Gonna build an internet gateway box - what should I put on it?

[Aksen]

I think I would prefer linux. I understand that there are builds made specifically for this purpose, but I don't know what they are or which is the best. And I have no linux experience whatsoever.

I have lots of spare computer stuff. I would prefer to use something old, however - like a pentium 150. I mean with the right software, what kinda processing power do I need? I want to put one of these together and shove some 10/100 nics in it and throw it under my desk and never think about it again.


The main thing is, I'm completely dissatisfied with the way cheap "home networking" routers work. They just have too many problems, in my experience.



Not sure if I want to use windows server 2003, because I don't want to devote a powerful machine to this.

[termdec]

Linux Router Project: http://www.linuxrouter.org/

Small enough to fit on a floppy/zip/flash disk, so you wouldn't even need a HD in it

Linux LiveCD Router:
http://www.wifi.com.ar/english/cdrouter.html

[xwred1]

There's also ClarkConnect and Smoothwall, those seem really popular for people.

You could also use a normal distro, just they aren't pre-rolled with common home-gateway stuff like what the others would have.

P-150 is more than powerful enough for probably anything you could throw at the box. And Linux is arguably more powerful than Win2k3 for this task.

[LAy3r_III]

I agree with xwred1
I have a redhat 9 box PII 233. Its also running a web and email server no problems. So just as a gateway that sould be fine. Put some nice NICs in it.

[Aksen]

Sweet... the liveCD looks pretty good. Thanks for the tips, you three.


Anyone got extra 10/100 cards? :D

[cove]

smoothwall is my vote

[GotNoRice]

Originally posted by Aksen
Anyone got extra 10/100 cards? :D

I have a few. If you want to stop by or something I can give them to you. Nothing special, but they should get the job done.

I've always used server versions of windows on my server. But then again i've always for the most part had some horsepower behind the box.

[Aksen]

Thanks gnr.

[cyan]

www.freesco.org

[Hoss]

What??????? P4 3.2 GHz EE should do the trick. What is this PII shit? That won't run pong for christ's sakes!

[Aksen]

yeah if I could afford it I'd have fun with that kinda thing!

[Hoss]

Take out a loan fool! Easy solution!

[Aksen]

yay


and another one so I can still afford the internet.

[OnParole]

Aksen I am also in the process of doing the very same thing, but I am also going to run a private ftp site on it, I may even offer shell accounts to those I trust amoung other things. I am going to try using Slackware on a P3 700 (I think) 10 gig HD I don't know how much ram yet... and a pair of Intel NIC's and a old PCI vid card... Basically I want to configure the system and just let it run. Ok since it is linux it really means...
Aquire all the parts (almost done)
Put the system together
Download the ISO's
Burn the CD's
Install Slackware
Download the Newest Kernel
Cofigure the new Kernel
Recompile the Kernel
Run what apps need to be run
and then sit back...
Hopefully that is how it will work...
I should add about 60 hours of troubleshooting (50 of them googling) since it is Linux

[AEZEAL]

LOL WIN2K3 YOU DOLTS IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO.

[cookypuss]

freesco and smoothwall are my faves (in that order). i've also built NAT boxes/firewalls from scratch using linux and OpenBSD. BBIAgent is another floppy-based solution i've used in the past that works very well with PPPoE-type connections. coyotelinux is another one i have used. in the past, i had been running a freesco box that was converted to run from the HD rather than the floppy. in place of the hard drive, i used a compact flash card and IDE adapter so that the OS was running from CF rather than the HD. that solution works very well as there are no moving parts to wear out other than the power supply fan. hell, you might be able to get away with disconnecting the fan if the PS runs cool enough without it and have an almost silent firewall/NAT box. i would say try as many as you can possibly get your hands on and see which ones work best for you.