IPCOP 1.4.0

Has anyone here configured IPCOP with the Blue interface? During 2 full days,I tried to configure the connection to the internet via a WAP connected to the Blue interface, without success, and don´t know what more to do.

What exactly is the problem you are having ?

I was having problems connecting to the internet via the Blue network. But I found the problem. I was using a static IP for the wireless nic in the same range as my Blue DHCP.

Thanks for the reply.

Beexo

Can you give us a review of your experiences with the new 1.40 release

IPCOP 1.4.0 – A 1st timer experience


I knew that there were hardware firewalls out here, but since I am new to linux, I didn’t know all the potentials of this OS. But while keeping up to date with other things, I came across m0n0wall, and it seemed a very interesting solution to enhance security without spending to much money. So I began searching the web for these type of linux firewalls, and among them was IPCOP. Then I read all I could find about these different firewall solutions and decided to go with IPCOP.

The 1st thing I did was download the manuals as well as written material that had to do with hardware setup and software installation. Then I read everything, making sure I understood what was being said.

The 2nd thing was to download IPCOP and burn a CD. This was simple.

The Next step was to get my hands dirty. I picked up two Pentium boxes that had been put aside and stripped them. Then I selected the better components (cpu, disk, cd drive, ram, etc). So I ended up with a Pentium 166 with 64MB RAM, 3GB disk, a good enough VGA and three 3Com 3C905B NICs.

Now comes the software installation part. I followed the manual step by step to make sure I didn’t skip any important steps. So I put the CD in the drive and reset the computer. As it booted up, I saw exactly what I was expecting (read the manual). No surprises.

Once the OS was installed, it automatically went into setup mode. This is where you set the IP addresses for the NICs, DHCP, Gateway, etc. Since I did my homework, I had all these values figured out already. Therefore I just typed them in. Once this was done, the computer automatically rebooted, as expected.

Time to connect the cables and a client. I connected the Green network to a computer running Mandrake 10, and connected the Red network to an existing router. I was actually surprised that it worked. I accessed the IPCOP administration page, browsed through it, and accessed the internet with no problems. But I needed to get more acquainted with it, so I wanted to test it with different configurations (with and without DHCP, etc) and I came to a halt. How would I change the Red network parameters? I must have missed something in my research! So, I asked in the forums, and got my answer (just login as root at the console and type SETUP). This was all I needed to start experimenting.

Since I had installed a NIC for Blue, It was now time to test it as well. So, I plugged in a WAP (wireless access point). Huh, before I plugged it in, I pre-configured it with the correct IP address, etc. Then I began the tests, which turned out to be a nightmare. Not because of anything wrong with IPCOP or any other equipment, but because there are more parameters to configure. You have to configure the client, the WAP and IPCOP, and every time you change a parameter, you have to know how it’s going to affect the others. I spent two days before I got it right (the forums helped a lot). The sad thing is that now I cannot use the blue network because IPCOP does not understand IPX/SPX and I am just not going to mess with encapsulation. However, I know that it works, and I can use it anytime I want to.

For a first timer, I think that IPCOP is as easy as it can be to install and configure (but I am now looking for some plug-ins that will enhance it use), and the best thing is that I seems to work well. I say seems because it has been in use for only a few days. Also, I have to say that the support groups are fantastic in answering questions and trying to help you out, even when questions or comments seem stupid for some people.

I don’t have experience with the other solutions, such as m0n0wall, but will recommend IPCOP for anyone that’s looking to build their own security box. Remember that IPCOP is much more than just a firewall.

When setting up one of these boxes, I recommend that you get a switch and a few patch cables so that you can test it outside of your network. Also, You may need one or more X-over cables (ex. To connect an AP to the blue, or a client directly to the Green).

One last note: Read the manuals. It will answer many questions-

Thank you very very much beexo
I'm going to move this as a software review to the software forum

Wierd coincidence... I'm implementing IPCOP as an internal second layer firewall somewhere..
and its also going to be using a dlink AP on the blue interface with pinholes