What do you know about Smoothwall

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by WilliamP, Jun 7, 2005.

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  1. WilliamP

    WilliamP Registered Member

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    Has anyone tried this and if so how good is it? It seems like it would be good protection. How much in comparison to a router?
     
  2. meneer

    meneer Registered Member

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    It is a real firewall. A router is just that. Even a NAT router is not a real firewall, it hides your network, but that's all.
    Smoothwall (and it's fork IPcop) are linux based firewalls with all kinds of extra's. Current versions deliver granular security options by distinguishing different kinds of networks (untrusted, trusted, dmz, wireless) and lots more. The specs are far more than those of a router.

    If you want real control, just try it. You don't need to learn linux to install a linux firewall.

    Good alternatives could be Astaro or sme server (includes web- and mailserver).
     
  3. WilliamP

    WilliamP Registered Member

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    You have to put it on a seperate computer, don't you? How do you actually set it up? It sounds real interesting.
     
  4. meneer

    meneer Registered Member

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    Currently I don't run Smoothwall, I use a sme server as an internet gateway.

    Smoothwall runs as a dedicated server. An old pc would just be ideal.
    The first network interface ('red') is the line incoming from the internet (it will probably directly be connected to your modem). Second network interface (green) leads to your local network (either 1 pc, or a switch). In this way all communication must pass through the firewall.
    If you have a dedicated webserver, you can connect it to the dmz network interface. This way Smoothwall doesn't need to use portwarding to your trusted network. Instead, incoming requests to your webserver (and mailserver if you want to) are routed to the dmz only. A perfect way to isolate your lan from the internet.
     
  5. Kye-U

    Kye-U Security Expert

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    I prefer a router over this.

    I'm thinking about the extra electricity needed to be running a computer with Smoothwall installed :)

    Unless I have like a 10+ computer workstation, I don't need Smoothwall ^_^

    But if you have an extra computer lying around, it's worth a try setting it as a Smoothwall gateway ;)
     
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