Yes, the coffee solution should be brought to a boil (covered) and then simmered for at least 15 minutes (leaving it uncovered for any amount of time usually means you need to replace the water that has 'steamed away', but that's not a bad thing if you don't mind adding the water). The boiling/simmering extracts all the vital chemicals. A drip coffee maker will make a weaker, less effective solution.
Also, one should never use a paper filter, as some percentage of the chemicals will be absorbed by the paper.
RO or distilled water is best, as, being "empty" it will 'saturate' with the coffee more effectively.