Next Previous Contents

5. Frequently Asked Questions

If you can think of any useful FAQ, please send it to ambrose@writeme.com and dranch@trinnet.net. Please clearly state the question and an appropriate answer. Thank you!

5.1 Does IP Masquerade work with dynamically assigned IP?

Yes, it works with dynamic IP assigned by your ISP, usually by a DHCP server. As long as you have an valid Internet IP address, it should work. Of course, static IP works too.

5.2 Can I use cable modem, DSL, satellite link, etc. to connect to the Internet and use IP Masquerade?

Sure, as long as Linux supports that network interface, it should work.

5.3 What applications are supported with IP Masquerade?

It is very difficult to keep track of a list of "working applications". However, most of the normal Internet applications are supported, such as browsing the Internet (Netscape, MSIE, etc.), ftp (such as WS_FTP), Real Audio, telnet, SSH, POP3 (incoming email - Pine, Outlook), SMTP (outgoing email), etc.

Applications involving more complicated protocols or special connection methods such as video conferencing software need special helper tools.

For more detail, please see this page about applications that work thru Linux IP masquerading by Lee Nevo.

5.4 How can I get IP Masquerade running on Redhat, Debian, Slackware, etc.?

No matter what Linux distribution you got, the procedures for setting up IP Masquerade mentioned in this HOWTO should apply. Some distributions may have GUI or special configuration files that make the setup easier. We try our best to write the HOWTO as general as possible.

5.5 I've just upgraded to the 2.2.x kernels, why is IP Masquerade not working?

There are several things you should check assuming your Linux ipmasq box already have proper connection to the Internet and your LAN:

5.6 I've just upgraded to the kernels 2.0.30 or later, why is IP Masquerade not working?

There are several things you should check assuming your Linux ipmasq box already have proper connection to the Internet and your LAN:

5.7 I can't get IP Masquerade to work! What options do I have for Windows Platform?

Giving up a free, reliable, high performance solution that works on minimal hardware and pay a fortune for something that needs more hardware, lower performance and less reliable? (IMHO. And yes, I have real life experience with these ;-)

Okay, it's your call. Do a web search on MS Proxy Server, Wingate, or see www.winfiles.com. Don't tell anyone I sent you.

5.8 I've checked all my configurations, I still can't get IP Masquerade to work. What should I do?

5.9 How do I join the IP Masquerade Mailing List?

Join the Linux IP Masquerading mailing list by sending an email to masq-subscribe@indyramp.com.

Subject and body of the message are IGNORED. This gives you every message on the list as it comes out. You are welcome to use this form if you need it, but if you can stand the digest, please choose it instead. The digest puts less of a load on the list servers. Note that you can only post from an account/address you are subscribed from.

For more commands, email masq-help@tori.indyramp.com.

5.10 I want to help on IP Masquerade development. What can I do?

Join the Linux IP Masquerading DEVELOPERS list and ask the great developers there, by sending an email to masq-dev-subscribe@tori.indyramp.com (or for a digest format, use masq-dev-digest-subscribe@tori.indyramp.com).

DON'T ask non IP Masquerade development related questions there!!!!

5.11 Where can I find more information on IP Masquerade?

You can find more information on IP Masquerade at the Linux IP Masquerade Resource that David and I also maintained. See section 6.2 for availability.

You may also find more information at The Semi-Original Linux IP Masquerading Web Site maintained by Indyramp Consulting, who also provided the ipmasq mailing lists.

5.12 I want to translate this HOWTO to another language, what should I do?

Make sure the lanaguage you want to translate to is not already covered by someone else, a list of available HOWTO translations is available at the Linux IP Masquerade Resource.

Send an email to ambrose@writeme.com and I will send you the SGML source of the latest version of the HOWTO.

5.13 This HOWTO seems out of date, are you still maintaining it? Can you include more information on ...? Are there any plans for making this better?

Yes, this HOWTO is still being maintained. I'm guilty of being too busy working on two jobs and don't have much time to work on this, my apology. However, with the addition of David Ranch as the HOWTO maintainer, things should improve.

If you think of a topic that could be included in the HOWTO, please send email to me and David. It will be even better if you can provide that information. I and David will include the information into the HOWTO if it is appropriate. And many thanks for your contributions.

We have a lot of new ideas and plans for improving the HOWTO, such as case studies that will cover different network setup involving IP Masquerade, more on security, ipchains usage, ipfwadm/ipchains ruleset examples, more FAQs, more coverage on protocol and port forwarding utilities like masqadmin, etc. If you think you can help, please do. Thanks.

5.14 I got IP Masquerade working, it'' great! I want to thank you guys, what can I do?

Thank the developers and appreciate the time and effort they spent on this. Send an email to us and let us know how happy you are. Introduce other people to Linux and help them when they have problems.


Next Previous Contents