Configuring Interface Settings

On the Configuration > Network > Network Interface page, you can configure your Email Appliance with a static IP address or have it assigned via DHCP. If DHCP is selected, the IP Address, Network Mask, and Default Gateway fields are grayed out (unavailable). The Obtain DNS servers automatically option button is selected automatically, but this can be overridden if necessary.

Note Messages are sent and received via the primary network card only. The secondary network card uses a fixed IP address for failsafe administrative access to the Email Appliance.

To configure the primary network interface:

  1. [Optional: clustered appliances only] From the Appliance drop-down list, select which system in the cluster you want to configure.
  2. Select either DHCP or Static IP. You must use Static IP if you are configuring a system for use in a cluster. If you choose the Static IP option, you must also fill in the following text boxes:
    • Enter the IP Address for the primary network card.
    • Enter the IP address of your network’s Default Gateway.
    • Enter the Network Mask. This is the range of addresses that the Email Appliance can connect to directly. IP addresses outside of this range are reached via the Default Gateway.
    1. If Static IP is selected, you can configure additional routes by clicking Advanced, which opens the Additional Network Routes dialog box. Additional routes can enable the Email Appliance to process requests from client machines whose IP addresses reside outside of the native subnet of the Email Appliance.
      Important Adding routes is an advanced option and should only be used if you have a thorough understanding of both routing and your network topology. Adding routes incorrectly can make the administrative user interface inaccessible.
    2. If DHCP is selected, the Obtain DNS servers automatically option button is selected by default. This can be overridden if necessary. The Speed and duplex option is set to Auto by default. If you select another setting from the drop-down list, it must match the speed of your managed switch in order for the Email Appliance to operate correctly.

      The MAC address of the appliance is displayed under Hardware Address.

      If necessary, you can Re-register a cloned virtual appliance. If you are viewing settings for a hardware-based email appliance, this option is grayed out.

  3. Select the appropriate Speed and duplex from the drop-down list.
  4. Select Obtain DNS servers automatically or Specify the DNS servers to set which method the Email Appliance will use to find your DNS servers’ IP addresses. If the Specify the DNS servers option is selected, enter the IP addresses of your network’s DNS servers in priority order (Primary through Tertiary).
  5. Click Apply.