Q1: Is CIPAFilter like most other routers?
Q2: How is the VPN configured?
Q3: Will CIPAFilter replace my firewall?
Q4: If CIPAFilter is my firewall, how do I enable other features?
Q5: How is the firewall configured?
Q6: How does CIPAFilter block chat programs?
Q7: What does it mean to block external proxy servers?
Q8: Can I setup a VPN connection to a home computer?
Question 1: Is CIPAFilter like most other routers?
A: Absolutely. CIPAFilter support multiple Ethernet interfaces and will route traffic just like any other router. It includes QOS, DMZ, and even has built-in wireless capabilities.
Question 2: How is the VPN configured?
A: The VPN connections are very easy to configure. Everything is setup from the web interface between two CIPAFilter units. Once configured, the connection between the units is encrypted and secure. Typically, overlapping subnets between connections is not allowed.
Question 3: Will CIPAFilter replace my firewall?
A: Usually, CIPAFilter is designed to replace an existing firewall solution, and implement the other features with the transparent proxy server.
Question 4: If CIPAFilter is my firewall, how do I enable other features?
A: To enable other functions such as virus protection and filtering, simple click the checkbox on the web-page and restart CIPAFilter. CIPAFilter's transparent proxy server engine will being automatically intercepting traffic and performing the requested functions!
Question 5: How is the firewall configured?
A: The firewall can be configured to automatically drop all traffic and only explicitly allow certain traffic, or vice versa. A combination may also be used between different interfaces and subnets. As a NAT firewall, simple reject rules to block chatting and unwanted traffic is also an alternative method for a simple effective firewall implementation. The rules are configured on the web-page management interface.
Question 6: How does CIPAFilter block chat programs?
A: CIPAFilter can now recognize common chat applications such as AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger. When a computer initiates a chat connection to the Internet, CIPAFilter recognizes the application type and blocks the connection. You may still allow certain computer IP addresses to access the services.
The P2P, Video Streaming and Proxy Server blocking work the same way.
Question 7: What does it mean to block external proxy servers?
A: Many times, users are able to bypass existing filtering and proxy server systems by changing the browser to use a different proxy server. Students at schools are using flash drives and freely available proxy servers on the Internet, allowing traffic to sail through, disabling any filtering, etc. CIPAFilter recognizes the syntax of a proxy server request, and will automatically block the traffic. CIPAFilter can allow certain computer IP addresses to access external proxies.
Question 8: Can I setup a VPN connection to a home computer?
A: Yes. Currently, any Windows 2000 or Windows XP computer has the ability to create a secure VPN tunnel connection to a CIPAFilter. A key is generated, and loaded into the computer. When the home computer attempts to access the address range of the remote subnet/network, the VPN connection is initiated.
