Linux · Internet & Browsers
Bouncer
Keep the riffraff out
by Justin Donnelly
Official site: flathub.org
About Bouncer
Bouncer is an application to help you choose the correct firewall zone for wireless connections. When you connect to a new network, a window opens prompting you for what kind of network (eg home, public, work) it is. When you choose the network type, it is associated with that network and automatically used in the future.
NetworkManager and firewalld are required. If you don't use those, you can't use Bouncer. Fedora uses both by default. Other distributions may not.
Additional setup is required after installation. See the applicable section for your distribution. Once the setup is done, start Bouncer and confirm your system is configured correctly. Then click the Monitor button to begin using Bouncer. After that, it will start automatically when you log in.
Fedora
For Fedora, everything just works! Just start Bouncer to confirm, and click the Monitor button to begin using Bouncer.
Ubuntu
Uninstall ufw: sudo apt remove ufw
Install firewalld: sudo apt install firewalld
By default, polkit is configured to not let regular users set the zone for a connection. The simplest way to change this is to add users to the netdev group (eg usermod -a -G netdev justin). Alternatively, you can create a custom polkit rule for the org.freedesktop.NetworkManager.settings.modify.system action (how to create custom polkit rules is beyond the scope of this document and is left as an exercise for the reader).
Start Bouncer and confirm your system is configured correctly. Then click the Monitor button to begin using Bouncer.
Debian
Install firewalld: sudo apt install firewalld
By default, polkit is configured to not let regular users set the zone for a connection. The simplest way to change this is to add users to the netdev group (eg usermod -a -G netdev justin). Alternatively, you can create a custom polkit rule for the org.freedesktop.NetworkManager.settings.modify.system action (how to create custom polkit rules is beyond the scope of this document and is left as an exercise for the reader).
Start Bouncer and confirm your system is configured correctly. Then click the Monitor button to begin using Bouncer.
How to install Bouncer
- Click Download — the developer's official website opens in a new tab.
- Download the latest version there and run it. Choose Custom/Advanced where offered, and skip any bundled extras.
- Prefer the command line? With Flatpak you can install and update it with: flatpak install flathub io.github.justinrdonnelly.bouncer
- Open Bouncer once it finishes installing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bouncer free to download?
Yes. The Download button sends you to flathub.org, the developer's official site, where Bouncer is available to download. Flatnic doesn't host or modify any files.
How do I install Bouncer from the command line?
With Flatpak, run: flatpak install flathub io.github.justinrdonnelly.bouncer. This installs it from the official source and keeps it updated.
Is Bouncer safe?
Bouncer downloads directly from the developer. As always, scan the installer with your antivirus and choose Custom setup to skip any bundled extras.
