ZeroShell

ZeroShell

ZeroShell is an open source network device with features including routing, firewall, VPN, web server, DHCP server, DNS server, captive portal, and more. It is lightweight and can run on old hardware, making it useful for small networks and testing environments.
networking router firewall vpn dhcp dns

ZeroShell: Open Source Network Device with Routing, Firewall & VPN

ZeroShell is an open source network device with features including routing, firewall, VPN, web server, DHCP server, DNS server, captive portal, and more. It is lightweight and can run on old hardware, making it useful for small networks and testing environments.

What is ZeroShell?

ZeroShell is an open-source network device software that bundles many common network services into one turnkey Linux-based distribution. It includes features such as routing, firewall, VPN, web server, DHCP server, DNS server, captive portal, and more.

Some key features and benefits of ZeroShell include:

  • Lightweight and low resource requirements - It can run on older hardware like small routers or thin clients.
  • Easy web-based GUI configuration - Management happens through a simple web interface with wizards.
  • No licensing and 100% free - ZeroShell is completely open source with no subscription fees.
  • Modular design - Only enable the services you need like NAT, VPN, DNS caching, etc.
  • Routing protocols - Compatible with common protocols like RIPv2, OSPF, BGP.
  • Security hardening - Tools like firewall, VPN, and proxy services are built-in.
  • Supports plugins - Additional functionality can be added through plugins.
  • Built for small networks - Ideal for SOHO environments, home labs, testing sites.

Overall ZeroShell can save costs as a router/firewall appliance alternative. It brings enterprise-level features down to installations that only need core networking capabilities. The open source licensing grants full access to the entire system for customization if desired.

ZeroShell Features

Features

  1. Routing
  2. Firewall
  3. VPN
  4. Web server
  5. DHCP server
  6. DNS server
  7. Captive portal

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source

Lightweight

Can run on old hardware

Useful for small networks and testing environments

Cons

Limited documentation and community support

Missing some advanced features found in commercial solutions


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