Syswan Octolinks SW88 User manual

Octolinks SW88 Series
User Guide
Syswan Technologies, Inc.
2050 Beavercreek Rd, Suite 101 #388
Oregon City, OR 97045 USA
1 - 877 - 6 - SYSWAN
www.syswan.com

Copyright and Trademarks
Copyright © 2007-2008 Syswan Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
V1/RBEN

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Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................... I
Purpose ...........................................................................................................................................................iv
Audience..........................................................................................................................................................iv
Document Layout.............................................................................................................................................iv
Documentation updates...................................................................................................................................iv
Technical Support............................................................................................................................................iv
1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................... 1
Overview.......................................................................................................................................................... 1
Main Features.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Internet Sharing Features................................................................................................................................ 4
Other Features................................................................................................................................................. 5
Package Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Product Details ................................................................................................................................................ 6
2. BASIC SETUP........................................................................................................................................... 10
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Configuration Procedure................................................................................................................................ 11
3. ADVANCED PORT ................................................................................................................................... 24
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Port Options................................................................................................................................................... 24
Load Balancing.............................................................................................................................................. 27
Advanced PPPoE.......................................................................................................................................... 30
Advanced PPTP ............................................................................................................................................ 33
4. ADVANCED CONFIGURATION............................................................................................................... 35
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 35
Host IP Setup................................................................................................................................................. 35

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Routing .......................................................................................................................................................... 38
Virtual Servers............................................................................................................................................... 39
Special Applications....................................................................................................................................... 42
Dynamic DNS................................................................................................................................................ 44
Multi DMZ ...................................................................................................................................................... 47
UPnP.............................................................................................................................................................. 48
NAT................................................................................................................................................................ 49
ARP Status.................................................................................................................................................... 51
Advanced Features........................................................................................................................................ 53
5. SECURITY MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 55
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 55
URL Filter....................................................................................................................................................... 55
Access Filter.................................................................................................................................................. 57
Session Limit ................................................................................................................................................. 59
SysFilter Exception........................................................................................................................................ 60
6. BANDWIDTH MANAGEMET (QOS) ........................................................................................................ 61
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 61
Bandwidth Management Configuration ......................................................................................................... 61
Bandwidth Policy Configuration..................................................................................................................... 63
7. MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT................................................................................................................... 65
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 65
Admin Setup.................................................................................................................................................. 65
Email Alert ..................................................................................................................................................... 66
SNMP............................................................................................................................................................. 68
Syslog............................................................................................................................................................ 69
Diagnostic Tools............................................................................................................................................ 71
Upgrade Firmware......................................................................................................................................... 72

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8. ADVANCED LAN CONFIGURATION ...................................................................................................... 73
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 73
Existing DHCP Server ................................................................................................................................... 73
Routing .......................................................................................................................................................... 73
9. OPERATION AND STATUS..................................................................................................................... 77
Operation....................................................................................................................................................... 77
System Status................................................................................................................................................ 77
WAN Status................................................................................................................................................... 80
NAT Status .................................................................................................................................................... 81
APPENDIX A SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 83
APPENDIX B WINDOWS TCP/IP SETUP.................................................................................................... 84
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 84
TCP/IP Settings............................................................................................................................................. 84
APPENDIX C TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................... 90
Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 90
General Problems.......................................................................................................................................... 90
Internet Access.............................................................................................................................................. 90

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User Guide © Syswan Technologies, Inc.
Purpose
This document explains how to configure and use the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancers to optimize your
Internet activities.
Audience
This document is intended for all users of the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancers, from high level
administrators to end-users having basic knowledge of computers and the Internet.
Document Layout
This documentation is the User Guide for all versions of the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancers.
Depending on your Octolinks SW88 model, some parts of this documentation may not apply to you. Advanced
functionalities which are specific to certain models are clearly indicated at the beginning of the relevant Chapter.
Documentation updates
At Syswan Techologies our R&D team works each day to provide our customers with superior quality products.
Features and firmware versions described in this documentation may not match the current releases. New and
enhanced features may be added to the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancers which might not be covered or
explained in this documentation.
Please visit our web site regularly for an updated version of this User Guide and for the latest firmware releases
that may have become available after your purchase.
Technical Support
Syswan Technologies offers free technical support for all problems related to Syswan products. Technical
Support can be reached by phone, email or you may use our online knowledgebase for extensive online
information on our product range and basic networking guidelines.
Phone : USA/Canada – 1-877-7-SYSWAN
International – 1-203-453-7326
Email : [email protected]
Go to http://www.syswan.com/knowledgebase to access our knowledgebase.

Syswan Octolinks SW88 Series
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User Guide © Syswan Technologies, Inc.
1. Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing your Syswan Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer. The Octolinks SW88 Series
Load Balancers provides uninterrupted Internet connectivity for multiple computers for SOHO, SMB and
corporate networks.
This chapter briefly describes the features of the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancers with more detailed
information in the chapters ahead.
Overview
The Syswan Technologies Octolinks SW88 high performance Multi WAN router ensures greater Internet
availability by using up to 8 different broadband links. State of the art automatic redundancy and bandwidth load
balancing technologies allows for fast, secure and reliable Internet connectivity and accommodates the growing
bandwidth needs of any small-to-medium sized organization.
The scalable ports feature of the Octolinks SW88 allows for maximum bandwidth capacity ensuring that your
network not only remains connected to the Internet, but all Internet traffic is constantly managed reliably and
securely even during periods of high traffic and heavy workloads.
Syswan Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer - Example Configuration

Syswan Octolinks SW88 Series
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Maximize available bandwidth
The Octolinks SW88 can be set to use up to 8 out of the 16 ports to allow connection of up to 8 different
broadband links, including xDSL, Cable, Satellite or Leased (T1) links. This unique design feature allows for
intelligent load balancing to maximize the available bandwidth while managing and prioritizing traffic flow for fast
and redundant Internet connectivity.
Easy to install and manage
The Octolinks SW88 is easy to configure locally or remotely using your Internet browser via a standard (HTTP)
or a secure management interface (HTTPS). Built-in NAT, SPI Firewall, DHCP server, URL Blocking and Access
Filters amongst other security options provide the highest industry standards to easily build a fast, reliable and
secure network configuration. With its easy-to-use Configuration Interface, you can set Alerts to be sent via
email, System Logs to be sent to a Syslog server, as well as monitor network activity via SNMP.
Ensure Quality of Service (QoS)
The advanced QoS architecture of the Octolinks SW88 offers ultimate industry standard bandwidth management
which improves the Quality of Service available to your network users for VoIP or other mission critical
applications.
Flexible configurations
The flexible network configuration capabilities of the Octolinks SW88 allows it to be used in networks which
support Static Routing, RIP or Dynamic Routing. With UPnP you can automatically open and close networking
ports as required by certain applications. QoS helps give priority to critical traffic on your network taking
advantage of the maximum available bandwidth at all times. With these powerful features, the Octolinks SW88
can be quickly and easily integrated into any network.
As more people rely on the Internet for communication, so too does the need to rely on scalable, secure and fast
Internet connectivity. This means that there is no longer the need to limit your Internet needs with just one ISP.
The Octolinks SW88 resolves this issue by maximizing the benefits of up to 8 different ISP’s while minimizing the
need for costly upgrades, complex networking equipement or changes in existing network infrastructure.

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Main Features
•Intelligent Load Balancing
Use up to eight (8) WAN ports simultaneously to increase the available bandwidth. Set the load balancing
values for each WAN port individually and configure the load balancing algorithm to work by IP numbers,
Packets, Bytes or Sessions to suit your needs.
•Multiple Connection Options
Use broadband access from any broadband provider including Leased links (T1). All standard xDSL, Cable
and Satellite modems and connection methods are supported, including Fixed IP, Dynamic IP, PPPoE,
multiple-session PPPoE and PPTP.
•Secure Management
Secure access to the configuration interface locally from within your network or remotely via the Internet.
•SPI Firewall
The industry standard protection for any network using built-in advanced Stateful Packet Inspection
technology against malicious attacks.
•Access Filters and URL Blocking
Controls Internet access and available applications for network users. Up to ten user groups can be defined
with each group assigned different access rights.
•Multi DMZ
Supports up to 8 Static IP Addresses per WAN port.
•Virtual Servers
Allows remote users to access servers on your network. Easily enable standard services such as Web, FTP
or Email or define your own servers and services.
•Special Applications
Manage applications which do not directly work behind a firewall (example: online games).
•Dynamic DNS
Allows the use of a Domain Name even when a fixed IP Address is not available.
•QoS (Quality of Service)
Gain control over critical applications by assigning priority to your network traffic. This function will make
specified packets with higher priority for pass-through before low priority packets. This is useful if you use
real-time applications like Internet phone, video conference,. etc.
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
By enabling UPnP (Universal Plug & Play), the Duolinks SW24 Series Load Balancer will become one of the
network devices. Useful for discovery and control of network devices, such as Internet gateways.

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Internet Sharing Features
•Shared Broadband Internet Access
LAN users can access the Internet through the Syswan Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer by sharing up
to eight (8) Broadband modems and connections.
•Supports all common Connection Methods
All popular DSL, Cable Modems and connection methods are supported, including Fixed IP, Dynamic IP,
PPPoE, and PPTP.
•PPPoE Session Management
Multiple PPPoE sessions are supported. You can choose to “map” sessions to individual PCs.
•Multiple IP Address Support
If your ISP allocates multiple IP addresses, you can “map” up to eight (8) public IP addresses to individual
PCs.
•Special Applications
This feature allows you to use some non-standard applications, where the port number used for the
response is different to the port number used by the sender.
•Virtual Servers
This feature allows Internet users to access Internet servers on your LAN. For standard servers such as
Web, FTP or E-Mail servers, only the IP address of the server PC is required. Optionally, you can also define
you own Server types.
•Multiple DMZ
A "DMZ" PC will receive incoming connection requests, which would otherwise be blocked. For each IP
address allocated by your ISP, a separate "DMZ" PC can be specified. So if your ISP has given you multiple
IP addresses, you can have multiple “DMZ” PCs. Each “DMZ” PC has unrestricted 2-way Internet access,
providing the ability to run programs that are otherwise incompatible with NAT routers (like the Syswan
Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer).
•Access Filter
The Network Administrator can use the Access Filter to gain fine control over Internet access and
applications available to LAN users. Ten (10) user groups are available, and each group can have different
access rights.
•URL Filter
This feature blocks LAN users from accessing undesirable web sites. You can even have different settings
for different groups of PCs.
•Session Limit
With the Session Limit feature, if the numbers of new sessions for the system exceeds the maximum
sampling time, any new session in the system will be dropped.
•System Filter Exception
This feature ensures that every packet with an unrecognized port will be rejected so as to prevent access to
port scanning programs from hackers. However, in some situations this may incur problems with some
servers (e.g. SMTP server port 113) or WAN clients who require a response packet to verify the availability
of their communication peers.

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Other Features
•16-Port Ethernet Switch
The Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancers incorporate a 16 port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Switch of which up
to 8 ports can be defined as WAN ports for easy integration into an existing network.
•DHCP Server
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol provides a dynamic IP address to PCs and other devices upon
request. The Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancers can act as DHCP Servers and provide dynamic IP
addresses to PCs and devices on your local LAN.
•Multi Segment LAN Support
LANs containing one or more segments are supported, via the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer's built-
in static routing table and “LAN Any IP” options.
•ARP proxy
The ARP proxy feature allows you to assign an external (Internet) IP address to the Octolinks SW88 Series
Load Balancer's LAN port. This allows servers on your LAN to have external (Internet) IP addresses.
•Easy Setup
Use your favorite web browser for configuration.
•Secure SSL access
The Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancers offer secure HTTPS (SSL) encryption by defaut when accessing
the management GUI. You may optionally deactivate this feature and use a classic (HTTP) access if
needed.
•Remote Management
The Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer can be managed from any PC on your LAN. If an Internet
connection exists, it can also (optional) be configured via the Internet.
•Password protected Configuration
Optional password protection is provided to prevent unauthorized users from modifying the configuration
data and settings.
•HTTPS (SSL) or HTTP Firmware Upgrade and backup
The web management feature allows you to use HTTPS or HTTP upgrade new firmware and backup system
configuration from local or remote sites. This is enabled via “Remote upgrade” and “Remote setup” options
available on the Admin Setup page.
•Email Alerts
It will send a warning email to the system administrator, if one of the WAN ports was disconnected when
both WAN ports are enabled.
•Syslog
Generates real time system information on a web page or sends system logs to a syslog server. Useful for
monitoring the device.
•Scheduled Events
The Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer can be set to automatically reboot once a day at a user specified
time.

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Package Contents
The following items should be included with your purchase:
•Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer
•Power cable
•Quick Installation Guide
•CD-Rom containing the user guides and tools.
•Rack mounts (19”1U).
If any of the above items are damaged or missing, please contact your dealer immediately.
Product Details
Front Panel
Syswan Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer Front Panels
Operation of the Front Panel LEDs is as follows:
Power
OFF – No Power
ON – Normal Operation
Status
System
Packets
Blinking – Normal Operation
ON/OFF – Error
Blinking – Packets Active
ON/OFF – No Packets
Ethernet
Green ON – 100M Linked
Yellow ON – 10M Linked
Blinking – Data Transmit / Receive
OFF – No Link

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Some Status and Error conditions are indicated by combinations of LEDs, as shown below
LED Action Condition
Status – System & Packets flash alternatively. Firmware Download in progress.
Status – System & Packets flash concurrently. MAC address not assigned.
Status – System (Solid Off) & Packets (Solid On). SDRAM error.
Status – System (Solid On) & Packets (Solid On). Timer/Interrupt error.
If your discover any of the above error conditions, please contact our support team for assistance.

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Rear Panel
Octolinks SW88 Series Rear Panel
AC 100V ~ 240V Connects to AC100~240V / 50~60Hz with supplied AC power cord.
Default Settings
When the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer has finished booting after a factory reset, all configuration
settings will be set to factory default, including:
•IP Address set to its default value of 192.168.1.1, with a Network Mask of 255.255.255.0
•DHCP Server is enabled
•User Name: admin
•Password blanked (no password)

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TFTP Download
This setting should be used only if your Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer is unstable and if you wish to
restore it by downloading a new firmware version.
Follow this procedure:
1. Power On your Syswan Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer.
2. Use the supplied Windows TFTP utility or a TFTP client program to apply the new firmware. If using the
supplied Windows TFTP program, the software screen will look like the following example.
TFTP utility
•Enter the name of the firmware upgrade file on your PC, or click Browse to locate the file.
•Enter the LAN IP address of the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer in the Server IP field.
•Click Upgrade Firmware to send the file to the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer.
3. When the download is completed the Load Balancer will reboot and work as normal.
Note:
The supplied Windows TFTP utility also allows you to perform other operations:
•Save the current configuration settings to your PC (use the Save Configuration button).
•Restore a previously-saved configuration file to the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer (use the Upgrade
Firmware button).
•Set the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer to its default values (use the Set to Default button).
TFTP utility help

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2. Basic Setup
Overview
The Basic Setup of your Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer involves the following steps:
1. Configuring the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer LAN settings to suit your needs.
2. Installing the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer in your LAN and connecting the Broadband Modem or
Modems.
3. Configuring your Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer for Internet (WAN) Access.
4. Configuring PCs on your LAN to use the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer.
Requirements
•One (1) or more (up to eight) DSL or Cable modems, each with an Internet Access account subscribed with
an ISP.
•Network cables. Use standard 10/100BaseT network (UTP) cables with RJ45 connectors.
•TCP/IP network protocol must be installed on all PCs.

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Configuration Procedure
1. Configuring the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer for your LAN
1. Use a standard LAN cable to connect your PC to a Hub port (port 3 to port 16 as the first two ports are
default WAN ports) on the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer.
2. Connect the power cable and power up the Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer.
3. Start your PC. If your PC is already running, restart it. It will then obtain an IP address (DHCP) from the
Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer.
4. Start your web browser.
5. In the Address or Location box enter : https://192.168.1.1
6. Accept to continue if you receive a warning for the SSL certificate. You will then be prompted for the User
Name and password, as shown below:
SSL Certificate Warning and Password Dialog
Enter admin for the "User Name" and leave the "Password" blank.
The default "User Name" is admin. You may change this in the admin setup page.
You can and you should set a password, using the following Admin Setup screen.

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MAX WAN settings
By default your Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer is configured to use two (2) WAN ports.
If you will be using more than two WAN links, please update the MAX WAN information before making any other
configuration changes.
Select “Basic Configuration > MAX WAN”from the menu.
The pull down menu on the MAX WAN web page will let you setup the WAN port numbers. You can choose from
two (2), up to eight (8) WAN ports. Once you have selected your choice click Submit.
When you change the MAX WAN settings the device will reboot and will be reset to factory defaults.
Verify that your PC is not connected to a WAN port (ports 1 to 8 depending on your MAX WAN settings)
before proceeding.
MAX WAN Page
You cannot access the login page ?
•If your PC is configured to use a fixed IP address :
a) You must configure your PC to use an IP address within the range 192.168.1.2 to
192.168.1.254, with a Network Mask of 255.255.255.0.
b) You can temporarily set your PC to use DHCP to obtain an IP Address automatically.
See Appendix B – Windows TCP/IP Setup for details on how to configure the TCP/IP settings
on your PC.
•Check the following points :
a) The Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer is properly installed.
b) LAN connection to your PC is correct.
c) The Octolinks SW88 Series Load Balancer is powered ON.
7. After the login, you will first see the Admin Setup screen, as shown below.

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You can assign a new username if you wish to change it from the default and a password by entering it in the
"Password" and "Verify" Fields.
Admin Setup Page

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Local Access Configuration
Local Upgrade : Allows users to upgrade the firmware of the device locally.
Local Setup : Allows users to set up the configuration of the device locally.
Important Note:
If you wish to use a classic access (http) instead of a secure access (https) to manage your load balancer, you
may change the local access port from 443 (default for https) to 80 (default for http). Otherwise, you will need
to specify the TCP port in the browser address box (ie: http://192.168.1.1:443) in order to access the
management interface.
Remote Access Configuration
Remote Upgrade : Allows users to upgrade the firmware of the device remotely.
Remote Setup : Allows users to set up the configuration of the device remotely.
Allowed Remote IP : Only requests from hosts with the IP address within the range of the Allowed Remote IP are
allowed to Upgrade or Setup remotely. “Advanced” permits the defining of more than one allowed remote IP
range.
Extended Device IP Range : Allows to define alternate IP for the remote management console in a multiple IP
WAN environment.
Access Port : The specific port number used for users to upgrade or set up the device remotely.
Administrator Password
User name : You may change the defaut user name here.
New Password / Confirm Password : A password prevents unauthorized people from retrieving or changing the
device's configuration. New Password and Confirm Password must be the same.
Important Note:
If you forget your new username and/or the password, you will have to perform a “Reset to Default” by pressing
the reset button on the rear panel for more than 3 seconds.
The Syswan Support team will not be able to help you find the username and/or the password once they have
been changed from the default.
User names and passwords are case sensitive. You may use any combination of letters, signs or numbers when
creating them except the semi-colon (;) as it is used as the configuration seperator within the firmware.
You may configure these options if needed (Remote access, Scheduled Events…).
Click Submit when done.
Depending on your admin setup configuration changes, you may be required to re-enter your user name and
new password to proceed.