Hardware

Hi

I've not been very impressed with the low level firewall devices on offer by vendors and really like the sound of m0n0wall and especially running it on a low power quiet device maybe on a CF. It would only be for home & I'm not planning on hosting anything.

I also like the idea of an IDS but figured this would be best on a seperate device behind the firewall...

I used to use nokia/checkpoint & ISS at work so have some idea about traffic & rulesets & have taken apart loads of PCs.

I've had a good read of the hardaware recommend on the home page but wasn't sure which one to go for. If anyone has any personal recommendations for a cheap-ish "home" solution it would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

Have a look to PC Engines

http://www.pcengines.ch/alix2c3.htm

500MHz AMD CPU
256MB DDR Ram
3 Via Nics

should do about 90 Mbit ....

139 Euros @ www.tronico.net

I'd pick up an old Dell GX1, GX100, or GX110 in the Small Form Factor and add a standard Intel 10/100 NIC.  THe GX1/100/110's can often be found for $20-40 USD and the Intel card for a couple of bucks.  Try as is (hard drive) and if you like it pick up a cheap CF - IDE adapter for $5-10 and small CF card for $5-10.

It's what I use.  Mine is a GX100 with a Celeron 400, 64MB PC100, 64MB CF card on IDE adapter.  Sits under my Entertainment Center, has been running for about 2 years with no issues.

Granted, the Dell machines will have a fan, but mine is super quiet, quite a bit less noise than most pc's.

Matguy's solution is good. But if you want to go with a full fanless noiseless m0n0 box grab a thin client on eBay. Just make sure it has a free PCI slot to add a second NIC.

Hi

I've not been very impressed with the low level firewall devices on offer by vendors and really like the sound of m0n0wall and especially running it on a low power quiet device maybe on a CF. It would only be for home & I'm not planning on hosting anything.

I also like the idea of an IDS but figured this would be best on a seperate device behind the firewall...

I used to use nokia/checkpoint & ISS at work so have some idea about traffic & rulesets & have taken apart loads of PCs.

I've had a good read of the hardaware recommend on the home page but wasn't sure which one to go for. If anyone has any personal recommendations for a cheap-ish "home" solution it would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

Shevs,
You may use any Pentium II,III, or IV or Athlon CPU of your choice. Realtek, Intel, 3Com, and Digital cards work very well as NICs. I'd stay away from 1000-MBit NICs tho. CF card works very,very well as main config, startup, and it's quiet. Use Addonics for the IDE adapter, there are zero problems and it will mount up front in 3.5 bay or in back at PCI slots. Or you can go with Matguy's choice- a very small alternative that will use MUCH less power.

Thanks for all the tips

Took me a while to sort out buying teh equipment and in the end I went for a pcengines device. Low power consumption, no noise etc

Going to be loading m0n0 up shortly...