. Some
examples of suitable passwords in growing complexity are;

fa11en4you <- mixing words and numbers, replacing letters with

numbers.
Buz911B0xzero <- as above but using upper and lower case as well.
SecN@tC0mmwillyou <- The '0' is a zero, the use of '@' instead of 'e'

To change your Admin password choose the 'Device Admin' option on the menu. Enter
your new password twice, once in each field and then click the submit button

Note: For security your password's characters will be replaced with dots so no

one can see you type it on the screen.

SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol is used to manage devices on networks from a
central location. SNMP is disabled by default and you should not enable it unless you
wish to use it. The authentication for SNMP is based on 'Community Strings' these are
like passwords and should be treated as such when it comes to security. If you want to
use SNMP on your NB5580/W you should change all your community strings (both
public and private) to more secret names with more complexity.

Remote Configuration via HTTP

The HTTP server built into the NB5580/W is used to allow you to view and edit
configuration pages via a web browser from anywhere on the Internet. You can set the
NB5580/W to allow this information to be viewed or changed via the WAN (Internet).
The default is to NOT allow Remote configuration (Administration) via the Internet, this
can be changed in the Device admin page. You can also change the port that the service
runs on (default is port 8080) but this means when you access your NB5580/W you will
need to include the different port when you type its IP address E.g;

http://192.168.1.1:8080

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Block W AN Ping Response

Most Devices running TCP/IP protocols will respond to a Ping, this makes diagnosis of
Networking problems easier to fault find. However responding to a Ping request to your
Public (WAN) IP address makes you an easier target for hackers. The NB5580/W is set
to disregard a ping from the internet by default, if you need to enable this feature for
diagnosis of a problem please remember to Enable the Block again when testing is
complete.

DMZ Host

The DeMilitarized Zone Host setting is used to specify the IP address of a computer
(Host) that will deal with any data received from the internet that is not a response to an
internal computer's request (via NAT). This data would normally be 'dropped' by the
NB5580/W but if you wish to allow external access to a particular internal computer,
this option is used to 'expose' the 'Host' to raw connections from the internet.

The DMZ host feature is most commonly used to allow Internet users access to a Web
server or Game server.

Note: To secure your network you should ensure that the DMZ host feature is

disabled. If you need to use the DMZ host feature you should ensure the
computer with the IP address specified is secured with a secondary
software or hardware firewall.

Port Forwarding

This feature is similar to the DMZ host feature except it allows individual ports on the
public Internet IP address to be forwarded to a private IP address. This is most
commonly used to allow Internet users to access a Web service on port 80 etc.

To secure your NB5580/W you should not have port forwards that are not being used.
Any port forwards that have been configured should only specify the IP address of
secure computers.

Dynamic Routing (RIP)

RIP is disabled by default, you should only enable RIP if you want your NB5580/W to
accept routing information from other LAN routers or if you want it to share it's routing
information with other router's. As always the less information a 'Hacker' can find out
about your system the less chance the hacker has of finding an exploit for your system.
Ensure RIP is disabled if you do not need to use it.

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Special Application (Port Triggering)

The ‘Special Application’ settings of your router allows specific ports to be opened by
‘triggering’. This means that if you specify ports on the Special Applications menu these
ports will be monitored and allowed to pass more easily through the Firewall/NAT
engine should a special Internet application require more direct access. While Programs
like Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing programs, On-line games etc can use these triggered
ports you must be aware that these programs could subsequently allow access to your
LAN or atleast the computer they are running on. If you do not need Special
Applications triggered ports leave these fields blank.

VPN

Your router has VPN tunnel endpoints built-in these can allow full Network access to
your entire LAN Subnet, a IP address range or just a single IP address (Computer).

Local Secure Group

To ensure the highest level of network security is maintained it is best to set your “Local
Secure Group” to be the minimal number of IP addresses required for the purpose of the
VPN tunnel.

E.g. If the VPN tunnel is only used for using Remote Desktop Connection to a Windows
XP computer on an IP address of 192.168.1.200 then limit the Local Security settings to
the following;

(Subnet / IP range / IP Address) = IP Address
IP = 192.168.1.200
MASK = Not Applicable (because an IP

was specified)
Note: Don’t forget any changes you make in the ‘Local Secure Group’ will need to be

reflected in the settings for ‘Remote Secure Group’ in the Router/Client at the other end.

Remote Security Gateway

To further increase your security you should limit the possibilities of the Remote
Security Gateway setting. This setting will need to be set to ‘ANY’ if the remote router
or VPN client is going to be allocated a new Public IP address each time it connects to
the Internet. ‘ANY’ is the least desirable setting for security but it may be necessary for
practical reasons (e.g. ‘Road Warrior’ type VPN tunnels).

However if the VPN router / Client at the remote end is on a fixed IP address it is
strongly recommended that you specify the IP address here as this will prevent hackers
on other IP addresses being able to create a VPN tunnel to your Router even if the know
your Preshared Key and other private settings.

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Encryption & Authentication

Setting encryption (DES or 3DES) is highly desirable as this will help prevent a hacker
from reading the contents of any intercepted packets. DES is a Standardised encryption
method that is very strong, 3DES passes each payload through the encryption
alogorithim three times to enhance its security. 3DES is the most secure setting.

Authentication (MD5 or SHA) should be used to increase security of your VPN tunnels,
choose the authentication method which best suits the VPN router / Client at the other
end. This will help ensure that VPN tunnels joining your Router will authenticate via a
known Preshared key before a tunnel is allowed.

Preshared Keys should be made out of complex strings of characters (as per the Admin
password) and keys should be different for each tunnel entered so that access rights
intended for one VPN client can not be used by a different client on a different tunnel.

Access Control

The NB5580/W has Access Control functions that allow you to restrict which Network
Interface Cards (NICs) or IP addresses can use the Internet and or use other NetWork
services. You can use this Access control to help increase the security of your Network
by only allowing known or trusted devices/employees to access the internet and other
services. If you place highly restricted servers behind a secondary router on another
subnet you can restrict which NICs or IP addresses (or both) are allowed access to the
second subnet.

URL Filters and Web Filters are another way to help keep your network security tight,
if you prevent internal computers from running Java script, Active X script etc you can
help prevent the downloading and subsequent execution of potentially malicious code
from being forced onto your computer via web browsing, however most modern web
pages use some for of this code and this may be come restrictive. If you are using Access
control measures on your router you should also block the use of Proxies as these may
allow an internal user (LAN user) to circumvent your Access Control.

Universal Plug and Play

UPnP allows Internet Application running on local LAN computers to Automatically
configure your router with Port Forwarding configurations that will allow specific port
data to be transmitted directly to the LAN computer hosting the application.

Because UPnP effectively allows a computer to configure openings in your firewall
it’self it is disabled by default in your router. Only enable UPnP if you wish to reduce
your security by allowing your UPnP enabled applications to configure your router.

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Logging

To maintain a secure network it is important to adapt to changes in your network
environment. The best way to do this is to view the logging in your router, particularly
look for items in red text as these indicate data that has been blocked by the firewall or
by your Access Control filters. For easy regular monitoring use the email or Syslog
features to send you log to another computer.

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Chapter 8: Trouble Shooting

This chapter provides solutions to problems you may encounter during installation and
operation of your NetComm NB5580/W.

Hardware

The Power LED is off.

Check the power cable is properly connected to the NetComm NB5580/W, the power
adapter and the socket.

The LAN Link LED is off.

Check the computer, hub or switch is properly connected to the NetComm NB5580/W.
Check the computer’s Ethernet card is properly installed.
Check the UTP cable connecting the computer to the Router is connected.

The DIAG LED stays lit.

The DIAG LED should light up when the device is first powered up to indicate it is
checking for proper operation. After a few seconds, the LED should go off. If it stays
on, the device is experiencing a problem. Please contact your dealer.

Why can’t I configure the NetComm NB5580/W?

First, check whether the NetComm NB5580/W is properly installed, including the LAN
and WAN connections, and all devices’ power.

Check the NB5580/W and the computer are on the same network segment. If you are not
sure, initiate the DHCP function (Section 4-2) and set your computer to obtain an IP
address automatically (Appendix B).

Check the computer is using an IP address in the range of 192.168.1.2 ~ 192.168.1.254
and is therefore compatible with the NB5580/W’s default IP address of 192.168.1.1.
Check also the Subnet Mask is set to 255.255.255.0

■ For Windows 95/98 users: run Winipcfg.exe or Winipcfg from “Run” on the

“Start” menu. If there are no IP addresses, click “Release All” and then click
“Renew All” to get an IP address.

For Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP users: Open a command prompt and run IpConfig.

■ Ensure that your computer and the NetComm NB5580/W are on the same network

segment. If you are not sure, initiate the DHCP function and let the computer get an
IP address automatically from the router.

■ Ensure that your computer is using an IP Address within the range 192.168.1.2 to

192.168.1.253 and thus compatible with the NetComm NB5580/W’s default IP
address of 192.168.1.1

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■ Finally, use Ping command in MS-DOS mode to verify the network connection:

■ Ping 127.0.0.1 to check the TCP/IP stack of your computer.

■ Ping the Router’s IP address (Default: 192.168.1.1) to check for IP connectivity

between your computer and the Router.

Note: If you are not able to get to the web configuration screen for the NetComm

NB5580/W , make sure that you disable the proxy setting within your
Internet browser and set your browser to access the Internet via the LAN.

What can I do if I have forgotten the password for NetComm NB5580/W?

You have to reset the Router back to its factory default setting by pushing the Reset
button for over 3 seconds.

Note: You will lose all previous settings.

I cannot access my ISP’s home page, why?

Some ISPs (such as T elstra BigPond) require their host name be specifically configured
into your computer before you can surf their local web pages. If you are unable to access
your ISP’s home page, enter your ISP’s Domain Name into the One Page Setup (Section
3-3) to enable all computers in your LAN to access it. If you only want to allow
computers to access these home pages, open the TCP/IP Properties window (Appendix
B) on these computers, click open the “DNS Configuration” tab and enter your ISP’s

Domain Name in the “Domain Name Search Suffix” location.

Client Side (Computers)

I can’t browse the Internet via the NetComm NB5580/W

Ensure your computer can ping or access the Router. See the previous section entitled
“Why can’t I configure the NetComm NB5580/W” for more information.

Check the status page of the Router to ensure connection to your ISP has been
established.

I get a time out error when I enter a URL or IP address.

Check if other computers on the LAN are experiencing the same problem. If not, ensure
the computer’s IP settings are correct (IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway IP Address
and DNS).

Check the NetComm NB5580/W’s settings are correct (Section 3-3).

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Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of IP Addresses the NetComm NB5580/W can
support?

The NetComm NB5580/W can support up to 253 IP Addresses usually in the range of

192.168.1.2~192.168.1.254.

Where should the NetComm NB5580/W be installed on the network?

In a typical environment, the NetComm NB5580/W should be installed between the
ADSL/Cable modem and your LAN. Connect the NetComm NB5580/W to the Ethernet
port of your ADSL/Cable modem, and connect your computers to the RJ45 jack on the
LAN side.

Does the NetComm NB5580/W support IPX or AppleTalk?

No. The NetComm NB5580/W was designed to provide a multiple user LAN with
shared Internet access and supports only the TCP/IP Protocol. If your Novell or Apple
system is configured with TCP/IP, the NetComm NB5580/W can support them.

Does the NetComm NB5580/W support 100Mb Ethernet?

Yes, the NetComm NB5580/W supports both 10Mb & 100Mb Ethernet on the LAN
side, but only 10Mb on the WAN side.

What is “NAT” and what is it used for?

The Network Address Translation (NAT) Protocol translates multiple IP Addresses on a
private LAN into a single public IP Address that is accessible to the Internet. NAT not
only provides the basis for multiple IP Address sharing but also provides security, since
the multiple IP Addresses of LAN computers are never transmitted directly to the
Internet.

How can NetComm NB5580/W share single user account to multiple users?

The NetComm NB5580/W combines the following technologies to enable this function.
NAT (Network address translation): NAT is a technology which can create a private

network domain behind a public IP. It is usually used as a firewall. It can also be used
when there are not enough IP Addresses.

DHCP (Dynamic host configuration protocol): DHCP is a protocol to assign IP
Addresses to internal computers automatically. It can save a lot of IP Address
configuration. This protocol is supported by Windows 95/NT, Mac OS, and many other
popular OS.

DNS (Domain name service): DNS is a protocol which translates Domain Names to
IP addresses that an Internet host can handle. Addressing system using Domain names,
like www.yahoo.com, is easier to use than its IP address, 204.71.177.70.

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What operating systems does NetComm NB5580/W series support?

The NetComm NB5580/W uses standard TCP/IP protocol. It can be operated as long as
you have TCP/IP protocol installed on your operating system (For example: Windows
9x, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, etc.)

Can I use multiple E-mail accounts if I use NetComm NB5580/W?

Yes, you can. Some people think having one Internet account means that they can have
only one E-mail account. However, E-mail is set by mailbox accounts and different to the
account you use to connect to your ISP. If you want more E-mail accounts, you can
contact your ISP or you can browse the Internet to apply for free E-mail account.

Can Internet users access LAN computers?

The NetComm NB5580/W uses NAT to route all in/out band packets. All external users
can only see the IP of the NetComm NB5580/W but cannot access LAN computers. The
LAN computers are well protected with the NetComm NB5580/W’s natural firewall
(NAT). You can allow Internet users access to specific computers by using the Port
Forwarding, DMZ Host and Special Application options.

When should I use DMZ host?

Enable DMZ host when you want to have unrestricted communication between your
computer and the Internet, for example, playing Internet game (i.e. Ages of Empire) or
having multimedia conference (i.e. NetMeeting).

Does the NetComm NB5580/W support PPTP of VPN packets pass through?

Yes. The NetComm NB5580/W supports PPTP pass through.

Does the NetComm NB5580/W series support IPsec?

Yes. The NetComm NB5580/W supports IPsec pass through.

Wireless Questions

Can I run an application from a remote computer over the wireless network?

This will depend on whether or not the application is designed to be used over a
network. Most applications that are designed to work over TCP/IP ethernet newworks
should run transparently over your wireless network.Consult the application’s user
guide to determine if it supports operation over a network.

Can I play multiplayer games with other users of the wireless network?

Yes, as long as the game supports multiple players over a LAN (local area network).
Refer to the game’s user guide for more information.

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What are Ad-hoc and Infrastructur e modes?

An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each with a WLAN adapter,
connected as an independent wireless LAN. An Ad-hoc wireless LAN is applicable when
no AP is available or you wish to run a private network not joined to the corporate
wireless network.

Because the NB5580W can only operate in Access Point mode when you wish to
connect to it your Wireless client adapters (connected to your computers) MUST be set
to Infrastructure mode.

What is Roaming?

Roaming is the ability of a portable computer user to communicate continuously while
moving freely throughout an area greater than that covered by a single Access Point.
Before using the roaming function, the workstation must make sure that it is the same
channel number as the Access Point of the dedicated coverage area.

To achieve true seamless connectivity, the wireless LAN must incorporate a number of
different functions. Each node and Access Point, for example, must always acknowledge
receipt of each message. Each node must maintain contact with the wireless network
even when not actually transmitting data. Achieving these functions simultaneously
requires a dynamic RF networking technology that links Access Points and nodes. In
such a system, the user’s end node undertakes a search for the best possible access to the
system. First, it evaluates such factors as signal strength and quality, as well as the
message load currently being carried by each Access Point and the distance of each
Access Point to the wired backbone. Based on that information, the node next selects the
right Access Point and registers its address. Communications between end node and host
computer can then be transmitted up and down the backbone.

As the user moves on, the end node’s RF transmitter regularly checks the system to
determine whether it is in touch with the original Access Point or whether it should seek
a new one. When a node no longer receives acknowledgment from its original Access
Point, it undertakes a new search. Upon finding a new Access Point, it then re-registers,
and the communication process continues.

What is ESSID?

An Infrastructure configuration can support roaming for mobile workers. More than one
Access point can be configured as an with the same SSID. Users within range of atleast
one Access point could roam freely between Access points while maintaining a
continuous connection to the wireless network.

What is ISM band?

The FCC and their counterparts outside of the U.S. have set aside bandwidth for
unlicensed use in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band. Spectrum in the
vicinity of 2.4 GHz, in particular, is being made available worldwide. This presents a
truly revolutionary opportunity to place convenient high speed wireless capabilities in
the hands of users around the globe.

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What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum technology is a wideband radio frequency technique developed by the
military for use in reliable, secure, mission-critical communications systems. It is
designed to trade off bandwidth efficiency for reliability, integrity, and security. In other
words, more bandwidth is consumed than in the case of narrowband transmission, but
the trade-off produces a signal that is, in effect, louder and thus easier to detect, provided
that the receiver knows the parameters of the spread-spectrum signal being broadcast. If
a receiver is not tuned to the right frequency, a spread-spectrum signal looks like
background noise. There are two main alternatives, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
(DSSS) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS).

What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences?

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) uses a narrowband carrier that changes
frequency in a pattern that is known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly
synchronized, the net effect is to maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended
receiver, FHSS appears to be shortduration impulse noise. Direct Sequence Spread
Spectrum (DSSS) generates a redundant bit pattern for each bit to be transmitted. This
bit pattern is called a chip (or chipping code). The longer the chip, the greater the
probability that the original data can be recovered. Even if one or more bits in the chip
are damaged during transmission, statistical techniques embedded in the radio can recover
the original data without the need for retransmission. T o an unintended receiver, DSSS
appears as low power wideband noise and is rejected (ignored) by most narrowband
receivers.

Would the information be intercepted while transmitting on air?

WLAN features two-fold protection in security. On the hardware side, as with Direct
Sequence Spread Spectrum technology , it has the inherent security feature of scrambling.
On the software side, the WLAN series offers the encryption function (WEP) to
enhance security and access control. Users can set it up depending upon their needs.

What is WEP?

WEP is Wired Equivalent Privacy, a data privacy mechanism based on a shared-key
algorithm, as described in the IEEE 802.11 standard.

What is a MACAddress?

The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique number assigned by the
manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a network adapter, that allows
the network to identify it at the hardware level. For all practical purposes, this number is
usually permanent. Unlike IP addresses, which can change every time a computer logs on
to the network, the MAC address of a device stays the same, making it a valuable
identifier for the network.

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How do I avoid interference?

Using multiple Access Points on the same channel and in close proximity to one another
will generate interference. When employing multiple Access Points, be sure to operate
each one on a different channel (frequency). But use the same SSID to allow seamless
roaming.

How do I resolve issues with signal loss?

There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network without testing.
Every obstacle placed between an Access Point and wireless PC will create signal loss.
Leaded glass, metal, concrete floors, water and walls will inhibit the signal and reduce
range. Start with your Access Point and your wireless PC in the same room and move it
away in small increments to determine the maximum range in your environment.

You may also try using different channels, as this may eliminate interference affecting
only one channel. Additional high gain antennas can help you focus the power of your
transmission to improve range in the desired area.

I have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network.

WEP is probably enabled on the Access Point, but not on your wireless adapter (or vice
versa).

Verify that the same WEP Keys and levels (64 or 128 ) are being used on all nodes on
your wireless network. Also we suggest you check for Wireless MAC filtering.

What is the maximum number of users the Access Point facilitates?

No more than 64, but this depends on the volume of data and may be less if many users
create a large amount of network traffic.

How many channels/frequencies are available?

Using 802.11b or 802.1 1g, there are thirteen available channels in the Australian domain.
Some channels may not be selectable depending on your product and regional
regulations.

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Appendix B: Setting up TCP/IP Protocol

Installing the TCP/IP Protocol for Windows

If you are not sure whether the TCP/IP Protocol has been installed, follow these steps to
check, and if necessary, install TCP/IP onto your computer.

1. Click the “Start” button. Choose “Settings”, then “Control Panel”.

Double-click the “Network” icon. Your Network window should appear.
Select the “Configuration” tab.

Note: For Windows 2000 & Windows XP the settings can be reached by clicking

the “Local Area Connection” icon on the right bottom side of your desktop
screen.

In the “Local Area Connection Status” window, click “Properties” button
then your Network window will appear.

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2. Check whether the TCP/IP Protocol has already been installed and bound to your
Network Interface Card.

- If yes, go to step 6.

- If no, click the “Add” button.

3. Double-click “Protocol” on the Select Network Component Type or highlight
“Protocol” then click “Add”.

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4. Highlight “Microsoft” under the list of manufacturers.

Double-click “TCP/IP” from the list on the right or highlight “TCP/IP” then click
“OK” to install TCP/IP.

5. After a few seconds, you will be brought back to the Network window. The TCP/IP

Protocol should now be on the list of installed network components (refer to point

2).

6. Click the “Properties” button.

The TCP/IP Properties window consists of several tabs. Choose the “IP Address”
tab.

7. Select “Obtain an IP address automatically”. Click “OK”. Restart your computer

to complete the TCP/IP installation.

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Fixed IP Addresses Configuration

Fixed IP addresses may be assigned to network devices for many reasons, such as the
server computers or printers which are consistently accessed by multiple users. To set
up computers with fixed IP Addresses, go to the “IP Address” tab of the “TCP/IP
Properties” window as shown above.

1. Select “Specify an IP addr ess” and enter “192.168.1.***” in the “IP Address”
location (where *** is a number between 2 and 254 used by the NetComm NB5580
to identify each computer), and the default “Subnet Mask” “255.255.255.0”.

Note: No two computers on the same LAN can have the same IP address but

they should have the same Subnet Mask.

2. Select “Enable DNS” in the “DNS Configuration” tab and enter the “DNS IP
Address” obtained from your ISP in the “Server Search Order” location. Click
“OK”.

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3. Click “Gateway” tab and enter the NetComm NB5580/W’s default gateway value

192.168.1.1 in the “New gateway” field, then click “Add” Button. Click “OK”.

Restart your computer to complete the TCP/IP installation.

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Appendix C: Macintosh Setup

This section provides information on using Macintosh computers in your network. The
instructions given here are for system software version 8.0 or above, which comes with
the TCP/IP Protocol preloaded and supports DHCP Addressing.

Hardware Connections

Connect your Macintosh computer to your NetComm NB5580/W. If you have a newer
computer, there will be a 10Base-T Ethernet port on the back. Older computers will
need to have an Ethernet card installed. Refer to your computer’s User Manual for
instructions on Ethernet card installation.

Computer Network Configuration

It is assumed that your computer’s system software already has TCP/IP installed. You
may manually configure your computer with a fixed IP Address (for example

192.168.1.2) or have an IP Address dynamically assigned to it by the NetComm

NB5580/W’s DHCP server.

Dynamic IP Addressing using DHCP Server.

1. From the “Apple” menu, select “Control Panel” and click on “TCP/IP”.

2. In the “TCP/IP (A New Name For Your Configuration)” window, select
“Ethernet” in the “Connect via” location from the drop-down list.

3. In the “Setup” area:

- Select “Using DHCP Server” in the “Configure” location from the drop-down

list.

- No other data needs to be entered.

- Close the window.

4. Click “Save” from the file menu, then “Quit” TCP/IP.

5. Restart the computer.

Manual Configuration of Fixed IP Addresses

1. From the “Apple” menu, select “Control Panel” and click on “TCP/IP”.

2. In the “TCP/IP (A New Name For Your Configuration)” window, select
“Ethernet” in the “Connect via” location from the drop-down list.

3. In the “Setup” area:

- Select “Manually” in the “Configure” location from the drop-down list.

- In the “IP Addr ess” location, enter the IP Address that you want to assign to the

computer (for example 192.168.1.2) .

- Enter “255.255.255.0” in the “Subnet Mask” location.

- Enter “192.168.1.1” (the NetComm NB5580/W’s default IP Address) in the

“Router Address” location.