Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

iptables

netfilter.org

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit netfilter.org
Spec score 8.1 #26 of 80 in Firewall Software

Spec sheet

Purpose
iptables is a userspace command-line program for configuring Linux packet-filtering rules and network address translation.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Supported platforms
LinuxRead 22 Sep 2026 · netfilter.org
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · netfilter.org
License
The project site provides GPL licensing terms and a GPL compliance FAQ.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Founded
1999Read 19 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Application rules
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · netfilter.org
Community and support
Netfilter describes itself as a free, volunteer-based community effort and directs users to mailing lists for discussion and help.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Connection alerts
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · netfilter.org
Counters
iptables can list and zero per-rule packet-filter counters.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Download integrity
The 1.8.13 release listing provides a GPG signature and a SHA-256 checksum.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
IPv6
The package includes ip6tables, which configures the IPv6 packet filter.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Kernel requirement
iptables requires a kernel with the ip_tables packet filter, including Linux kernel releases 2.4.x and later.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Latest release
The downloads page lists iptables 1.8.13, released 2026-03-04.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Maintenance
The project says the Netfilter core team and independent contributors maintain iptables as a joint effort.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Outbound control
advancedRead 22 Sep 2026 · netfilter.org
Professional support
The project invites corporate users and vendors seeking professional support, training, or consulting to contact the core team.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Rule direction
bothRead 22 Sep 2026 · netfilter.org
Rule management
Its listed features include displaying, adding, removing, and modifying packet-filter rules.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Support limitation
The project says its small core team cannot help individual users configure firewalls and does not respond to basic usage or configuration questions.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org
Target users
The project says iptables is targeted toward system administrators.Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org

Plans and prices

iptables Free Free volunteer-based community software Read 4 Oct 2026 · netfilter.org

Every iptables plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to iptablesAll alternatives →