Chapter 10 Interface; Interface Overview; Types Of Interfaces - ZyXEL Communications ZyWALL 1050 User Manual

See the Interface section
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10.1 Interface Overview

In general, an interface has the following characteristics.
• An interface is a logical entity through which (layer-3) packets pass.
• An interface is bound to a physical port or another interface.
• Many interfaces can share the same physical port.
• An interface is bound to at most one zone.
• Many interface can belong to the same zone.
• Layer-3 virtualization (IP alias, for example) is a kind of interface.
Some characteristics do not apply to some types of interfaces.

10.1.1 Types of Interfaces

You can create several types of interfaces in the ZyWALL.
• Port groups create a hardware connection between physical ports at the layer-2 (data
link, MAC address) level.
• Ethernet interfaces are the foundation for defining other interfaces and network policies.
RIP and OSPF are also configured in these interfaces.
• VLAN interfaces receive and send tagged frames. The ZyWALL automatically adds or
removes the tags as needed. Each VLAN can only be associated with one Ethernet
interface.
• Bridge interfaces create a software connection between Ethernet or VLAN interfaces at
the layer-2 (data link, MAC address) level. Unlike port groups, bridge interfaces can take
advantage of some security features in the ZyWALL. You can also assign an IP address
and subnet mask to the bridge.
• PPPoE/PPTP interfaces support Point-to-Point Protocols (PPP). ISP accounts are
required for PPPoE/PPTP interfaces.
• Virtual interfaces provide additional routing information in the ZyWALL. There are
three types: virtual Ethernet interfaces, virtual VLAN interfaces, and virtual bridge
interfaces.

Chapter 10 Interface

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