1. పరిచయం
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Protectli Vault FW4B firewall micro appliance. The FW4B is a compact, fanless device designed for network security applications, featuring an Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160 processor with AES-NI hardware support and four Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports. It is a barebone unit, allowing for maximum customization with user-supplied RAM and mSATA storage.
The Protectli Vault FW4B is compatible with various open-source software solutions, including pfSense, untangle, and OPNsense, making it a versatile choice for securing and managing your network.

Figure 1: Protectli Vault applications, including firewall, VPN router, and hypervisor.
2. పెట్టెలో ఏముంది
Upon unpacking your Protectli Vault FW4B, please verify that all the following components are present:
- Protectli Vault FW4B Unit
- పవర్ అడాప్టర్ (DC 12V)
- పవర్ కార్డ్
- Serial Console Cable (RJ-45 to DB9)
- VESA మౌంటింగ్ ప్లేట్ మరియు స్క్రూలు

Figure 2: Included accessories for the Protectli Vault FW4B. Note: The power supply design may vary.
3. ఉత్పత్తి ముగిసిందిview
The Protectli Vault FW4B features a robust, fanless design for silent operation and enhanced reliability. Familiarize yourself with the ports and indicators:
3.1 ఫ్రంట్ ప్యానెల్

Figure 3: Front panel of the FW4B with Ethernet ports and power input.
- WAN పోర్ట్: Connects to your internet service provider (ISP) modem.
- LAN పోర్ట్: Connects to your internal network switch or access point.
- OPT1, OPT2 Ports: Optional ports for additional network segments, VLANs, or other configurations.
- DC 12V పవర్ ఇన్పుట్: చేర్చబడిన పవర్ అడాప్టర్ను ఇక్కడ కనెక్ట్ చేయండి.
- LED సూచికలు: Status lights for power and network activity.
3.2 వెనుక ప్యానెల్

Figure 4: Rear panel of the FW4B with various I/O ports.
- పవర్ బటన్: Press to power on or off the device.
- ఆడియో జాక్: For audio output (if supported by OS).
- USB 3.0 పోర్ట్లు (x2): For connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, or USB installation media.
- COM Port (RJ-45): Serial console port for direct command-line interface access.
- HDMI పోర్ట్లు (x2): డిస్ప్లేలను కనెక్ట్ చేయడానికి.

Figure 5: Dimensions of the Protectli Vault FW4B.
4. సెటప్
The Protectli Vault FW4B is a barebone unit, requiring the installation of RAM and an mSATA SSD before use. Please follow these steps carefully.
4.1 Hardware Installation (RAM & mSATA SSD)
- పవర్ ఆఫ్: Ensure the device is unplugged from the power source.
- ఓపెన్ చాసిస్: Carefully remove the screws securing the bottom panel of the FW4B.
- RAM ని ఇన్స్టాల్ చేయండి: Insert the DDR3L SO-DIMM RAM module(s) into the designated slot(s) until they click into place.
- Install mSATA SSD: Insert the mSATA SSD into its slot and secure it with the provided screw.
- క్లోజ్ చాసిస్: దిగువ ప్యానెల్ను మార్చండి మరియు దానిని స్క్రూలతో భద్రపరచండి.
గమనిక: Refer to the Protectli website or contact support for compatible RAM and mSATA SSD models if you encounter issues.
4.2 ప్రారంభ కనెక్షన్
- డిస్ప్లేను కనెక్ట్ చేయండి (ఐచ్ఛికం): HDMI పోర్ట్లలో ఒకదానికి మానిటర్ను కనెక్ట్ చేయండి.
- Connect Keyboard (Optional): Connect a USB keyboard to a USB 3.0 port.
- నెట్వర్క్ని కనెక్ట్ చేయండి:
- Connect your ISP modem to the WAN ఓడరేవు
- Connect your computer or a network switch to the LAN ఓడరేవు
- పవర్ ఆన్: Connect the power adapter to the DC 12V input and then plug it into a power outlet. Press the power button on the rear panel.
4.3 ఆపరేటింగ్ సిస్టమ్ ఇన్స్టాలేషన్
The Protectli Vault FW4B does not come with a pre-installed operating system. It is designed to run open-source firewall distributions. Common choices include:
To install an operating system:
- Download the desired OS image (e.g., ISO file) from the official webసైట్.
- Create a bootable USB drive using a utility like Rufus or Etcher.
- Insert the bootable USB drive into a USB 3.0 port on the FW4B.
- Power on the FW4B and access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing DEL or F2 during boot) to set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
- Follow the on-screen instructions of the chosen operating system to complete the installation.
చిట్కా: Many open-source firewall distributions offer detailed installation guides on their respective websites. Protectli also provides resources on their knowledge base.
5. ఆపరేటింగ్ సూచనలు
Once the operating system is installed and configured, the Protectli Vault FW4B will function as your network appliance. Specific operating procedures will depend on the installed software.
5.1 పవర్ ఆన్/ఆఫ్
- పవర్ ఆన్: Press the power button on the rear panel. The power LED will illuminate.
- పవర్ ఆఫ్: It is recommended to shut down the operating system gracefully through its interface before pressing the power button. A short press of the power button typically initiates a graceful shutdown, while a long press (5-10 seconds) performs a hard power off.
5.2 నెట్వర్క్ కాన్ఫిగరేషన్
After OS installation, access the web interface of your chosen firewall software from a computer connected to the LAN port. The default IP address for the LAN interface is typically provided during OS installation or in the OS documentation. From the web interface, you can configure:
- WAN (Internet) settings
- LAN (Internal Network) settings
- ఫైర్వాల్ నియమాలు
- VPN సేవలు
- Additional network services
ముఖ్యమైన: Always refer to the documentation of your installed operating system for detailed network configuration steps.
6. నిర్వహణ
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your Protectli Vault FW4B.
6.1 శుభ్రపరచడం
- పరికరాన్ని శుభ్రమైన, దుమ్ము లేని వాతావరణంలో ఉంచండి.
- Periodically wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
- పరికరంలో నేరుగా లిక్విడ్ క్లీనర్లను ఉపయోగించకుండా ఉండండి.
6.2 Firmware Updates (BIOS/UEFI)
Protectli may release BIOS/UEFI updates to improve stability, compatibility, or add features like coreboot support. Check the official Protectli website for the latest firmware and detailed update instructions. Always follow the provided instructions carefully to avoid damaging the device.
6.3 వేడి నిర్వహణ
The FW4B is a fanless device, relying on its aluminum chassis for heat dissipation. Ensure adequate airflow around the unit. Avoid placing it in enclosed spaces or stacking other devices directly on top of it. While designed to run warm, excessive heat can impact performance and lifespan.
7. ట్రబుల్షూటింగ్
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your Protectli Vault FW4B.
| సమస్య | సాధ్యమైన కారణం | పరిష్కారం |
|---|---|---|
| పరికరం పవర్ ఆన్ చేయదు. | పవర్ లేదు, పవర్ అడాప్టర్ తప్పు, కనెక్షన్ కోల్పోయింది. | Verify power outlet, check power adapter and cable connections. Ensure the power button is pressed firmly. |
| ప్రదర్శన అవుట్పుట్ లేదు. | Incorrect HDMI port, monitor issue, OS not booting. | Try both HDMI ports. Ensure monitor is on and set to correct input. Check if OS is booting (e.g., via serial console). |
| నెట్వర్క్ కనెక్టివిటీ సమస్యలు. | Incorrect cable connection, OS network configuration error, ISP issue. | Verify Ethernet cables are securely connected to the correct ports (WAN/LAN). Check OS network settings. Confirm ISP service is active. |
| Device runs excessively hot. | Poor ventilation, high CPU load. | Ensure the device is in an open area with good airflow. Reduce CPU load if possible. Consider external cooling if necessary (e.g., a small USB fan). |
| Operating system fails to install. | Corrupt installation media, incompatible RAM/SSD, incorrect BIOS settings. | Re-create bootable USB. Verify RAM/SSD compatibility. Check BIOS boot order and settings. |
If you encounter issues not covered here, please refer to the Protectli Knowledge Base or contact customer support.
8. స్పెసిఫికేషన్లు
| ఫీచర్ | వివరాలు |
|---|---|
| మోడల్ | ఎఫ్డబ్ల్యూ4బి |
| ప్రాసెసర్ | Intel Quad Core Celeron J3160, 64-bit, up to 2.2GHz, AES-NI support |
| ఈథర్నెట్ పోర్ట్స్ | 4x Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports |
| USB పోర్ట్లు | 2x USB 3.0 |
| వీడియో అవుట్పుట్ | 2x HDMI |
| సీరియల్ పోర్ట్ | 1x RJ-45 COM |
| RAM (Barebone) | No RAM included (supports DDR3L SO-DIMM) |
| Storage (Barebone) | No mSATA SSD included |
| BIOS | AMI BIOS (coreboot optional, user-installable) |
| ఆపరేటింగ్ సిస్టమ్ | OS Agnostic (No OS pre-installed) |
| కొలతలు (LxWxH) | 4.5 x 4.3 x 1.5 అంగుళాలు (115 x 107.5 x 39 మిమీ) |
| బరువు | 1.25 పౌండ్లు (సుమారు 0.57 కిలోలు) |
| పవర్ ఇన్పుట్ | DC 12V |
9. వారంటీ మరియు మద్దతు
Protectli offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and US-based customer support for the Vault FW4B.
- కస్టమర్ మద్దతు: For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please visit the official Protectli webసంప్రదింపు సమాచారం కోసం సైట్.
- నాలెడ్జ్ బేస్: An extensive online knowledge base is available with detailed articles and guides for installation and configuration.
- వారంటీ: Specific warranty terms and conditions are available on the Protectli webసైట్.

Figure 6: Protectli's commitment to open source, security, and support.





