First off let me say a big Thank You for all that you do for FreeNAS and on the forums!!!
Second, on my NAS box with an image I have built, ipfw is off and I can find no process running.
Third, The kernel config file states that ipfw is for jails.
Code:
# ipfw and nat for jails
options IPDIVERT
options IPFIREWALL
options IPFIREWALL_VERBOSE
options IPFIREWALL_FORWARD
options IPFIREWALL_DEFAULT_TO_ACCEPT
options IPFIREWALL_NAT
Fourth, when I try to start the firewall it refuses saying this.
Code:
# service ipfw start
Will not 'start' because firewall_enable is NO
I will rebuild another image without that option set (I still like playing with this) and see what I get.
Also, FWIW, if this config line is the cause, I think I am up for the work of loading firewall rules early, although you have no obligation to explain it to me or anyone else.
I will not give up on this, because it is something I fundamentally believe in, and I will document my process along the way for other users who wish this.
Again Thank You for all of your help.