2.2. Accessing the web-based user interface

2.2. Accessing the web-based user interface
	Chapter 2. Getting Started

If you used Method 1, you should browse to the FireBrick's web interface as follows, or you can use the IP addresses detailed:-

Table 2.2. IP addresses to access the FireBrick

URL

http://my.firebrick.co.uk/

If you used Method 2, you should browse to the FireBrick's IP address as listed below:-

Table 2.3. IP addresses to access the FireBrick

IPv6	IPv4
`http://[2001:DB8::1]`	`http://10.0.0.1`

If you used Method 3, you will need to be able to access a list of allocations made by the DHCP server in order to identify which IP address has been allocated to the FB2500, and then browse this address from your computer. If your DHCP server shows the client name that was supplied in the DHCP request, then you will see FB2500 in the client name field (assuming a factory reset configuration) - if you only have one FB2500 in factory reset state on your network, then it will be immediately obvious via this client name. Otherwise, you will need to locate the allocation by cross-referring with the MAC address range used by the FB2500 you are interested in - if necessary, refer to Appendix C to see how to determine which MAC address you are looking for in the list of allocations.

Once you are connected to the FB2500, you should see a page with "Configuration needed" prominently displayed, as shown below :-

Figure 2.1. Initial web page in factory reset state

Click on the "edit the configuration" link (red text), or the Wizard menu item, which will take you to the set-up wizard for a new configuration.

2.2.1. Setup wizard

The setup wizard allows you to fill in a few key items before entering the normal configuration editor.

Figure 2.2. Setup Wizard

The key settings may vary in later versions, but they represent the main settings you need to consider to get started.

2.2.1.1. Login username/password

The first part of the wizard covers your login to the FireBrick management interface. There are various ways this access is controlled and locked down, but ultimately this is the way you control your configuration and so they are very important.

For simple security reasons it is better to pick a sensible username, and not admin

For good security reasons you should create a long, easy to remember, but hard to guess, password. There is no limit on how long you make the password, so you can create a complete pass phrase (i.e. a sentence) if you prefer. Remember that upper/lower case matter as do spaces. The FireBrick does not make any attempt to enfoce password policy and will allow you to use a stupid password if you wish, just not a blank one.

Once you have finished the process for your initial config, and logged in, we strongly recommend setting up a two factor authentication using a one time password app on a mobile phone, etc.

2.2.1.2. WAN/PPPoE settings

There are two main ways the FB2500 is connected to the Internet - either using a PPPoE device such as a bridging modem or an external router that provides access via DHCP setting of a WAN address.

The wizard allows you to set these up, either or both, with PPPoE login/password on a port, and DHCP client on a port, as a WAN interface.

Note

If you use the wizard to make a WAN Ethernet port, you will no longer be able to access the web control pages via that interface as it will not be considered local.

2.2.1.3. LAN settings

The factory default configuration provides a WAN and LAN. In the case of the LAN, several separate ports are configured as independant LAN subnets. The wizard allows you to define a LAN with one or more ports as a switched port group and define an IPv4 and IPv6 subnet that is used on that LAN. You can set a number of options for DHCP, SLAAC, etc.

Note

Typically an ISP connection via PPPoE will Prefix Delegate IPv6 address blocks so these do not usually need to be set up manually.

2.2.1.4. Initial config

Having completed the initial wizard questions you will then find yourself in the normal configuration editor. You can make any more changes you need to the initial configuration, and then save this.

Once saved you are prompted to login using the username/password details you provided.

Note

The wizard makes no attempt to check the details you entered, these simply become part of that initial configuration. As such you may see error messages when you try to save the config, and will need to make corrections before you can proceed.

Note

If you have changed the LAN IP address settings and are using DHCP on your connected computer you may find you need to get a new address and re-connect to the FireBrick control pages at this point.