IPFire

IPFire is a free and open-source firewall distribution. It is designed to be a secure and easy-to-use firewall solution for home and small to medium-sized businesses. IPFire is based on Linux and provides a comprehensive set of features for network security.

The project was started in 2000 by Michael Tresch. IPFire is known for its simple interface and its focus on security. It is actively developed and maintained by a community of volunteers.

IPFire offers a wide range of functionalities. It can act as a router, firewall, and VPN server. It also includes features such as intrusion detection, content filtering, and a web proxy. The web-based graphical user interface makes it easy to configure and manage.

One of the key strengths of IPFire is its modular design. Users can install only the add-ons they need, which helps to keep the system lean and secure. This modularity also allows for easy customization and expansion of its capabilities.

IPFire can be installed on various hardware platforms, including low-power devices like the Raspberry Pi. This makes it a versatile solution for different network environments. The project emphasizes security updates and regular patching to protect against emerging threats.