Interfaces; Chapter 13 Interfaces; Interface Overview; Types Of Interfaces - ZyXEL Communications ZYWALL USG Series Reference Manual

This chapter shows you how to use interface-related commands.

13.1 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 interfaces 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.

13.1.1 Types of Interfaces

You can create several types of interfaces in each ZyWALL / USG model. The types supported vary
by ZyWALL / USG model.
• 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 / USG 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 / USG. 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.
• Cellular interfaces are for 3G WAN connections via a connected 3G device.
•
• Virtual interfaces (IP alias) provide additional routing information in the ZyWALL / USG. There
are three types: virtual Ethernet interfaces, virtual VLAN interfaces, and virtual bridge

interfaces.

• Trunks manage load balancing between interfaces.
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