Zeroshell Vs Pfsense – Which is the better open source network management software

Zeroshell and Pfsense have great functionalities that allow the user to monitor and control their data network. But which one is best suited for you?

When choosing a network management software, most users prefer to go for opens source software because they give a wide range of flexibility in modifying and setting rules for the system which allows the system administrator to configure the network to their preference. In the search for such a software, Zeroshell and Pfsense come highly recommended for their flexibility in applicability coupled with a variety of additional applications and features that make them instrumental in managing information networks. They both have firewall and routing capabilities, in addition to extra web applications that make web systems more efficient. However, they perform these tasks differently, making them favourable to different users.

What are the differences between Zeroshell and Pfsense?

Feature	Zeroshell	Pfsense
Operating system	Linux	Free BSD
Pricing	Free	Free
File and web servers	Yes	No
Web filtering and Anti-Virus	Yes	No
Anti-Spam and Print servers	No	No
	Download here	Download here

Zeroshell Vs Pfsense- How do they compare?

• Scalability

Although both Zeroshell and Pfsense are suitable for use by a scalable number of users, Zeroshell does not work well in the enterprise environment, where there is a large number of consistent users. It is plagued by slow functionality and even system crashes when it is overloaded. Pfsense on the other hand, is very scalable to a large number of users, making it the better option for large scale business or enterprise use.

This makes Pfsense preferable because it can be used by both small and large networks.

• Additional features

Pfsense and Zeroshell, being designed to perform many similar tasks have an almost identical range of features. However, Zeroshell is one of the few open source software that can brag on having a wider range of features than Pfsense. Some of these features that are not present in Pfsense include: Web filtering and anti-virus, file and web servers, and VoIP servers.

This makes Zeroshell preferable for a user who requires a wide range of features over a small network.

• Efficiency

As mentioned above, Pfsense and Zeroshell perform similar functions, but use differing protocols and applications, which makes the efficiency of their process and output different. Pfsense is by far more efficient than Zeroshell and this is demonstrated in the following functions

Web Application Security – Given a total of 100 in web application security, Pfsense would have an 80 while Zeroshell has the remaining 20, which implies that Pfsense offers better security for web applications

Security Monitoring– Given a total of 100 in security monitoring, Pfsense still would have an 80 while Zeroshell has the remaining 20, implying that its security monitoring and reporting tools give a more detailed and efficient outlook on the network system.

Security– Given a total of 100 in overall system security, Pfsense would have a 70 while Zeroshell has the remaining 30, making Pfsense the overall safer firewall.

Pfsense is far more efficient than Zeroshell in its core functions, despite having less features.

Zeroshell Vs Pfsense – A comparison review

Zeroshell

Zeroshell is an open source Linux distribution software that works for embedded devices and servers connected to web networks. It is aimed at serving the LAN requirements for a given network service, although it also performs independent firewall and routing functions. An interesting feature of Zeroshell is that it can be run entirely from an external memory source like a Compact Flash drive or a live CD. This implies that it can also store its memory files on said external drive which makes it suitable for use on a wide range of devices, even those that do not meet its internal memory requirements. This database can be stored on SCSI, ATA or even ATA disks aside from the aforementioned USB and CD drive. Although it is based on Linux, it has a web-based interface, which makes it applicable to a wide range of devices, beyond Linux and steers it away from the common narrative that Linux software are difficult to navigate.

Pros

• It can be stored and run from an external memory source
• It is free to download and use
• It is run from a simple web interface

Cons

• It cannot be scaled to suit a large number of users

Pfsense

Pfsense is a free, easy to use Free BSD based firewall and routing software that was initially developed to allow web developers to build their own physical routers and routing systems from scratch. This initial intent for the software is greatly responsible for its low hardware requirements and wholesome approach to firewalling, routing and network administration. It has a variety of firewall features which include site to site and IPsec VPN and VPN Client support which offer privacy and security to network users as well as bandwidth control which ensures high and efficient performance of the hardware in the system based on priority and system rules and configurations. It makes use of a GUI that, though tricky to navigate at first, is easy to learn and become accustom to, making it easy for the system administrator to monitor and create firewall and other system rules. It also offers remarkable reporting, which includes graphs and tables, on the web activity in the network system which is integral in network management.

Pros

• It is free
• It is easy to use
• It has good reporting capabilities and easy to understand displays

Cons

• It is troublesome to change and load network cards

Conclusion

Zeroshell and Pfsense are two very impressive routing and firewall software that are tailored to meet their targeted user needs. They have a wide range and variety of features, coupled with great functionality and diversity of application areas which makes them ideal for network management. Zeroshell is better suited for a small network of users who have a wide range of software routing and firewall needs, while Pfsense is best suited for large scale use in offices and large enterprises, with general routing and firewalling requirements.

Verdict- So which is better, Zeroshell or Pfsense?

The better software is clearly Pfsense. It shows more efficient functionality and efficiency in performing its tasks

FAQs

Is Pfsense still free?

Pfsense is still free and can be downloaded from the official pfsense website, together with the accompanying documentation. However, there is a paid Pfsense Pro version that has a lot of recommendable commercial features for both firewall and routing purposes, information for which is available on the same website.

Is Zeroshell Linux based?

Yes, Zeroshell is Linux based. However, the implication of the word ‘Shell’ to mean that it is ru from the traditional Linux shell board is untrue. It operates from a web based Graphic User Interface, which makes it applicable to a wider range of devices and users, as well as making it significantly easier to navigate and configure than a typical Linux based software