General Assist Technical Reference
Design Simulator Network Firewall Settings
Firewall requirements for the software auto-update function
For IT administrators and users installing or supporting the GENERAL Design Simulator software
The Design Simulator software uses File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to access software updates. Where a corporate or local firewall blocks FTP traffic, the programs, outbound ports and server IP address below must be permitted for the auto-update function to operate.
IT access may be required: Firewall changes should be completed by your organisation's IT administrator and in accordance with its cybersecurity policies. Only permit the access required for Design Simulator.
1. Overview
The Design Simulator auto-update function transfers update files from a remote server using FTP. If the firewall blocks the application, FTP port or destination IP address, the software may be unable to check for or download updates.
Important update: The server IP address changed in May 2026. Confirm the installed Design Simulator version before applying an IP address rule.
2. Allow the Design Simulator programs
Create firewall exceptions for the following executable files located in the Design Simulator installation folder:
| Executable | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DesignSimulator.exe | Main Design Simulator application. |
| ReportVRF.exe | VRF report-generation component. |
| VRF_NewFTP.exe | FTP and update-transfer component. |
| DS_Infomation.exe | Design Simulator information and update component. |
Where your firewall supports folder-based application rules, allow the required executable files within the Design Simulator installation folder. Avoid permitting unrelated applications or entire parent directories where this is not required.
3. Allow the required outbound ports and server IP
| Rule | Required setting |
|---|---|
| Direction | Outbound |
| Protocol | TCP |
| Destination ports | 21 and 65000-65535 |
Server IP address by software version
| Design Simulator version | Allow destination IP address |
|---|---|
| Version 4.5.0.0 and later | 176.34.25.96 |
| Earlier than version 4.5.0.0 | 13.115.141.167 |
Do not reverse the version rules: Version 4.5.0.0 and later uses 176.34.25.96. Versions before 4.5.0.0 use 13.115.141.167.
4. Verify the configuration
| 1 | Confirm the installed Design Simulator version. |
| 2 | Confirm the four executable files are permitted through the firewall. |
| 3 | Confirm outbound TCP destination port 21 and ports 65000-65535 are allowed. |
| 4 | Confirm the correct destination IP address is permitted for the installed version. |
| 5 | Open Design Simulator and run the auto-update check. |
5. If auto-update still does not work
- Check whether antivirus, endpoint security, proxy or web-filtering software is blocking the executable or FTP traffic.
- Confirm the firewall rule applies to the correct network profile and user device.
- Check that the Design Simulator installation path has not changed.
- Ask your IT administrator to review firewall logs for blocked outbound traffic from the listed executable files.
Configuration summary: Permit the four Design Simulator executable files, outbound TCP ports 21 and 65000-65535, and the destination IP address that corresponds with the installed software version.
Technical information based on the GENERAL Design Simulator Network Firewall Settings guide dated 30 June 2026. Firewall requirements may change with future software or server updates.