AlphaShield Hardware Firewall - Manual (Page 2)

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Quick Installation Guide
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Connect power to the AlphaShield.
Middle LED will turn Red.
Connect “Cable/DSL” port of AlphaShield to
your MODEM using the cable provided with
MODEM.
Right LED will turn Green, with the switch
at the back of AlphaShield in AUTO/15
Mode (LED will be RED if switch is in LOCK
Mode)
Connect “PC” port of AlphaShield to your
computer or WAN port of Router using the
cable provided with AlphaShield.
Left LED will turn Green, with the switch at
the back of AlphaShield in AUTO/15 Mode
(LED will be RED if switch is in LOCK Mode)
Press the Blue (Connect ) button.
All LEDs will turn Green.
Congratulations! You have successfully
installed AlphaShield Hardware Firewall on
your computer system.
Quick Steps to Install AlphaShield
I used the scan test and some of my ports are still OPEN or CLOSED, not all STEALTH or
BLOCKED, what is wrong?
You are not testing your computer’s IP address. In some cases, the scanning is not actually done to
your computer's IP address, but to the IP address of your ISP. Please check the IP address on the top of
the page where you go to perform the test. Please compare it to the real IP address that belongs to your
system. You will be able to check your real IP address if you visit one of the following sites:
http://www.whatismyip.com or http://www.whatismyipaddress.com
Does my AlphaShield work with the router?
Yes! AlphaShield will definitely work in your environment! AlphaShield should be connected
between a xDSL/Cable MODEM and a router (this includes wireless routers). If connected this way, it
will protect your whole network.
Is AlphaShield compatible with Macintosh OS X?
Yes! AlphaShield is a platform independent hardware. It does not require any configuration and does
not need any software to install. As you know, Macintosh operating systems rely mostly on AppleTalk
protocol, but take advantage of TCP/IP when an Internet connection is required. TCP/IP is a default
protocol for the Internet and AlphaShield works with any device/node that supports this protocol
stack. That is why it really does not matter what operating system you are using as long as TCP/IP
protocol is used.
In regards to shielding your IP Address, exactly how does this work?
AlphaShield will show your IP address to the resource that you visit. This is how TCP/IP protocol
works. You have no way to hide it, and it is ok. IP address is like a phone number. Everyone needs one
to contact the other person, or to get a phone call from somebody. When you request a website your IP
address will be visible to the server you visited. Communication is a two way process and you will not
be able to use the Internet if you do not provide an IP address to the resource you want to visit. Your
IP address is not a credit card number, this is not something that you have to hide all the time. When
protected by AlphaShield, your computer will never be detected by any scanning tools and thus would
not reply to PING requests. If it cannot be found on the Internet, then it cannot be a target! Even if you
visit a server and an attacker gets a hold of your IP address, your AlphaShield will not reply to any
request. Your computer is essentially invisible.
What is the use of the switch at the back of the unit?
Please refer to page 7 regarding Mode Selector Switch.
Does AlphaShield work in wireless network configuration?
Yes! AlphaShield works in most wireless network environments. The vast majority of home wireless
networks have a xDSL/Cable MODEM connected to a wireless access point. A wireless access point
will distribute the signal between computers on the same network. If this is the case, AlphaShield
should be placed between your xDSL/Cable MODEM and a wireless access point.
Can an AlphaShield be used to protect connection with USB MODEMS and dial-up MODEMS?
Unfortunately, the current version of AlphaShield does not support dial-up Internet connections, or
connections with USB interface.
Does the AlphaShield work with programs like MSN Messenger or ICQ?
Yes!
Do I require an anti-virus software on my computer even though I have an AlphaShield device
connected with my system? Can I still receive live updates?
Even though AlphaShield stops the Trojan worms such as MS Blaster, BugBear, Fizzer etc. You will
still require an anti-virus software to detect viruses that come through email. AlphaShield will not
interfere with any form of live updates.
Does AlphaShield work with Remote access programs like PC anywhere?
Yes! AlphaShield works perfectly with Remote access programs when it is securing the Client
computer. Remote Access programs will not work if someone is trying to access from outside since
AlphaShield makes your computer invisible.
Frequently Asked Questions