floppyfw was a Linux distribution running BusyBox to provide a firewall/gateway/router on a single bootable floppy disk, but was later available in CD format.[1]

floppyfw
DeveloperThomas Lundquist
Working stateInactive
Source modelOpen source
Initial release2000
Latest release3.0.15 / July 21, 2011 (2011-07-21)
Available inEnglish
Platformsx86
Kernel type2.4.37.9
Licensevarious
Official websitewww.zelow.no/floppyfw

Reviews concluded that it was a very simple and reliable gateway/firewall that could be established on small to medium-sized networks at low cost and with ease.[1] One independent study concluded that it was " best possible security provided by a floppy-based firewall" for the repurposing of old, redundant hardware into Linux-based firewalls or routers.[2]

Requirements

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  • Intel 80386SX or better
  • two network interface cards
  • 1.44MB floppy drive
  • 12MByte of RAM

Features

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Floppyfw's features include:[3]

  • Access lists
  • IP-masquerading (network address translation)
  • Connection tracked packet filtering
  • Quite advanced routing
  • Traffic shaping
  • PPPoE
  • Very simple packaging system. Is used for editors, PPP, VPN, traffic shaping and whatever comes up
  • Logging through klogd/syslogd, both local and remote
  • Serial support for console over serial port
  • DHCP server and DNS cache for internal networks

References

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  1. ^ a b "Two floppy-based firewalls". Linux.com. 14 March 2005. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
    - "A floppy-based Linux gateway/firewall sure to please". TechRepublic. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  2. ^ Closson, Sean (2002). "A Review Of Floppy-Based Firewalls And Their Security Considerations". SANS Institute. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  3. ^ "FloppyFW, Floppy Based Firewall". www.securiteam.com. 6 October 2002. Retrieved 2017-12-14.
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