A small, Linux router distribution for x86 has added QoS (quality-of-service) management features claimed capable of classifying packets regardless of port. The 1.0.beta4 release of Zeroshell now includes QoS software from the open source “L7-filter” project, along with a QoS management interface.

Zeroshell is available as a live CD or bootable CompactFlash (512MB) image. It includes a Web-based user interface, and supports many advanced features; see our earlier coverage for specifics.

The L7-filter project maintains software that works with Linux's Netfilter kernel firewall to identify packets based on application-layer data, rather than merely by port or IP address. The L7-filter software is meant to enhance Linux's port- and IP-address based QoS features, in bandwidth arbitration (“packet shaping”) and traffic accounting applications, according to its SourceForge project website.

Lead Zeroshell developer Fulvio Ricciardi said the addition of L7-filter and a custom management interface to Zeroshell lets users set priority levels and bandwidth guarantees for many types of traffic, including SIP- or Skype-based VoIP communications, or H.323 videoconferencing.

Zeroshell's QoS management and reporting interfaces
(Click each image to enlarge)

Ricciardi stated, “It is possible to have good audio and video quality even if the Internet link is congested because you are downloading a big file using an ftp connection.”

Availability

Zeroshell 1.0.beta4 with L7-filter is for available now, under the GPL license.

 
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