VoIP and IPFW

[Maksim Yevmenkin]

Hello,

> I'm considering testing the Vonage service, with my FreeBSD-4.10
> system (maybe 5 or 6). I wonder if anyone here has a configuration
> they can share, or if there are any pages out there that detail the
> proper (and secure) setup.

i'm using lingo (www.lingo.com) - very similar to vonage. i use freebsd 
4.10 as my firewall/nat/wireless access point/etc. the lingo box in 
behind freebsd box. it gets its ip (local) via dhcp and then talks to 
the lingo servers (via nat). it seems both providers are using sip, so i 
did not have to open anything on my nat/firewall, because the lingo box 
initiates the connection from the inside. if you block outgoing 
connecions from your lan then you will need to open a few ports.

one thing i noticed about the lingo box is that it gets very upset 
(locks up) when it sees a lot of traffic not destined for it. i used to 
have hub behind freebsd and i had problems. i replaced hub with switch 
and now lingo box is very stable.

i *do not* recommend to put lingo/vonage box in front of your 
firewall/router/etc. at least the lingo box is *very* open. i do not 
know about vonage box, but i suspect its the same class of hardware. i 
know manual suggests that you'd better put the box in front because it 
will do quality-of-service thing, but it does not make any difference (imo).

i use this mostly for international calls. the quality is very good 
compare to regular voice.

thanks,
max