Which configuration panel in the Setup Guide is used to configure the firewall as the default gateway?

The configuration panel utilized to set the firewall as the default gateway is the LAN Settings. In this section, administrators can specify the internal IP address of the SonicWall firewall that devices on the local area network (LAN) will use as their default gateway. This is essential because the default gateway is the point through which all traffic exits the local network to reach other networks, such as the internet.

Setting the SonicWall firewall as the default gateway allows it to manage, inspect, and secure all outbound and inbound traffic, ensuring that the firewall can effectively apply its rules, policies, and security features. This functionality is critical for maintaining network integrity and security, as it helps in monitoring and controlling traffic patterns across the network.

Other options focus on different aspects of configuration. For instance, WAN Settings pertain to settings that govern internet connectivity, Firewall Rules involve rules for traffic filtering and access, and Network Settings could encompass various settings but are not specifically focused on defining the default gateway role for internal traffic. Hence, the LAN Settings panel is the clear choice for this particular configuration task.