APconnections NetEqualizer User manual

User Guide
APconnections, Inc. // 303.997.1300 // www.netequalizer.com Page 1 of 97 All rights reserved
Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
NetEqualizer
User Guide
© Copyright 2012, 2013 APconnections. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication including text, examples, diagrams or illustrations may be reproduced,
transmitted, or translated in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, manual, optical
or otherwise, for any purpose, without prior written permission of APconnections, Inc.

User Guide
APconnections, Inc. // 303.997.1300 // www.netequalizer.com Page 2 of 97 All rights reserved
Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
Table of Contents
Where to Install NetEqualizer ................................................................................. 5
Setting up the NetEqualizer.................................................................................... 6
Factory Default IP Settings ............................................................................................... 6
Accessing the NetEqualizer via the Web GUI IP ....................................................................... 6
Cabling the NetEqualizer into your Network .......................................................................... 6
Configuring the NetEqualizer............................................................................................. 8
The NetEqualizer Dashboard................................................................................... 9
Equalizing Defined ............................................................................................ 11
Configuring Equalizing Parameters.......................................................................... 14
Using the RATIO Parameter to Influence Equalizing.................................................................14
Setting your Trunk Size ...................................................................................................15
Parameters to Adjust Equalizing Sensitivity ..........................................................................16
Parameters to Size Internal Tables .....................................................................................18
Viewing your Equalizing Parameter Settings..........................................................................19
Controlling P2P Traffic........................................................................................ 20
Setting Connection Limits................................................................................................20
Dynamic Hogmin: Creating Smart Connection Limits ...............................................................22
Setting Bandwidth Limits..................................................................................... 25
Setting Hard Limits by IP.................................................................................................25
Adding Bursting to Hard Limits................................................................................................. 26
Setting up Bandwidth Pools..............................................................................................28
Setting Hard Limits by VLAN.............................................................................................30
Setting Hard Limits by MAC address....................................................................................31
Consider Setting Bandwidth Priority ........................................................................ 33
Defining Priority Traffic ..................................................................................................33
Dynamically Allocating Priority Traffic.................................................................................34
Masking Off Traffic ........................................................................................................36
Restricting Bandwidth Usage................................................................................. 38
Establishing User Quotas (Professional Quota API) ..................................................................38
MAC Redirection ...........................................................................................................44
Monitoring and Reporting..................................................................................... 46
Dynamic Real-Time Reporting (RTR) ...................................................................................48
Pools................................................................................................................................49
Active Connections ...............................................................................................................49
IP Reports..........................................................................................................................51
Top 10 Flows.......................................................................................................................52
Penalized Flows...................................................................................................................53
Traffic Reports....................................................................................................................53
Top Once ...........................................................................................................................56
Configuration ..................................................................................................................... 56
View Current Activity .....................................................................................................57
Show the NetEqualizer Log File ................................................................................................57
View P2P Report ..................................................................................................................59
View Active Connections (deprecated as of 7.1)............................................................................. 59
View Instantaneous Bandwidth Usage (deprecated as of 7.1).............................................................. 61
Continued on next page…

User Guide
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Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
Email Notifications ........................................................................................................63
Configure Email...................................................................................................................63
Configure Alerts ..................................................................................................................64
Historical Reporting .......................................................................................................65
Recommended Reports ..........................................................................................................66
Reporting Administrative Access ............................................................................................... 68
Collecting Reporting Data Automatically upon Reboot ..................................................................... 68
Creating a Reporting Data Warehouse.........................................................................................69
Redundancy and Failover..................................................................................... 70
Setting up Full Redundancy..............................................................................................70
Failover......................................................................................................................71
Maintenance Tasks............................................................................................. 72
Powering Off the NetEqualizer..........................................................................................72
Backing Up Your Configuration Settings ...............................................................................72
Getting Software Updates for the NetEqualizer .....................................................................72
Troubleshooting................................................................................................ 75
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ......................................................................... 78
Appendix 1 - Equalizing Parameters, Units, & Defaults.................................................. 82
Appendix 2 - Setting/Forcing LAN Speeds and Duplex ................................................... 83
Appendix 3 - Packet Capturing for taps such as CALEA .................................................. 85
Appendix 4 - NetEqualizer Caching Option (NCO) ........................................................ 87
Appendix 5 - Tuning Parameters for a Large Number of subnet-ranged Limits, Pools, & Masks.... 88
Appendix 6 - Syncing NetEqualizer Date/Time............................................................ 89
Appendix 7 - Creating a Reporting Data Warehouse...................................................... 91
Appendix 8 - Firewalling the NetEqualizer ................................................................ 93
Appendix 9 –NetEqualizer Directory Integration (NDI) .................................................. 94

User Guide
APconnections, Inc. // 303.997.1300 // www.netequalizer.com Page 4 of 97 All rights reserved
Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
Thank you for purchasing a NetEqualizer. You are now on your way to achieving "Faster
Networks, with Zero Maintenance, at the Best Prices". Using NetEqualizer in default factory
mode will take care of almost all network congestion and priority traffic flow requirements,
and is the recommended operational mode for most customers. However, NetEqualizer also
offers a wide range of bandwidth control options, while at the same time allowing you to
keep it simple.
NetEqualizer Quick Start Guide
To perform your initial installation, you should reference the NetEqualizer Quick Start Guide.
This contains the basic setup details and minimal settings required to get you up and
running. A hard copy is included in your shipping box. We also email a PDF copy with your
shipping confirmation email.
Note: The NetEqualizer Quick Start Guide is a step-by-step instruction manual.
NetEqualizer User Guide
The NetEqualizer User Guide is intended to walk through NetEqualizer features in more
detail than our NetEqualizer Quick Start Guide. It also includes appendices describing our
add-on modules. Once up and running, it is a good idea to review this entire NetEqualizer
User Guide, to become familiar with all of the advanced features available to you.
Note: The NetEqualizer User Guide is not a step-by-step instruction manual.
For Additional Help
Should you need further assistance setting up your NetEqualizer, please call our Support
Team at 303.997.1300 x102 or email [e-mail]. If you purchased
through an authorized distributor or reseller, check with them first to determine if they
support you directly.
Key to Reading the User Guide
Entity
Format
Example
GUI Parameter
Name
(SYSTEM PARAMETER
NAME)
Shown in bolded blue. Sometimes
followed by system variable name in
CAPITAL LETTERS.
Bandwidth Up
(TRUNK_UP)
SYSTEM PARAMETER
NAME
System variable names (if shown) are
in CAPITAL LETTERS.
TRUNK_UP
Notes
Notes are shown in blue italics
preceded by "Note:".
Note: For a detailed list of the steps
necessary to get up and running, please
see the NetEqualizer Quick Start Guide.
Type in: values to be
entered
Values that you need to type in are
shown in orange italics preceded by
"Type in:".
Type in: /bridge/bridge-
utils/brctl/brctl rembrain my 99999
Click on ->Menu
name
Menus are shown in bold orange
italics preceded by "Click on->" or "-
>".
Click on -> Manage Equalizing ->
Configure Parameters.
Click on ->
[button_name]
Buttons are shown in bold orange
italics surrounded by square brackets
preceded by "Click on ->" or "->".
Click on -> [Start/Stop Equalizing] ->
[Start Equalizing].

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Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
Where to Install NetEqualizer
NetEqualizer can be installed on any link whose traffic you would like to shape. For
maximum effectiveness, most users should install NetEqualizer between the network users
and the Internet trunk. Traffic running between your network and the Internet is generally
a constriction point in traffic flow where many users compete for this limited resource. By
placing your NetEqualizer at this junction you will automatically optimize your Internet
speed.
The NetEqualizer operates as a Transparent Bridge on your network. There is typically no
need to change anything in your network configuration to install the appliance. Simply
install the NetEqualizer between your Router and Network Switch, or anywhere you can see
the individual IP addresses you wish to shape. Set-up using the Quick Start Guide to
modify any factory default settings, and then access it via a Web Graphical User Interface.

User Guide
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Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
Setting up the NetEqualizer
For a detailed list of the steps necessary to get up and running, please see the NetEqualizer
Quick Start Guide. If you do not have a copy of the Quick Start Guide, please request one
by calling our Support Team at 303.997.1300 x102 or emailing [e-mail].
We mention some of the key functions performed during set-up here. However, you will
need to reference the Quick Start Guide to complete your set-up.
Factory Default IP Settings
The IP settings to access the NetEqualizer web Graphical User Interface (web GUI) have
been set to:
IP Setting
Parameter Name
Factory Default
Web GUI IP
BRIDGEIP
192.168.1.143
Web GUI Netmask
BRIDGENETMASK
255.255.255.0
Web GUI Gateway
BRIDGEROUTE
192.168.1.1
Note: The IP address for the NetEqualizer is used to access the web GUI (for management
purposes only). All factory default settings can be changed from the web GUI, the
command line, or the API.
Accessing the NetEqualizer via the Web GUI IP
To access the NetEqualizer via the Web GUI IP, plug a laptop/PC into your Switch, and then
set to the 192.168.1.x range (x not 143) to access the NetEqualizer. Once you cable the
NetEqualizer into your network, you should be able to get to the NetEqualizer Web GUI IP.
Note: If you are on a VLAN, you will need to set-up an untagged Management Port for
administration on a two port system. Please call Support at 303.997.1300 x102 or send an
email to [e-mail] to get help with setting up a Management Port.
Cabling the NetEqualizer into your Network
All of the NetEqualizer models (series 2000/3000/4000 and Lite) have two Ethernet
interfaces. The easiest way to figure out the ports is that if you are facing the back
of the unit, the LAN port is on your right and the WAN port is on your left. They are
labeled in a very tiny font on the Lite units: 1 (WAN) and 2 (LAN). They are not labeled on
the Series 2000/3000/4000. For further clarification, please see the "Where to Install the
NetEqualizer" diagram below.
If you have requested and received a factory-installed 3rd NIC on your NetEqualizer, the
WAN and LAN interfaces may not match the picture below. Please call Support at
303.997.1300 x102 or email [e-mail] to get help with your set-up.
First, make sure that you power on the
NetEqualizer. Do this by pressing the red power
button to the right of the LED panel.
Notes:
Once you have the NetEqualizer configured, you can change the Default Web GUI IP address. See
Appendix #2C.
To secure the management port, you can also make it accessible via https (SSH). See Appendix #2D.
If you are on a VLAN, you will need to set-up a Management Port.

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Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
WAN Connection
Plug a crossover cable into the
port labeled Eth0 (WAN) on the
diagram at right and connect it
to the Firewall/Router. Eth0 is the
port on your LEFT as you face
the back of the machine, closest
to the power supply. If you have
an auto-sensing Firewall/Router,
you can use a straight cable or a
crossover cable.
LAN Connection
Plug a straight cable into the port
labeled Eth1 (LAN) on the
diagram and connect it to your
Network Switch. Eth1 is the port
on your RIGHT as you face the back of the machine, furthest from the power supply. If
whatever you are plugging into does not have a built-in switch, then you should use a
crossover cable.
Once your machine is on & connected, you should see green lights in the Power LED, Eth0,
and Eth1 LEDs, as in the above picture of the LED panel.
Note: We recommend that you install your NetEqualizer on a UPS, to protect from power
surges and outages.
(optional): Access Point Configuration in a Wireless Network
Put your radios in bridging mode and set your Firewall/Router at your headend to do DHCP
and NAT, instead of doing DHCP and NAT at your Access Points.
(optional): Setting LAN Port Speed and Duplex
Occasionally, customers need to manually set LAN Port Speed and Duplex as some
Firewall/Routers do not auto-negotiate correctly with the NetEqualizer. If this is happening
in your environment, you will see a large number of collisions and dropped packets as well
as reduced network throughput. Although dropped packets are not a good thing, if you are
seeing less than 1/10 of a percent (< 0.1%) of the total packets transmitted it will have no
adverse effect on your network. If it starts to approach 1 percent (1%), you should follow
Appendix #2 to set this in your environment.
(optional): Firewalling off the NetEqualizer
If you do not install the NetEqualizer behind a firewall, you should use the Manage Firewall
Settings to firewall off the NetEqualizer. See Appendix #8 for detailed instructions.

User Guide
APconnections, Inc. // 303.997.1300 // www.netequalizer.com Page 8 of 97 All rights reserved
Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
Configuring the NetEqualizer
Once the NetEqualizer is powered on and plugged in to your network, you need to access
the web GUI to configure it. The web GUI is accessible out-of-the-box via the factory default
IP address: http://192.168.1.143.If you have not already, please follow the instructions
under Accessing the NetEqualizer via the Web GUI IP.
Once you login to the NetEqualizer, your next steps in setting up the NetEqualizer will be to
configure your IP settings, set your passwords, install your license key, and set the
date/time and time zone for your NetEqualizer. All these functions are found under the
Manage NetEqualizer menu command and are described in detail in the Quick Start
Guide.
To get started configuring your
NetEqualizer, Click on -> Setup and
Configuration -> Manage
NetEqualizer. The screen at right
should come up.
Note that the functions are all available
by clicking on buttons, which bring up
pop-up configuration windows. This
paradigm is repeated throughout the
GUI.
Please see the Quick Start
Guide, Step #2: "Configuring
the NetEqualizer" to complete
Manage NetEqualizer set-up
and configuration.

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Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
The NetEqualizer Dashboard
At the heart of the NetEqualizer system is the Dashboard. The NetEqualizer Dashboard
provides an intuitive visual display of the status on critical data and settings within
NetEqualizer. Think of the Dashboard as your command and control center for managing
your NetEqualizer. On the picture below, the key elements that make up the Dashboard are
labeled: Status Indicators, Navigation Menu, Common Tasks, and NetEqualizer Menus.
The Dashboard contains Status Indicators, visually displaying on/off status on key
functions: Equalizing, ntop (reporting), Quotas, Packet Capture, and Caching. It also
contains statistics about traffic levels running through your NetEqualizer. You can look at
traffic for the entire network (Pool 0), as well as levels for Bandwidth Up and Bandwidth
Down, and determine whether Ratio is being exceeded.
The Navigation Menu helps you to quickly and easily get back to the Dashboard from
anywhere in the system. You can also reference material from our website (Our Home), our
blog (Our Blog) or access online help (Help).
Common Tasks have been added to the Dashboard. Think of these as shortcuts to areas
within the system that you use frequently. From here you can Run Diagnostics, View
Current Activity, View the NetEqualizer Log File, Show the Current Configuration,
Stop/Restart Equalizing, or run Dynamic Real-Time Reporting.
The four (4) NetEqualizer Menus available are: 1) Setup and Configuration, 2)
Management and Reporting, 3) Troubleshooting and Support, and 4) Maintenance and
Reference. We will discuss the features available via these menus in this User Guide.

User Guide
APconnections, Inc. // 303.997.1300 // www.netequalizer.com Page 10 of 97 All rights reserved
Copyright © 2013 APconnections, Inc. rev. 20131202
To help keep you up-to-date on if you need to upgrade, we display the version that you are
running. To make sure you know what date/time and time zone you have set, we display
that as well. The Dashboard can be set to Auto Refresh (On/Off), at available intervals of
5, 10, or 30 seconds, which should work for most users.
Note: The NetEqualizer Dashboard is available in Software Update 6.0 and above.
Note: If you want to create a custom Auto Refresh time for the dashboard, turn Auto
Refresh ON with an interval of 30 seconds, find the parameter "rate" in the URL (i.e.
/index.cgi?poolnum=0&refresh=true&rate=30#dash), and change the number, in seconds,
to your desired rate. For example, if you wanted the dashboard to refresh once per day,
change rate to 86400 (60x60x24).