Jacob Bruck

Business Owner | Coder | Arborist
May 15, 2023

Confessions of a Distro Hopper: Discovering IPFire

Posted on May 15, 2023  •  3 minutes  • 472 words

I have a confession to make. I’ve been distro-hopping again. But I swear it’s different this time. To be specific, I’ve been firewall hopping.

For those of you who don’t know about distribution-hopping, you may be lucky. Linux has so many variations. Many enthusiasts share a hobby called distro hopping, which is a term to describe the practice of trying out different OS. Some distro hoppers will take this to extremes. The smart way to distro hop involves using virtual machines. But the true maniacs and degenerates will nuke their system and reload from scratch. There is even a website known as DistroWatch .

A few months ago, I decided to upgrade my own home network. I had an old computer with decent specs lying around, and I wanted to try running PFsense on it. Unfortunately, I found out that my computer was incompatible. But there are a ton of alternatives, thus my firewall hopping began.

I had a few goals to accomplish:

  1. Route all my DNS through NextDNS.
  2. Have an option to route my traffic through a VPN at the top level.

The quest for the ideal firewall/router solution often begins with a simple realization: most computers can be configured as routers. However, consumer-grade networking gear often falls short, resulting in slowed networks and frustrated users. In such cases, open-source alternatives like DD-WRT can provide a breath of fresh air. This led me to the world of firewall hopping, where I discovered IPFire.

IPFire is an open-source, Linux-based firewall distribution designed to provide a secure and user-friendly solution for network security. It caters to both home and enterprise environments, striking a balance between simplicity and advanced features.

Key Features and Benefits of IPFire:

  1. Customizable Network Configuration: IPFire allows you to tailor your network settings according to your specific needs. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily configure network zones, traffic shaping, and Quality of Service (QoS) rules.
  2. Security-Centric Approach: IPFire prioritizes security, offering features such as Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), web proxy, and VPN support. Its commitment to security ensures that your network remains protected against potential threats.
  3. Add-on Functionality: IPFire supports a wide range of add-ons, including NextDNS integration and VPN compatibility. These add-ons allow you to enhance the functionality of your firewall according to your requirements.
  4. Compatibility: IPFire can be installed on a variety of hardware, including old computers with decent specs, making it an excellent choice for those looking to repurpose existing hardware as a dedicated firewall/router solution.

For the distro-hopping enthusiast looking to upgrade their home or business network, IPFire offers a versatile and secure firewall solution. With its customizable features, security-centric approach, and compatibility with various hardware, IPFire provides a solid foundation for a safer and more efficient network. Give IPFire a try and experience the difference it can make for your home or business network.