Subj : Re: What sense is a tunnel? (was: '-Unpublished-' with speed > 300)
To   : Michiel van der Vlist
From : Dan Clough
Date : Sun Nov 09 2025 09:54 am

-=> Michiel van der Vlist wrote to Dan Clough <=-

 DC> I'm not using a Cox-provided modem or router.  I have an ARRIS
 DC> Surfboard SB6190 modem that I own,

 MvV> The ARRIS SB6190 is a DOCSIS 3.0 modem ad IPv6 is part of the DOCSIS
 MvV> 3.0 specs. So it should *1) support IPv6.

Yes.

 DC> and a small PC running IPFire software for my router.

 MvV> I am not familiar with IPFire but as someone else poited out that also
 MvV> should support it. You may have to upgrade to a more recent version.

It is well updated and I've now confirmed that it does NOT support IPv6.  
Seems strange from an open-source project, but.... is true.  :-\

 MvV> I see that your mailer is BinkIT running under Linux. Linux has
 MvV> sopported IPv6 for decades and BinkIT also supports IPv6. So you
 MvV> probably will not have to buy new equipment or make major software
 MvV> changes to join the Fidonet IPv6 club.

Yes.

 DC> Having said that, any recommendations for alternatives?  I know
 DC> 'PFsense' is supposed to be good.

 MvV> PFsense supports IPv6.

Yes, but I'm not keen on having to learn and deal with FreeBSD.  
Probably won't go that route.

 DC> I also know about things like OpenWRT, but I believe that runs on an
 DC> actual commercial router appliance,

 MvV> OpenWRT supports IPv6. I have been running it for a couple of years on
 MvV> a Linksys WRTsomething with a he.net tunnel.

Yes, and I have an (OLD) WRT54G around, but it's likely too old/slow to 
meet the need.  I want to run whatever firewall I'm going to use on a 
mini-PC as I currently am.  The reason for that is that the cable modem, 
router, and main switch are located in a corner room of my house (the 
"man-cave").  I do not need WiFi in this room as it has plenty of wired 
outlets.  I have two Access Points in other parts of the house (attached 
to the router via POE ethernet cables).  So I don't want to buy/use an 
expensive "Wifi Router" (the kind with 6-8 antennae on it), just to 
disable the wifi functions because I don't need/want them in the 
"computer room".  Not sure if all that makes sense, but the bottom line 
is that I want to continue using the mini-PC with a dedicated "router 
distro" on it.  Will be checking to see if OpenWRT runs on a PC or needs 
a commercial "router appliance".

 MvV> *1) DISCLAIMER. It is my understanding that when using a privately
 MvV> owned cable modem in the US, the firmware for the modem comes from the
 MvV> provider not from the manufacture, so there may be some snakes in the
 MvV> grass. Correct me if I am wrong.

I'm not sure about that either.  If so, it would seem that they (Cox 
Cable ISP) could enable my IPv6 abilities from their end if it's 
currently turned off.  I'll be asking them about that eventually.

We'll see how this all plays out...  :-)




.... Gone crazy, be back later, please leave message.
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