From unboxing to protecting

1. Unbox and check#

• The unit, the power adapter, the quick-start card.
• Note the Installation ID printed on the card or label (it looks like OTG-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX) — it identifies this unit for its licence.

2. Cable it#

Follow Cabling an inline unit: WAN to the modem/ONT or carrier, LAN to your router or switch, MGMT to the admin network (if used). Then connect power.

3. First boot#

The unit starts Ubuntu Server and SENTRA NTS, loads its configuration and starts protecting. Units ship in Monitor mode unless your provider set otherwise: they count what they would stop, so you can check everything is right before protection is fully switched on.

4. Connect to SENTRA GUARD (provider-managed units)#

A provider-managed unit connects to its SENTRA GUARD over the management link and appears online in the GUARD within minutes. The GUARD then:

• installs the licence for this Installation ID,
• sets the policies (for example Child Safe for the children's devices),
• keeps the unit updated with signed releases and backed up.

Nothing else is needed on site.

5. Stand-alone units#

1. Open the console at https://<management address>:8443.
2. Sign in with the account your provider gave you, or — on a brand-new unit — the one-time setup code and a new password.
3. Turn on two-factor sign-in (your name → Two-factor sign-in).
4. Add the licence key under Admin → Licence & Updates → Licence (the unit runs for 30 days without one; protection never stops).
5. Choose a policy under Protection → Policies — Shariah Compliant, Child Safe or Child Safe · strict — for everyone or for chosen devices.
6. When the dashboard looks right, switch to Enforce.

6. Check it's working#

• The dashboard shows traffic on the WAN and LAN ports.
• Threats starts filling with stopped attacks and blocked sites within the hour.
• A blocked test site (one on your policy) doesn't open.

The full software reference is the SENTRA NTS — Administrator Manual; end users can read the SENTRA NTS — User Guide.