Linux Based Firewalls
- Thread starter quackers
- Start date
Smoothwall and IPCOP are essentially very similar (IPCOP is a code branch of Smoothwall following a difference of opinion). M0n0wall is different, Clark Connect and SME Server are also other alternatives but they both add more services to the box that from a security POV are slightly less than ideal but from a function POV can be great. Setup is a doddle, give them a go 
Was very easy last time i did it (couple of years ago now), just follow the instructions.
i would say that switching to a linux firewall ought to depend on your usage pattern. if it is fairly light then stick with a soho router. if, however, you are a heavy p2p user then you still see a significant increase in stability if you were to switch to a linux firewall.
where linux firewalls really come into their own, however, are the distributions that contain unified threat management features such as proxy, content filtering, virus scanning, spam prevention etc.
if thats the sort of functionality you are after then look at the add-ons that come for smoothwall/ipcop or alternatively look at some of the more polished distributions such as endian or untangle.
as for setting these things up - if you understand the basics of networking you shouldnt have too many issues. the top tip i would give is to spend some time looking at the supported hardware lists, as this is where you may hit problems if you are using newer hardware. i dont really think you need much if any linux experience to set these things up - even less if you go for one of the more polished distributions.
good luck!
where linux firewalls really come into their own, however, are the distributions that contain unified threat management features such as proxy, content filtering, virus scanning, spam prevention etc.
if thats the sort of functionality you are after then look at the add-ons that come for smoothwall/ipcop or alternatively look at some of the more polished distributions such as endian or untangle.
as for setting these things up - if you understand the basics of networking you shouldnt have too many issues. the top tip i would give is to spend some time looking at the supported hardware lists, as this is where you may hit problems if you are using newer hardware. i dont really think you need much if any linux experience to set these things up - even less if you go for one of the more polished distributions.
good luck!
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