| 15.4 |  | Using PDM to Configure the PIX Security Appliance |
| 15.4.6 |  | Hosts/Networks Tab |

| The PDM requires that any host or network that will be used in ACLs and translation rules, first be defined. These hosts or networks are organized below the interface from which they are reachable. When defining either type of rule, it is possible to reference a host or network by clicking the Browse button in the appropriate add or edit rule window. A network administrator can also reference the host or network by name if a name is defined for that specific host or network. It is recommended that all hosts and networks be named.

In addition to defining the basic information for these hosts or networks, it is also possible to define route settings and translation rules for any host or network. This can also be done by configuring route settings in the Static Route panel on the System Properties tab and translation rules on the Translation Rules tab. These different configuration options accomplish the same results. The Hosts/Networks tab provides another view to modify these settings on a per host and per network basis.

The information provided in this window enables the basic identification information for that host or network. This includes values for the IP address, netmask, interface, and name of the host or network. PDM uses the name, IP address, and netmask pair to resolve references to this host or network in the source and destination conditions of access rules and in translation rules. PDM uses the interface value to apply access and translation rules that reference this host or network to the correct interface. The interface delivers network packets to the host or network. This action enforces the rules that reference the specific host or network.