AlphaShield FIREWALL - Manual (Page 17)

Page 17 of 19
Instant Disconnect Manual Intervention (Push Button)
Physical Connection LED Link Status on 10Base-T ports
Power to Device Power Indicator via Connect (Center) LED
Data Transmission Inbound/Outbound LED Indicators
Operational Mode Selectable via Multi-position switch
Connection Indicator LED Indicator: two colors and two states
Operating Temperature 50 to 110 degrees F
Frequently Asked Questions:
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. Macintosh operating systems rely
mostly on AppleTalk protocol, but they do 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. An 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 requests. Your computer is essentially
invisible.