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Setting up
After deploying the SMC components, you are ready to start using the Management Client and carrying out some of the first configuration tasks.
Configuring system communications
System communications involve traffic between SMC components, traffic between SMC components and external components that are a part of the system configuration, and external access into the system.
Configuring SMC Appliance communications
You can configure SSH access to the SMC Appliance, configure serial console connections for the SMC Appliance, and set a BIOS password for the SMC Appliance.

About this Help
Introduction to the Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall solution
Before setting up Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall (Forcepoint NGFW), it is useful to know what the different components do and what engine roles are available.
Deployment
Before you can set up the system and start configuring elements, you must consider how the different SMC components should be positioned and deployed.
Setting up
After deploying the SMC components, you are ready to start using the Management Client and carrying out some of the first configuration tasks.
- Using the Management Client
  The Management Client provides the user interface for setting up, managing, and monitoring all features in the SMC.
- Network address translation (NAT) and how it works
  Network address translation (NAT) means changing the IP address or port information in packets. Most often, NAT is used to allow internal hosts to communicate via networks where their actual address is not routable and to conceal the internal network structure from outsiders.
- Configuring system communications
  System communications involve traffic between SMC components, traffic between SMC components and external components that are a part of the system configuration, and external access into the system.
  - Considerations for setting up system communications
    Firewalls and Layer 2 Firewalls do not automatically allow communications of other system components that pass through the engine. Make sure that all necessary traffic is allowed in the engine's policy.
  - Define contact IP addresses
    Contact addresses are required when NAT is applied between to SMC components. You can define contact addresses for NGFW Engines, Master NGFW Engines, and most types of server elements.
  - Select the Location for the Management Client
    If NAT is applied between the Management Client and a Log Server, you might need to change the Location of the Management Client to view the logs.
  - Create HTTP Proxy elements
    You can send HTTP requests through an HTTP proxy so that the NGFW Engine does not need to access the external network directly.
  - Configuring NTP for the SMC Appliance and NGFW Engines
    You can use external NTP servers to provide time synchronization for the SMC Appliance and NGFW Engines.
  - Configuring SMC Appliance communications
    You can configure SSH access to the SMC Appliance, configure serial console connections for the SMC Appliance, and set a BIOS password for the SMC Appliance.
    - Configuring SSH access to the SMC Appliance
      You can access the SMC Appliance command line through SSH.
    - Connect to the SMC Appliance using a serial console
      You can configure the serial port on the SMC Appliance to receive serial console connections.
    - Use the SMC Appliance to make outbound serial connections
      You can configure the serial port on the SMC Appliance to make outbound serial connections, for example to NGFW appliances.
  - Considerations for Multi-Link system communication
    If a remotely managed Firewall has Multi-Link, we recommend adding a primary and a secondary control interface for different ISP connections. Adding a control interface for each ISP connection guarantees connectivity if one of the ISP connections fails.
- Managing certificates for system communications
  Certificates are proof of identity that SMC components and NGFW Engines use to authenticate themselves in communications.
- Managing elements
  Certain tasks are common to most elements. Some of these tasks are not mandatory for defining an element, but are still helpful as you get your SMC up and running.
Monitoring
You can use the SMC to monitor system components and third-party devices. You can also view and filter logs, and create Reports from them.
Controlling engines
You can command and set options for engines through the Management Client or on the engine command line. You can also stop traffic manually.
SMC configuration
Security Management Center (SMC) configuration allows you to customize how the SMC components work.
Engine element configuration
You can create and modify Firewalls, IPS engines, Layer 2 Firewalls, Master NGFW Engines and Virtual NGFW Engines. You can configure the engine properties, activate optional features, and configure advanced engine settings.
Routing
Use the Management Client to configure static or dynamic routing, and use a Multi-Link configuration to manage and distribute inbound and outbound connections.
Traffic inspection policies
Policies are key elements that contain rules for allowing or blocking network traffic and inspecting the content of traffic.
Users and authentication
User accounts are stored in internal databases or external directory servers. You can use Forcepoint NGFW in the Firewall/VPN role or external authentication servers to authenticate users.
Virtual private networks
Forcepoint NGFW supports both policy-based and route-based VPNs (virtual private networks).
Maintenance and upgrades
Maintenance includes procedures that you do not typically need to do frequently.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting helps you resolve common problems in the Forcepoint NGFW and SMC.
Appendices

Configuring SMC Appliance communications

You can configure SSH access to the SMC Appliance, configure serial console connections for the SMC Appliance, and set a BIOS password for the SMC Appliance.

Configuring SSH access to the SMC Appliance
You can access the SMC Appliance command line through SSH.
Connect to the SMC Appliance using a serial console
You can configure the serial port on the SMC Appliance to receive serial console connections.
Use the SMC Appliance to make outbound serial connections
You can configure the serial port on the SMC Appliance to make outbound serial connections, for example to NGFW appliances.

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