Bifrost (operating system)

Bifrost

Developer	{{#property:p112}}
Written in	{{#property:p277}}
OS family	Unix-like
Working state	Current
Source model	Open source
Initial release	1997 (1997)
Latest release	6.1
Available in	English
Kernel type	Monolithic (Linux)
License	{{#property:p275}}
Official website	bifrost-network.org

Bifrost is a lightweight distribution of Linux optimized for networking. It is named after Bifröst, the bridge which connects the world and the land of Gods in Nordic mythology.

Primary Usage

Since the intended use is network infrastructure, reliability is the number one priority with performance a close second. It is trusted with mission critical deployments where uptime is measured in years.

The two most common uses are as Edge Router or NAC / Captive portal. Both of these uses often also perform at least basic firewall functions.

History

The first version of the Bifrost firewall was installed at The Department of Chemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in the year 1997.

Present

Currently the development, testing, and packaging is housed at Uppsala University with contributions from many other. The university also runs several installations where Bifrost is used. Bifrost is also used as a base for an authentication service, which make it possible to log in to the net.