Protectli FW6E

Protectli Vault FW6E - 6 Port Firewall/Mini PC Instruction Manual

Model: FW6E

1. Прадукт скончыўсяview

The Protectli Vault FW6E is a compact, fanless mini PC designed for network security applications such as firewalls and routers. It features an Intel Quad Core Kaby Lake R i7-8550U processor with AES-NI hardware support, providing robust performance for demanding network tasks. This unit is sold as a barebones system, requiring the user to install RAM and storage for full functionality.

Асноўныя характарыстыкі:

  • працэсар: Intel Quad Core Kaby Lake R i7-8550U (64 bit, 1.8GHz, 4GHz Turbo, 8MB Smart Cache, Intel AES-NI hardware support)
  • парты: 6x Intel Gigabit Ethernet NIC ports, 4x USB 3.0, 1x RJ-45 COM, 1x HDMI
  • дызайн: Compact, fanless, and silent operation
  • Наладжвальнасць: Barebones unit (no pre-installed RAM or mSATA SSD) for maximum flexibility
  • Сумяшчальнасць: Tested with popular open-source software solutions like pfSense, Untangle, and OPNsense. Coreboot BIOS is an optional user-installable feature.
Protectli Vault FW6E front and side view

Малюнак 1.1: Пярэдняя і бакавая часткі view of the Protectli Vault FW6E, showcasinдзякуючы кампактнаму дызайну і радыятарным рэбрам.

2. Настройка і ўстаноўка

The Protectli Vault FW6E is a barebones system, meaning it requires the installation of RAM and an SSD (Solid State Drive) before it can be used. Please ensure you acquire compatible components.

2.1 Required Components (Not Included)

  • Аператыўная памяць: DDR4 SODIMM (up to 64GB supported). Refer to the official Protectli website for a list of compatible memory modules.
  • захоўванне: mSATA SSD or 2.5-inch SATA SSD/HDD. Refer to the official Protectli website for compatible storage devices.
  • Аперацыйная сістэма: A compatible open-source firewall or routing distribution (e.g., pfSense, Untangle, OPNsense).

2.2 Устаноўка абсталявання

  1. Адкрыйце корпус: Carefully remove the screws securing the bottom panel of the Vault FW6E.
  2. Усталяваць аператыўную памяць: Insert the DDR4 SODIMM modules into the available slots. Ensure they are seated firmly until the clips snap into place.
  3. Усталяваць сховішча:
    • For mSATA SSD: Insert the mSATA module into the designated slot and secure it with the provided screw.
    • For 2.5-inch SATA drive: Connect the SATA data and power cables to the drive and the motherboard. Secure the drive within the chassis using the mounting hardware.
  4. Зачыніце шасі: Reattach the bottom panel and secure it with the screws.
Унутраны view of Protectli Vault FW6E motherboard

Малюнак 2.1: Унутраная частка view of the Protectli Vault FW6E motherboard, showing RAM slots and mSATA slot for component installation.

2.3 Пачатковыя падключэнні

  1. Магутнасць: Connect the included 12V DC power adapter to the DC IN port on the rear of the device.
  2. Дысплей: Connect a monitor to the HDMI port for initial setup and OS installation.
  3. Прылады ўводу: Connect a USB keyboard and mouse to the USB 3.0 ports.
  4. Сетка: Connect your internet source (e.g., modem) to the WAN port (typically the rightmost Ethernet port) and your internal network to one of the LAN/OPT ports.
Фронт view of Protectli Vault FW6E with ports

Image 2.2: Front panel of the Protectli Vault FW6E, displaying the power button, HDMI, COM, and USB 3.0 ports.

Тыл view of Protectli Vault FW6E with Ethernet ports

Image 2.3: Rear panel of the Protectli Vault FW6E, showing the DC 12V power input and six Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports (WAN, LAN, OPT1-OPT4).

2.4 Устаноўка аперацыйнай сістэмы

Once hardware is installed and connections are made, power on the device. You will need to install your chosen operating system (e.g., pfSense, Untangle, OPNsense) from a bootable USB drive. Follow the specific installation instructions provided by your chosen OS vendor.

3. Аперацыя

The Protectli Vault FW6E functions as a dedicated network appliance, typically running open-source firewall or routing software. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, making it suitable for various environments.

3.1 Уключэнне/выключэнне сілкавання

  • Уключэнне: Націсніце кнопку харчавання, размешчаную на пярэдняй панэлі.
  • Выключэнне: It is recommended to shut down the operating system gracefully before pressing the power button to turn off the device. A short press of the power button will typically initiate a graceful shutdown if configured in the OS. A long press (5-10 seconds) will force a power off.

3.2 Канфігурацыя сеткі

Network configuration is managed entirely through the installed operating system. Refer to the documentation for your specific OS (pfSense, Untangle, OPNsense, etc.) for detailed instructions on setting up WAN, LAN, and optional interfaces, as well as firewall rules and other network services.

3.3 Coreboot BIOS (Optional)

The Vault FW6E supports coreboot BIOS, an open-source firmware alternative. Installation of coreboot is an advanced procedure and must be performed by the user. Detailed instructions and necessary files are available on the Protectli website. Installing coreboot can enhance security and transparency but requires technical proficiency.

4. Тэхнічнае абслугоўванне

Due to its fanless design, the Protectli Vault FW6E requires minimal physical maintenance. However, software maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and security.

4.1 Physical Maintenance

  • Уборка: Periodically wipe the exterior of the device with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Ensure ventilation fins are not obstructed.
  • Асяроддзе: Operate the device in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat sources.

4.2 Абслугоўванне праграмнага забеспячэння

  • Абнаўленні аперацыйнай сістэмы: Regularly update your installed operating system (pfSense, Untangle, OPNsense) to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
  • Рэзервовыя копіі канфігурацыі: Periodically back up your OS configuration to prevent data loss in case of system failure.

4.3 Hardware Upgrades

RAM and SSD can be upgraded after initial installation. Always power off the device and disconnect it from the power source before performing any internal hardware changes. Refer to Section 2.2 for installation steps and consult Protectli's compatibility resources.

5. Выпраўленне непаладак

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Protectli Vault FW6E.

5.1 Няма вываду на дысплей

  • Ensure the monitor is properly connected to the HDMI port and is powered on.
  • Verify that RAM modules are correctly seated. Reseat them if necessary.
  • Паспрабуйце іншы кабель HDMI або манітор, калі такі маецца.

5.2 Operating System Installation Issues

  • Confirm that your bootable USB drive is created correctly and the OS image is not corrupted.
  • Check BIOS settings to ensure the correct boot device is selected.
  • Verify that your RAM and SSD are compatible with the Vault FW6E and the chosen OS. Incompatible hardware can cause installation failures.

5.3 Праблемы з падключэннем да сеткі

  • Check all Ethernet cable connections. Ensure they are securely plugged into the correct ports (WAN, LAN).
  • Verify network configuration within your operating system. Incorrect IP addresses, subnet masks, or gateway settings can prevent connectivity.
  • Confirm that your modem or upstream network device is functioning correctly.

5.4 Прылада не ўключаецца

  • Пераканайцеся, што адаптар сілкавання надзейна падключаны як да прылады, так і да спраўнай разеткі.
  • Праверце разетку з іншай прыладай.
  • If the device still does not power on, contact Protectli support.

6. Тэхнічныя характарыстыкі

АсаблівасцьДэталь
МаркаПратэктлі
Назва мадэліFW6E
Мадэль працэсараIntel Quad Core Kaby Lake R i7-8550U
Хуткасць працэсара1.8 ГГц (да 4 ГГц у рэжыме Turbo)
Кэш працэсара8 МБ разумнага кэша
Падтрымка абсталяванняIntel AES-NI
Парты Ethernet6x Intel Gigabit Ethernet NIC
Парты USB4x USB 3.0
Паслядоўны порт1x RJ-45 COM
Відэавыхад1x HDMI
RAM (Memory)Barebones (supports up to 64GB DDR4 SODIMM)
ЗахоўваннеBarebones (supports mSATA and 2.5" SATA SSD/HDD)
Аперацыйная сістэмаOS Agnostic (compatible with pfSense, Untangle, OPNsense, etc.)
Спосаб астуджэнняFanless, Aluminum heat sink
Памеры (Д х Ш х У)7.25 х 5 х 2.5 цалі
Вага прадмета3 фунта
Графічны супрацэсарIntel UHD Graphics 620
Тып сілкаванняТып A - 2-кантактны (паўночнаамерыканскі)
Protectli Vault FW6E accessories

Image 6.1: Included accessories for the Protectli Vault FW6E, typically including a power adapter, mounting bracket, and cables.

7. Гарантыя і падтрымка

Protectli is committed to providing reliable products and excellent customer service.

7.1 Money-Back Guarantee

The Protectli Vault FW6E comes with a 30-дзённая гарантыя вяртання грошай. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days for a full refund.

7.2 Тэхнічная падтрымка

Protectli offers dedicated Тэхнічная падтрымка ў ЗША. Our team of experts is available to assist you with any questions or issues you may encounter during setup, configuration, or operation of your Vault FW6E.

For support, please visit the official Protectli website or refer to the contact information provided with your product.

7.3 База ведаў

Protectli maintains an extensive and regularly updated База ведаў on its official website. This resource provides detailed articles, guides, and troubleshooting tips covering a wide range of topics from installation to advanced configuration for various operating systems compatible with the Vault FW6E.

We encourage users to consult the Knowledge Base for self-service support and in-depth information.

© 2023 Protectli. All rights reserved.

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