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Need help?Do you have a question about the Untangle z4 and is the answer not in the manual?
Lists items included in the z4 package, such as power adapter, mounting bracket, rubber feet, antennae, and the z4 appliance itself.
Provides sequential instructions for physically setting up the z4 appliance, including mounting, connecting cables, and powering on.
Details three primary methods for connecting to the appliance: via Command Center, local network, or direct connection with peripherals.
Explains that the setup wizard guides users through essential parameters for initial appliance configuration.
Introduces NG Firewall's app-based features and trial periods for premium features during the first login.
States the appliance is covered by a one or three year warranty and provides a link to the refund/return policy.
Directs users to online resources for technical support, contact information, troubleshooting, and help systems.
The Untangle z4 is a compact and robust appliance designed for network security and management, offering a comprehensive suite of features through its NG Firewall software. This device serves as a central point for securing and controlling network traffic, making it suitable for various environments, from small businesses to branch offices.
At its core, the Untangle z4 functions as a next-generation firewall, providing advanced threat protection, content filtering, and network management capabilities. It acts as a gateway, inspecting all incoming and outgoing network traffic to identify and mitigate potential threats. The appliance is powered by Untangle's NG Firewall software, which is a modular platform offering a wide array of applications (apps) that can be installed and configured to meet specific security and network management needs. These apps cover areas such as intrusion prevention, web filtering, virus blocking, spam blocking, VPN, bandwidth control, and reporting.
The z4 is designed to be easily integrated into an existing network infrastructure. It typically sits between the internet modem/router and the local area network (LAN) switch, acting as the primary point of control for all network communications. Its multi-port design allows for flexible network segmentation, enabling administrators to create separate zones for different types of traffic or user groups, thereby enhancing security and control. The device can be configured to operate in various network modes, including router mode, bridge mode, and transparent bridge mode, offering adaptability to different network topologies.
One of the key functions of the z4 is its ability to provide granular control over network traffic. Administrators can define detailed policies based on users, applications, content categories, and time schedules. This allows for precise management of internet access, ensuring productivity and compliance with organizational policies. For instance, specific websites can be blocked, certain applications can be prioritized, and bandwidth can be allocated to critical services. The reporting features provide valuable insights into network activity, security events, and user behavior, aiding in troubleshooting and compliance auditing.
The appliance also supports secure remote access through VPN capabilities, allowing remote users or branch offices to securely connect to the main network. This is crucial for businesses with distributed workforces or multiple locations, ensuring that data remains protected even when accessed from outside the primary network perimeter. The WiFi model of the z4 further extends its functionality by providing integrated wireless connectivity, simplifying deployment in environments where a combined wired and wireless security solution is desired.
The Untangle z4 is designed for ease of use, offering multiple methods for initial setup and ongoing management. Users can provision and manage the appliance via the online Command Center portal, a cloud-based platform that provides centralized control over multiple Untangle devices. This method is particularly convenient for deploying and configuring new appliances, allowing administrators to add devices, access them remotely, and manage their settings from anywhere with an internet connection. The Command Center simplifies the process of scaling network security across multiple locations.
Alternatively, the z4 can be managed directly from the local network. By connecting a management computer to LAN port 2 of the appliance, administrators can access the NG Firewall's web-based interface. This local access is invaluable in scenarios where the appliance cannot reach the internet, allowing for direct configuration of TCP/IP settings and other critical parameters. The web interface is intuitive, guiding users through the setup wizard for initial configuration of essential network parameters.
For situations where network access is unavailable, the z4 also supports direct connection. By attaching a display to the VGA port and a keyboard and mouse to the USB ports, users can interact directly with the appliance's console. This provides a fallback option for troubleshooting and initial setup, ensuring that the device can always be accessed and configured regardless of network connectivity. The front panel includes a power button for easy system control, along with LED indicators for power and hard drive activity, providing quick visual feedback on the device's operational status.
The modular nature of the NG Firewall software is a significant usage feature. After the initial setup, administrators can browse and install various apps from the Untangle marketplace. These apps extend the functionality of the z4, allowing users to customize their security and network management solution to precise requirements. For example, if a business needs advanced web filtering, they can install the Web Filter app; if they need to manage bandwidth, they can install the Bandwidth Control app. Many of these apps offer a trial period, allowing users to evaluate their effectiveness before committing to a subscription.
The z4's physical design also contributes to its usability. It can be deployed in two primary ways: desktop installation or VESA mount installation. For desktop use, rubber feet are provided to ensure stability. For VESA mount installations, a bracket and screws are included, allowing the appliance to be securely attached to the back of a monitor or other compatible surfaces, saving space and providing a clean installation. The rear panel features clearly labeled ports for power, VGA, USB, and multiple Ethernet connections, simplifying cable management and connectivity. The WiFi model includes RP-SMA connectors for attaching external antennae, optimizing wireless signal strength and coverage.
Maintaining the Untangle z4 is designed to be straightforward, focusing on ease of updates, troubleshooting, and support. The NG Firewall software platform is regularly updated by Untangle, providing new features, security patches, and performance enhancements. These updates can typically be managed through the web interface or the Command Center, ensuring that the appliance always runs the latest and most secure version of the software. Regular updates are crucial for maintaining an effective security posture against evolving cyber threats.
Troubleshooting is facilitated by the device's diagnostic tools and logging capabilities. The NG Firewall software provides detailed logs of network activity, security events, and system status, which are invaluable for identifying and resolving issues. These logs can be accessed through the web interface, allowing administrators to review events, pinpoint problems, and take corrective actions. The LED indicators on the front panel for power and hard drive activity offer immediate visual cues about the device's basic operational state, helping to quickly diagnose hardware-related issues.
Untangle provides comprehensive support resources to assist with maintenance and troubleshooting. The online help system, accessible through the Untangle wiki, offers a wealth of documentation, guides, and FAQs covering various aspects of the NG Firewall software and hardware. This self-service resource allows administrators to find answers to common questions and learn best practices for configuring and maintaining their z4 appliance.
For more direct assistance, Untangle offers technical support services. Contact information and support availability details are provided, ensuring that users can reach out to experts when facing complex issues that cannot be resolved through self-help resources. This direct support channel is critical for minimizing downtime and ensuring the continuous operation of the network security infrastructure.
The warranty policy also plays a role in maintenance, providing peace of mind regarding hardware reliability. The z4 appliance is covered by a one or three-year warranty, depending on the purchase option. This warranty covers hardware defects, ensuring that faulty units can be replaced or repaired, thereby protecting the investment and minimizing potential disruptions due to hardware failures. Details of the refund and return policy are also made available, outlining the procedures for addressing any issues with the product.
Finally, the modular app-based architecture simplifies maintenance by allowing administrators to selectively update or replace individual apps without affecting the entire system. If a specific app is causing issues or needs to be upgraded, it can be managed independently, reducing the complexity and risk associated with system-wide changes. This granular control over software components contributes to a more stable and manageable security environment.
General| Form Factor | Desktop |
|---|---|
| USB Ports | 2 |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs |
| CPU Cores | 4 |
| VPN Throughput | 300 Mbps |
| Firewall Throughput | 1 Gbps |
| Operating System | Untangle NG Firewall |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 32GB |
| Power Supply | External 12V DC |
| Power Consumption | 15W |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 6.3" x 1.7" (215.9 mm x 160 mm x 43.2 mm) |
