WIPFW

WIPFW is a Windows version of the IPFW program that you might know from FreeBSD. It packs the same punch and gives you the ability to configure it just like you do with IPFW.

What is IPFW?

So, what’s IPFW? It’s a packet filtering and accounting system that lives in the kernel mode. Plus, it comes with a user-friendly control tool called ipfw. Together, they help you set up and check the rules that your kernel uses to make routing decisions.

The Two Parts of IPFW

There are actually two main sections to IPFW. First up is the firewall part, which handles packet filtering. Then we have the IP accounting section. This tracks how much traffic goes through your router based on rules similar to those in the firewall.

Monitoring Traffic

This setup lets an admin keep an eye on how much traffic a specific machine is sending or how much web traffic is passing through. For instance, if you want to see how many requests are coming from one computer, it’s all right there!

Using IPFW Beyond Routers

The cool thing about ipfw is that it isn't just for routers. You can also use it on non-router machines to filter packets going in and out. This makes it super versatile!

Your Commands Matter

If you're using ipfw, you'll want to stick with the same commands and techniques whether you're on a router or not. This consistency makes managing your network easier.

If you're interested in checking out WIPFW for yourself, you can easily download it by visiting this link: Download WIPFW.