Alias Usage¶

When a user types a letter into a form input which supports aliases, the GUI displays a list of matching aliases. The user can then select the desired alias from the list or type its name out completely.

Note

Alias autocompletion is not case sensitive but it is restricted by type. For example, the GUI will autocomplete a Network or Host type alias for a network field, but not a Port alias. Likewise, the GUI will autocomplate a Port alias in a port field, but not a Network alias.

Figure Autocompletion of Hosts Alias shows how the WebServers alias, configured as shown in Figure Example Hosts Alias, can be used in the Destination field when adding or editing a firewall rule.

Edit the firewall rule
Set the Destination drop-down to Address or Alias
Then type the first letter of the desired alias: Enter W and the alias appears as shown.

../_images/firewall-webservers-dst-alias.png — Autocompletion of Hosts Alias¶

Figure Autocompletion of Ports Alias shows the autocompletion of the ports alias configured as shown in Figure Example Ports Alias. If multiple aliases match the letter entered, all matching aliases of the appropriate type are listed. Click on the desired alias to select it.

../_images/firewall-webports-dstport-alias.png — Autocompletion of Ports Alias¶

Figure Example Rule Using Aliases shows the rule created using the WebServers and WebPorts aliases. This rule is on WAN, and allows any source to the IP addresses defined in the WebServers alias when using the ports defined in the WebPorts alias.

../_images/firewall-alias-example-rule.png — Example Rule Using Aliases¶

Hovering the mouse cursor over an alias on the Firewall > Rules page shows a tooltip displaying the contents of the alias with the descriptions included in the alias. Figure Hovering Shows Hosts Contents shows this for the WebServers alias and Figure Hovering Shows Ports Contents for the WebPorts alias.